Patient-to-Patient Support: Low Back Pain

PATIENT-TO-PATIENT SUPPORT: Low Back Pain

Welcome to "Coffee Talk with Melany"!

My name is Melany and I am inviting you to pull up a chair and pour yourself a coffee as we discuss the issue of Chronic Back Pain!

I know that "pain" is not a very fun topic to discuss over a nice cup of coffee, is it?! Yet, pain does manage to force it's way in until it spills over into all areas of your daily thoughts and circumstances! So, let's acknowledge "The Elephant In the Room" as the one topic you and I have likely spent most of our time trying to forget! When we are courageous enough to come out of the shadows and tell our stories we raise the largely deficient level of awareness within our medical and social communities. This blog will serve as a safe place for you to ask questions without feeling ashamed of your pain.

I have been a chronic pain sufferer for a decade now and I hope to reach out to those of you who suffer with low back pain, often resulting from Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (abbreviated as "SIJD"). My desire is to inform and inspire you by sharing from my experiences while riding this long, frightening 'roller coaster' ride. My primary goal is to be a resource by providing patient support and advice in response to your questions! Being a long time sufferer myself, I've been 'around the block' more times than I'd like to count in my search for effective and informed help! I've poured countless hours into research, scouring for answers. I've travelled across countries and clinics searching for effective treatments in hopes of rehabilitation. I've undergone just about every kind of procedure, tests and assessments; conventional and unconventional treatment alternatives; non-invasive and surgical procedures! Be encouraged by my transparency as I share from my own personal journey and how it has effected me, my family and friends. I am in the process of reclaiming my life! I know first hand how exhausting and stressful this battle is. My experience and exposure with low back pain has ignited a passion within me to encourage and empower you to reclaim yours also! Learn from my trials, my errors and successes! By avoiding some of my own "dead-ends", you may save time and money spent on "alternative treatments". I look forward to blogging and interacting with you all! mysijd@live.com

Melany

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget
what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

~ Maya Angelou

Cliff's question On SIJD

Thank you for your question. Your symptoms are somewhat consistant with an SI Joint Dysfunction. There is typically a history of trauma followed by intense pain over the SI Joint itself and along the edge of the sacrum. Additionally, you can feel some instability in the joint or while walking. A physical examination will reveal if the SI Joint is causing you to "shuffle" your steps during gait. If you are interested in speaking to me more about your problem please schedule a 30 minute phone consult at 404-817-0734. Best of Luck......
David

Neck Surgery

I recently had a right neck dissection and thyroidectomy where the surgeon had to do 3 different surgeries in the same place because of complications. I am working on neck range of motion and shoulder weakness and also need attention to the scar tissue around the scar. Is there anyone in your group who would be a good fit to help me reach my physical therapy goals?
Thanks Laura

Laura
Once cleared by your physician and referred to physical therapy your physical therapist would be a great resource to improve your soft tissue and scar mobility, muscle extensibility, range of motion loss, and shoulder and neck weakness following your surgeries. Please contact our offices to set up your complimentary consultation or initial evaluation to further discuss your case with one of our physical therapists.
Thanks

SI joint is popping after fixation surgery

Question:
I had an SI fixation 2 years ago and was wondering if it was normal for the joint to continue to "pop." Could the screws be loose? Should I get a fusion instead?

Answer:
If an x-ray confirmed the correct placement of the screws I would not worry about the screws loosening. Following fixation of the SIJ a small degree of movement can continue to persist but typically it is not a problem. The popping that you are hearing is more likely either the tendon of the hip flexor or the L5-S1 facet joint. I would have a skilled manual therapist assess and treat your lumbar spine before considering SI fusion surgery.
Good Luck! David

Leg Injury and Back Pain

Previously, I was diagnosed with a fracture of my talus and stress fracture of my knee in the same leg. In my opinion, the injuries were not properly treated and I am now favoring the other leg when I walk. Lately I have been experiencing low back pain and sciatica symptoms and have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease. Could my previous leg injuries be a cause of my low back pain?
Seth

Seth
Thanks for the question. The pelvis and SI joint play an essential role in the gait cycle as we transfer the weight of the body from one leg to the other. Impairments along any part of the kinetic chain that connects your foot to your pelvis can create pain and dysfunction. Ankle injuries can also weaken the glute muscles of the hip creating a less stable SI joint. We would recommend seeing a physical therapist specializing in manual therapy with advanced training in the evaluation and treatment of both lower extremity and spine impairments.
For more information please visit our website at SIDysfunction.com or schedule a phone consultation with one of our physical therapists.
Thanks

Ask A PT Question

Question: I have SI hypermobility that keeps recurring, despite my being active at age 54, ( I like to walk, bike, do basic yoga, and weight training). I had prolotherapy in 2002 and 2007, with good results, but my symptoms are back, and more severe than ever. Do I need an Xray or MRI?
My local PT had me doing lunges on the affected side to stretch the hip flexors, but with no improvement. I'm thinking of getting another series of prolotherapy injections, but would like to follow it up with specific and customized PT to get better. What do you recommend? I cannot stand or walk without pain and "clunking".
Thanks Melissa

Answer:
Melissa thanks for your question. You should consult with your physician to determine the cause of your new or worsening symptoms, as well as, if further diagnostic testing is indicated. The SI Joint hypermobility can be caused by many factors including ligament laxity, muscular weakness/inhibition, and sensorimotor impairments. We would recommend consulting a physical therapist with advanced training in manual therapy diagnosis and treatment to address your specific lumbar spine, pelvic, and hip impairments. After this diagnosis and treatment, the physical therapist would place you on a speficic exercise program for your individual condition including self corrections, stretching, and strengthening. To answer your question, lunges may be too advanced given the inhibition of the gluteus maximus and medius associated with an SI dysfunction. Lunges can be included as part of a functional training program if the gluteus maximus and medius are able to dynamically stabilize and move the pelvis.
Please visit our website www.sidysfunction.com or contact our office to schedule your phone consultation for additional information.