At Back and Body NJ, we see a lot of patients dealing with back pain. Recently, Dr David Perna came across an article regarding back pain and the cycle of pain it can put you in. You can see his video explanation of it below, but here’s essentially what it’s about and what it covers.
A study was done with two groups of people. Group A has a herniated disc diagnosis that was found on an MRI. Group B had low back pain, but no herniated disc found on an MRI. Doctors looked at the cross sectional of the multitudes muscle and the erector spine; two key muscles. The people with the disc herniation had atrophy of the erector spinae muscle and multitudes muscle. The patients without the disc herniation showed that the cross section of the two muscle groups was in good shape.
In both groups, the psoas muscle (very important for the low back), had no signs of atrophy.
In the degenerative process, they found a decrease in cross sectional area, and fatty deposition in the muscle. After having a herniated disc, muscle degeneration/ atrophy can occur for about 6 weeks. The dorsal nerve root is being compressed, which is important and controls the multifidus muscle and the erector spinea.
These two muscles maintain what is left of the two vertebra when having a disc problem, so they are very essential. If there is a problem with the vertebra, the muscles will not be strong enough to protect it.
At Back and Body NJ, we can help your back problems. We use a mixture of three different tests: ultra sound diagnostic to look at the cross sectional muscle. If there is a problem after this treatment, an MRI will be done. A NCVEMG test could be conducted to look specifically at the nerve root and what level of it is being affected. Then we give you specific exercises to do at home to further help and treat your problem.
Make and appointment with us here at Back and Body NJ if you think you may have a disc problem or if you are in any type of pain. Call us today (908) 325 – 3000.
