New Research on Low Back Pain

New Research has found that on MRI examination of the lumbar spine, many people without back pain, have disc bulges. Given this discovery, people with low back pain, and disc bulges may frequently be a  coincidental finding and as a result conservative care may be recommended for initial treatment.

Even having a lot of back pain does not by itself mean surgery is warranted. Surgery has been found to be helpful in only 1 in 100 cases.

This study also found that degenerative disc changes are part of the normal aging process rather than a pathological process requiring surgical intervention.

According to Mayo Clinic, most disc changes are no more significant than gray hair or crows feet.  In other words, they are not necessarily the cause of the back pain but are just a natural part of the aging process. So the next time you hear someone say, “I have a slipped or bulging disc and I need surgery”, you might encourage the person to seek out Chiropractic or Acupuncture care before medications, shots, or surgery.