USA Today explores why back pain patients often get the wrong treatment. Here are some things they didn’t say which are essential for patients with back pain.

A few days ago, a press release was sent out concerning a study posted in JAMA Internal Medicine. There is a growing concern within the medical community because care from a medical point of view is becoming more aggressive, with narcotics being used for relief rather than ibuprofen, as well as other treatments that are being used that are not within the current medical guidelines. This was echoed by USA Today as well as other news sources. You can read about the medical guidelines here.

As you can see if you read the different protocols from country to country, medical care is always drug-based first, and over time, there has been an increased use of MRI as the number of patients seeking care for lower back pain continues to increase.

Not too long ago, the NY Times published their data suggesting of the billions that are spent on back pain treatments, we have little to show for it since those with back problems continue to worsen, which questions the wisdom of continuing the idea of meds, watching and waiting and testing. Some countries recommend manipulation as a secondary way of treating the condition.

For some time, when these medical methods did not create sufficient relief, epidural injections were recommended which were also of dubious value except this year, people died from the infections.

Are we looking at back pain the wrong way? The book Cheating Mother Nature, what you need to know to beat chronic pain suggests that not only are we looking at this the wrong way but in most cases, lower back pain is the symptom rather than the problem. An inherited condition, which is usually diagnosable by age 6 can be improved upon early in life and prevent conditions such as lower back, neck, knee, hip, shin, and other types of pain because of a poorly understood mechanical condition passed down from generation to generation.

That condition is asymmetry and body style. To fully appreciate this growing problem, we need to understand the mechanics behind the painful lower back. Then, and only then, can we recommend an appropriate treatment path? Nowhere in the medical guidelines is the fascial system discussed even though it is part of why people suffer from lower back pain.

Since back pain is just a symptom, care must be directed at the problem. This can only be done if the practitioner looks at the patient from the feet up. The enlightened practitioner as discussed in the book has an understanding of body mechanics, the way we move, what mechanical distortion of the gait cycle looks like, and how to bring the patient to a better functioning and less painful state. Then, the practitioner needs to teach the patient about what is unique about the way they are built and how to care for it. This can only be done by a practitioner who has knowledge of the fascial system, body mechanics, and rehabilitation regimens. The idea of pain, medical attention, waiting, and testing, and then finally, doing something to it is not only unscientific but also harmful, leaving millions without a better solution.

Dr. Charschan’s recipe for finding the most effective care for your lower back.

1. Have your feet checked. Many sports chiropractors check people’s feet regularly. They are a primary part of the lower kinetic chain. Get foot orthotics if necessary and stay away from flat bottomed shoes and buy shoes with arches.

2. Find an expert in myofascial release, whether a massage therapist, chiropractor or other practitioners.

3. Get a foam roller. These are great for releasing tight areas in the myofascial that may be causing chronic lower back pain. Read about this idea here.

4. Read Cheating Mother Nature, what you need to know to beat chronic pain. This book is unique because it will explain why people hurt and give you the information you require to become a better health care consumer. Find it on Amazon.com