Many people have back pain and may have even gone to a doctor to try to find out why. Back pain is a common problem, but discovering the cause can be complicated. One of the reasons for this is that the structure of the back is complex. Most importantly, not all back problems require surgery. In fact, at the Porter Spine Institute, many of our patients find relief of back pain without surgery. There are several self-help, minimally invasive and conservative steps that can be taken to avoid back surgery.

The most common back problems are sprains and strains. Often these are caused by someone bending forward and trying to lift up an object. The motion of bending forward puts the muscles on a stretch, and by lifting something up, it tends to overwork the muscle. Falls, car accidents, and high impact sports can also cause quick movements within the spine which pulls on ligaments and muscles and causes mini-tears. The good news is that 90 percent of these injuries will improve on their own without seeking professional help.

The back relies on balance and symmetry for it to function most effectively without causing injury. When pressure points occur, either by bending or twisting, it causes an imbalance of the vertebral segments that then predisposes them to injury. It is like the analogy of snow shoeing, if you spread out the forces evenly throughout the spine, then you are at less at risk for injury.

Aerobic exercise, leg flexibility, core strengthening and improved body mechanics can help people prevent or improve back problems.

Stenosis is another common back problem. Stenosis is when there is either ligament or bony growth around the spinal column that allows less room for the nerves. It is a very common condition, and you often see these people bent over to relieve their symptoms. People with stenosis often do better when they sit frequently in between activities, allowing their nerves time to recover. Trying to avoid positions that overextend their back, i.e. sleeping on firm mattresses, or reaching high into a cupboard can really exacerbate this condition.

It is time to see a specialist when neurologic symptoms have worsened to the point of motor weakness. Generally, conditions begin with pain shooting down the leg, and as it worsens muscles can actually weaken and become unsafe with simple ambulation. The other scenario would be if your lifestyle has changed so much to accommodate your back pain, it may be worth seeing someone to get you back to doing activities that you once enjoyed.

David LaValley MSPT
Lead Spine Physical Therapist
The Porter Spine Institute
303-225-8340
davidlavalley@centura.org
www.porterhospital.org/spine