Back Ache: Diagnosis And Treatment

     A back ache can be caused from a number of things happening independently or in conjunction with another underlying problem.  A back ache can be acute, subacute, or chronic in nature, caused from trauma or an insidious onset, and be simple or severe.  The following can cause back aches: strain/sprains, disc herniations, fractures, subluxations, dislocated ribs, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, osteoporosis, inflammatory arthropathies, tumors, myelopathy, cauda equina syndrome, hyperlordosis, disc lesions, infections, systemic diseases, and many more.  The diagnosis of a back problem is done by through case history, detailed examination including muscle testing, deep tendon reflexes, sensation, and orthopedic tests, laboratory testing, advanced imaging including x-ray, CT, MRI, or Bone Scintigraphy (bone scan). 

     Once a Chiropractor establishes a proper diagnosis, a treatment plan is put into effect as soon as possible to correct, halt progression, or reduce the back ache problem at hand.  Typically, initial treatment is aggressive with a short duration.  For example, three times a week for 2-3 weeks, then a re-evaluation is performed to note the progress and re-establish a continued treatment plan.  Treatment may include but not be limited to: chiropractic manipulations, physiotherapy modalities like ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hydrocollator, cryotherapy, stretching, massage including myofascial release and trigger point therapy, home exercises, and co-treatment and/or referral if needed.