But chronic back pain is tricky to assess. Remember that the spinal column, comprised of independent vertebra divided into three sections, cervical (neck) - fairly flexible - thoracic (chest) - fairly rigid - and lumbar (low back) - fairly flexible, all functions as ONE unit. So disfunction in one region, or even one vertebra, for that matter, can present itself anywhere along the kinetic chain. Many times a person with a disfunction that is, say, a lumbar disc, will at some point complain of pain at the level of the kidneys. That should make perfect sense because the point of transition where the lumbar (flexible) and thoracic (inflexible) meet would be a "weak link" so to speak. This leaves an inexperienced therapist chasing the pain and the client feeling like a hypochondriac!
I believe we need to view the spine as a complete unit. When assessing pain, especially that which is not related to trauma, the overall fluidity of movement should be assessed. And the best place to start is at the root; the pelvis. Here you have joints which are crucial in movement to initiate the propelling of the spinal engine. Located in the lumbopelvis are spinal and sacroiliac ligaments. There are joint capsules, facet cartilages and intervertebral discs. Many are similar, for a visual, to silly putty. And if you leave a glob of silly putty sitting too long what happens over time? Compliments of gravity, it flattens down. With time and age, this happens in this crucial grouping of joints with us. We call it, "the creep".
This then offers an explanation of how one injured their back while bending over to tie their shoes! This silly putty or more appropriately termed viscoelastic tissue, over time and at the mercy of gravity has become strained and less pliable. It is less likely to bounce back to its original length and therefore, more prone to injuries and future injuries.
So what's a geezer to do??!!!!
The worst thing is to do nothing at all and accept it. The best thing is first, be aware of "the creep". Second, find a knowledgable bodyworker who can assess and aid in a plan. . . You now know that there is less cushion in those joints, right? So it would make sense that at the very least, they will function best if they're where they're suppose to be!
Above is a picture, borrowed from Erik Dalton the creator of Myoskeletal Alignment Technique (MAT). I am a level II therapist in this method of body working. In it you see what we call an upslip. Clients will come in and while performing their assessment I will remark about they're hips. They often are aware and will say nonchalantly that they have "one leg shorter than the other" or "uneven hips". In a true upslip, the joint between the ilium ("ear" shaped bone above) and the sacrum (triangular bone above) or sacroiliac joint which is held together by fibrous ligaments has become sheared. In other words the grooves each is suppose to rest in aint groovin'! These types have an almost zero chance of self correction. They set weight distribution and shock absorption off. The entire body starts compensating.
Many will opt for a doctor of osteopathy or chiropractic and that is a wise choice. But understand that there is something holding those bones out of alignment and that is where your therapeutic masseuse comes in. A therapist trained in the likes of MAT can aid either a DO or DC to bring quicker results and help to maintain adjustments giving the client less down time.
In my practice, I also incorporate the use of EOBBD guaranteed essential oils. In order to encourage and maintain structural alignment of the body I use Chiro Touch. Clients swear by this blend and attest to better adjustments and say they "hold" their adjustment longer., Chiro-Touch is my blend of choice, containing premium essential oils of spruce, blue tansy, rosewood and frankincense. It can't be beat! Myself (as a back pain sufferer) and many clients swear by this blend. As a sharing partner, #11483, I receive these oils at a discount. By clicking here and entering my number (11483) you can gain full access to the site.
For Michigan clients in the Detroit Metro area, I can be reached via email through this site to work with you using massage therapy, MAT techniques, essential oils, and/or somatics to put an end to your chronic pain. Some, any or all techniques may be used. When addressing pain, time is taken with each client. A history is taken and a physical assessment is done. Per request, A Physical Aromatic Touch (PAT) assessment can be performed to better identify the source of pain.
If you're not in Michigan, but are looking for a qualified MAT therapist, click here.
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