SDT Treats Chronic Back Pain

History and Examination – this is often the most neglected, yet, by far the most important part of the diagnosis process. Quoting one of the best diagnosticians, Sir William Osler MD “Listen to your patients, they are telling you the diagnosis”. It is absolutely crucial to spend the time taking a detailed history.” You cannot find what you do not look for”. It is absolutely crucial to spend the time performing a detailed exam. Based upon the results, a determination will be made as to whether to begin treatment or to order further tests.

X-Rays – disc degeneration, facet enlargement, sliding of the vertebrae, and the development of bone spurs can all be seen. Can also used to evaluate spinal alignment.

Cat Scan (CT) – used to see boney structure, disc herniation and spinal stenosis, While less expensive than an MRI, it will expose the patient to high levels of radiation. Generally not the test of choice.

MRI - is the most common procedure used to evaluate the vertebrae, discs, joints, nerves and soft tissues in the lumbar spine. While this is an excellent test to help differentially diagnosis low back pain, there are inherent problems as well. First is the cost, which can be as high $2000 Second, is that the time to perform the test is about 30-45 minutes and you must lie still. This may be very difficult for many patients. Third and most importantly, is that very often, the findings that the MRI shows may have nothing to do with the presenting condition. You have to “marry the patient to the MRI, not the MRI to the patient”. Again, the history and examination will determine treatment going forward, in spite of the MRI findings.

What treatment can be done to help Chronic Low Back Pain?

While there are certainly many different types of treatment, that are effective for chronic low back pain, many of which we readily use in our office, namely spinal manipulation, electric muscle stimulation, ultrasound and spinal exercises, it is not the intent of this article to list all of them but simply to introduce you to a type of treatment that you may not be aware of. SDT is not meant to necessarily replace any of the above therapies. In fact, utilizing them can be very helpful and will often enhance recovery. As a stand alone therapy or as an adjunct to pre-existing therapies, STD can be extremely effective to help you get well.