Twisted vertebrae Advice – What Treatment Options Available?

[Travis Hall]

I started having back problems last summer that slowly worsened. Pain was a pinching type and spasms (depending on the day) in the lower back, above the pelvis. It was always caused by bending over or straightening up. No pain when the back was rigid. For example, I could do pullups, pushups, overhead presses. I could not lift up a chair and put it back down. Very frustrating. Deadlifts and front squats, despite being isometric, were also out because of the direct attack on the back and significantly heavier loading.

I made an appointment with a sports doctor and began going to physio therapy regularly. In the beginning I experienced very good improvements. I no longer have any pain during regular daily activities. I have increased my flexibility and am moving better. I was performing a lot of crooked movements to compensate for my messed up back before physio, which has now been fixed.

The doctor advised if I did not experience improvements in four weeks changes to the treatment should be made. I have been going for seven now. As I have said, I have improved, but I also feel the improvements have plateaued. The vertebra is still twisted and I still experience pain when doing any serious lifting.

I have a followup appointment with the doctor scheduled to see what else can be done. I don't know what is out there though. The few times I have been injured physio has always been effective.

So I am curious about any alternative treatments that would be worth pursuing. I am also curious to hear from anyone who has had a similar injury- what did you do? I want to make sure I'm not overlooking anything that could help speed my recovery.

I need to be fixed. I refuse to be weak. Any advice appreciated. Than you.

[Steven Low]

Which vertebrae is being twisted?

Do you know why?

Generally, twisting vertebrae tends to mean something is off.... like SI joint or maybe upper cervical.

I need a lot more information about this....

[Travis Hall]

I do not know how it happened. I was involved in reality based combat for a number of years which involved many sever impacts that have left a few lasting injuries and scars. However, this was years ago now. Both the doctor and physio said that it could have been something small that with neglect became large. My body compensated for the injury, but over a period of time the injury caught up. This makes sense as I remember my back 'bugging' me once and awhile last year. It slowly got worse. In the beginning I didn't give it much thought- figured I went too hard one training session, but then it turned into every training session, then I couldn’t get out of bed because of the pain...

I do not know the specifics of the diagnosis either. I will ask at my next appointment- this Thursday. If it helps, I will try and explain the area. If one starts at the pelvis, it is the first 'large' vertebra of the spine. If I run my fingers along my lower back, I believe it is the 3rd up from the pelvis. I said it is the first large one because it is the first point in my spine where I can really feel the vertebrae individually. The 'two' below are small and hard to tell apart- there may be more than two or less(?). When I run my fingers along my spine, I can feel this vertebra bulging to the left side.

I'm sorry I cannot be more helpful, as I appreciate your effort to help me.

I will get more information for you.

[Steven Low]

I'm not sure even what that could be still. Could possibly just be a hypermobile joint.

It may help to start doing specific glute strengthening work, hip mobility/loosening in general (especially hip flexors... psoas major in particular) and working on thoracic mobility. Those thins are always good, but would help significantly with a hypermobile vertebrae while doing strengthening work for low back

If hte physical therapy helps I would keep doing it though.... and avoid surgery especially for lower back at all costs especially if you're improving.

[Travis Hall]

I have been performing a lots of stretches to improve flexibility in my back and hips. My physio says I am much looser now and my muscles are not all knotted up any more, but relaxed.

I have also have a list of exercises for my glutes, hamstrings and back. Isometrics and very simple movements that are meant to teach proper mechanics to make up for all the compensating I have been doing. This is how it was explained to me. I believe this is all in line with your advice.

I am grateful for my Physiotherapist. She has done a good job at getting me back to being able to go through the day without pain. I am exercising again as well (simple callisthenics), which is great.

However, as I said I feel my recovery is starting to plateau. While daily life is tolerable I do not foresee having lifting or any dynamic movements with significant weight possible anytime soon.

Should I be looking at other forms of treatment to do alongside of physio? Do others exist?

What about a chiropractor?

I am confused- If my vertebra is twisted slightly, yet all the muscles are loose, and not pulling on things, then why isn't my vertebra realigning? How will it do this if it isn't already? This has not been explained to me by anyway. I've simply been told: It will learn to move properly again.

Or am I being impatient? I guess I'm also looking for some insight here- Are my expectations about recovery unrealistic?

[Steven Low]

am confused- If my vertebra is twisted slightly, yet all the muscles are loose, and not pulling on things, then why isn't my vertebra realigning? How will it do this if it isn't already? This has not been explained to me by anyway. I've simply been told: It will learn to move properly again.

Or am I being impatient? I guess I'm also looking for some insight here- Are my expectations about recovery unrealistic?

I can't give you a guess unless you get more information... I don't randomly guess if I don't have information (because that would be bad...) so it's problematic for me to really say anything unless you have an actual diagnosis.

Generally, with something that's been there a while it's going to take a while to clear up though.

You'll have to discuss it more with your physical therapist and/or get a proper diagnosis.

Depending on what it is chiro may or may not help additionally.


Sorry I'm being vague but that's all you can really get from me with the information you have given so far.

[Travis Hall]

Originally Posted by Steven Low

Sorry I'm being vague but that's all you can really get from me with the information you have given so far.

No, I understand. It's fine. I will get more information on Thursday.

[Travis Hall]

Steven,

I have more information, but I am using the word 'more' loosely.

I spoke with my Physio and she said there was no specific vertebra that was twisted. I have spinal torsion in my lower back. To the right. Does that help any?