There is a common myth perpetuated by medical doctors and orthopedic surgeons that herniated or degenerated discs are the primary cause of back pain.  Spinal Surgeons can study a lumbar MRI, point to a degenerated disc, and claim that the disc is the cause of the pain and surgery is the only remedy preventing possible paralysis.  But in the 1990’s Scott Boden, MD and Maureen Jenson, MD found no clear correlation between disc abnormalities and back pain.   35% of people with no pain actually have degenerated discs.  It turns out that the discs are not the primary cause of pain and surgically removing all or a portion of the disc does not relieve most pain, is dangerous and a colossal waste of money.   

Many physicians and lay people believe that “pulled muscles” and “slipped discs” are the primary reasons for back pain, ignoring the role that spinal joints and spinal mechanics play in causing and perpetuating back pain. 

Back pain is primarily a physiological issue due to joint dysfunction, spinal misalignments, loss of flexibility, muscle weakness, and compressive forces.  Back pain is not a primary anatomical issue of disc degeneration, arthritis and bone spurs.

A chiropractor is able to safely and effectively with a high patient satisfaction rate, work with patients to quickly improve their joint dysfunction, flexibility, muscle weakness, and lessen the compressive forces of faulty spine mechanics.  This strategy quickly reduces pain, impairment, and increases mobility and strength.  Research is proving that the strategy chiropractors have been using for over a century is the correct one.

Please contact Dr. Jeffrey Linder at Bryant Park Wellness in New York City with any questions regarding this blog, chiropractic, and wellness.