Duncan Chiropractic Group Newsletter

From Your Howell Michigan Area Chiropractor

All Out of Joint

Dr. David Koivuranta

When someone mentions a pain in their back we usually accept this to mean a pain in their lower back. Often, however, a pain in the back also includes the mid back, the flank, the shoulder blades, and possibly other areas depending on a person´s interpretation of where the pain is coming from. For the health care practitioner it is important to determine the exact location and the precise cause of the problem so that a solution can be found.

One of the most common areas of the body that people misinterpret pain from is the hip region. A pain in the hip can mean just that, a pain in the hip. On the other hand, when asked to point to this pain in the hip the area suffering from the problem is actually often found to be in the lower back. A large joint found on each side of the lower back forms a connection between your spine and your pelvis where the hip is subsequently found. The name of this joint is the sacroiliac joint, commonly referred to as the SI joint.

The sacroiliac joint is very functional and active during periods of movement such as walking and it also provides a connection where the weight, forces, and stress from the body are transferred into your legs and then into the ground beneath your feet. Although once thought to be an immobile or non-functioning joint, it is now well understood that the SI joint is an important player in keeping the low back moving well and staying healthy.

These important roles with movement and weight bearing often create the feeling that a problem is occurring in the hip because the hip also works in a similar fashion as the SI joint. And because we hear so many scary stories about hip fractures, hip replacements and arthritis we become immediately concerned when pain, discomfort or impaired movement occurs in that area.

A careful comparison should be conducted by way of an examination to determine whether the hip joint or the SI joint is the culprit. This way a proper program can be developed to not only eliminate the discomfort, but to also restore normal use and function of the area so that nearby muscles, nerves and other body parts are not irritated and subject to problems of their own.

Doctors of Chiropractic have conducted significant research in low-back pain and are specially skilled and trained to determine the exact cause of a problem when it occurs. Often, with correct treatment and a little bit of work by the patient at home not only will any discomfort go away the movement of the back or hip will improve. This will prevent future aggravations to the area and will keep a person from having to guess where the problem or pain might be coming from. Don´t let your own inability to determine what´s going on with your health stop you from getting a professional opinion. The decision is always yours as to whether or not you should have something done, but that decision should be an informed one. Whether it is your back or other aspects of your health, don´t let them spiral out of control. Seek some advice today from someone who knows.