It has been estimated that two-thirds of adults suffer from low back pain at some point in their life. Low back pain (LBP) has many etiologies that include spinal misalignment, osteoporosis, compression fractures, herniated discs, and other chronic diseases or dysfunctions. It is one of the most common complaints from those seeking medical attention. Even those who are not presenting to their doctor with LBP as their main concern, it is still an associated symptom of most musculoskeletal and nerve pain disorders.
I read an article by Dr. Bruce West today that stimulated my Applied Kinesiology background. He mentioned how the low back is supported by two important muscles, the Sartorius and Gracilis. This sparked my interest for two functional reasons that are easily overlooked by most practitioners:
1. Those that suffer from chronic low back pain need to make sure that their adjustments also include muscle and myofascial work. After all, it is the muscles which hold the bones in place.
2. The Sartorius and Gracilis muscle are related to the adrenal glands, the stress hormone producers. Most people suffering from chronic low back pain admit that they experience an increased amount of stress in their life, either emotionally or physically. This makes nutritional support for the adrenal glands an important component to treating low back pain that most would miss.
If the adrenal glands aren’t nourished, the sartorius and gracilis muscle can’t do their job of holding the spine in proper alignment. From a biochemical standpoint, stressed adrenal glands produce an excess of cortisol, epinephrine, and norephinephrine which causes an increase in inflammation resulting in many symptoms which include LBP.
If you are someone who is dependent on pain medication to get you through your day, you may want to consider a consultation with an integrative practitioner who practices nutritional and functional therapies. A licensed practitioner will be able to address your LBP by providing a comprehensive approach which includes stress management.
In my practice, I approach inflammation and pain using lifestyle approaches, nutritional support, and various herbal and nutritional products. These are formulated and recommended specifically for each individual. In this way, I am providing the building blocks to support the body’s functions, and providing raw materials which the body can use to re-build and re-balance the stress response.
