Visceral Low Back Pain

Dysfunction Inside Causing my Pain Outside

The organs of the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic cavities have a specific roles within our physiology. To accomplish their roles, they are well supplied with arteries, veins, nerves and are well supported by connective tissue.  Any change to these support or supply structures alters the physiology of the organ.

One of the most important factors to consider are the neurological pathways within a region – as nerve fibers exiting the spinal cord branch to supply BOTH an organ and a specific musculoskeletal region. Any irritation or change in physiology of the organ will lead to a hypersensitivity of the spinal cord at that level which ultimately affects specific musculature supplied by that area of the spine.

Common examples include liver or gall bladder diseases that refers pain to the right shoulder and lower neck, a distended bowel that produces generalized low back pain or a stomach ulcer that refers pain between the shoulder blades.  One of the most common causes of chronic low back pain that does not respond well to massage, adjustments, exercise or other treatment methods is food sensitivities.

It is important to note that the musculoskeletal pain and its associated dysfunction may persist for longer periods than the original organ irritation. At Whole Body Health, an assessment and treatment uses detailed history taking and specific palpation methods to locate and treat areas of dysfunction within the body. Our treatment approach addresses all of the muscular, vertebral, connective tissue and visceral relationships within an area and then within the whole body.  We typically evaluate the organ-muscle relationship through the acupuncture points and muscle response testing. 

For example, if there appears to be an digestive system irritation connected to your low back pain/stiffness, we look for food toxicities/sensitivities that are contributing factors.

Visceral mobilization will reduce any compression on the neurovascular pathways, improve mobility between adjacent organs, reduce any irritants at the associated vertebral segments and improve bio-mechanics.

As a final note, some accompanying symptoms to your pain may include:

• unexplained night sweats
• fever
• weight loss
• pain at rest
• blood in the urine or feces
• lumps and swollen lymph nodes

If any of these symptoms are present, it’s a good idea to start the assessment with your medical doctor. If all checks out, then an alternative approach to your pain may well be a very effective choice.

Reference:
Gerwin, Robert, D. Myofascial and Visceral Pain Syndromes: Visceral-Somatic Pain Representations The Clinical Neurobiology of Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain, The Haworth Medical Press, an imprint of The Haworth Press, Inc., 2002, pp. 165-175