17d. MSK - Back Pain

Question 1

How is back pain normally categorised?

Answer 1

Mechanical
Non-mechanical

Question 2

What is mechanical back pain associated with?

Answer 2

Movement

Question 3

Which parts of the body are usually implicated in mechanical back pain?

Answer 3

Muscles
Facet joints
Intervertebral discs
Bones

Question 4

What should be considered during a case history when faced with mechanical back pain?

Answer 4

Pain onset
Age
Daily pattern

Question 5

What are the two different types of pain onset?

Answer 5

Gradual without trauma
Sudden onset

Question 6

What can a gradual onset of back pain indicate?

Answer 6

Degenerative picture
Muscle fatigue

Question 7

What can a sudden onset of back pain indicate?

Answer 7

Acute inflammation

Question 8

Why is age a factor in mechanical back pain?

Answer 8

Joint degeneration begins around 30

Question 9

At what age are disc herniations common?

Answer 9

30-40 years

Question 10

If back pain is relieved by movement what can that indicate?

Answer 10

Inflammation

Question 11

If back pain gets worse during the day what can that indicate?

Answer 11

Muscular or degenerative issue

Question 12

Causes and risk factors for mechanical back pain

Answer 12

Physical trauma
Inflammation
Emotional stress

Question 13

Why is emotional stress a risk factor for mechanical back pain?

Answer 13

Increases SNS activity which increases muscle shortening

Question 14

Examples of non-mechanical back pain

Answer 14

Systemic diseases
Fibromyalgia
Endometriosis
Renal disease
Shingles
Osteomyelitis

Question 15

Natural approach to supporting back pain

Answer 15

Naturopathic diet with focus on reducing inflammation
Mediterranean diet
Address inflammatory mediators
Address stress
Movement
Referral
Hydrotherapy

Question 16

Nutrients to support back pain

Answer 16

Mg’
O3
Phosphatidylserine
Proteolytic enzymes
Bach Flowers

Question 17

Why is Mg good for back pain?

Answer 17

Blocks NMDA receptor reducing neuropathic pain
Muscle-relaxing

Question 18

Why is phosphatidylserine good for back pain?

Answer 18

Provides neuronal cell membrane support

Question 19

Dosage of phosphatidylserine for back pain

Answer 19

200-400mg/day

Question 20

Why are proteolytic enzymes good for back pain?

Answer 20

Anti-inflammatory
Fibrinolytic

Question 21

Examples of proteolytic enzymes

Answer 21

Bromelain
Serrapeptase

Question 22

Dosage of serrapeptase to support back pain

Answer 22

Up to 75mg/day

Question 23

Dosage of bromelain to support back pain

Answer 23

Up to 1500mg/day

Question 24

Examples of Bach Flowers to support back pain

Answer 24

Vervain
Impatiens
Mimulus
Star of Bethlehem

Question 25

Herbs to support back pain

Answer 25

Boswellia Ginger Turmeric Devil's Claw Lemon balm Passionflower Chamomile

Question 26

Why are lemon balm, passionflower and chamomile good for back pain?

Answer 26

Reduce stress Relax muscles/reduce tension on joints

Question 27

What sort of movement is good for back pain?

Answer 27

Pilates Yoga

Question 28

Examples of essential oils good for back pain

Answer 28

Lavender Frankincense Peppermint

Question 29

Why are lavender and frankincense good for back pain?

Answer 29

Relaxing Anti-inflammatory

Question 30

Why is peppermint good for back pain?

Answer 30

Anti-spasmodic