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Guest column

Lumbar spine root of many problems

By DR. CHERYL MCFARLAND
Published February 7, 2005

The nerves from the lumbar spine go to the sexual organs and the bowels. Erectile dysfunction may be the direct result of pressure on the lumbar nerves. Constipation may also result from pressure or stretching of these nerves.

The brain controls the body by sending messages via the spinal cord and spinal nerves. The nerves in the lower back control blood flow to the penis and clitoris. Peristalsis is successive waves of contraction in the intestines, also under the control of the spinal nerves.

When the bones of the lower back lose motion or their normal position, pressure on the nerves results. This can be in the form of a stretched or a pinched nerve and is amplified by the calcification of ligaments, called spurs or a bulging disc.

The doctor of chiropractic can help these conditions by checking joint motion in the lower back and with tests and X-rays. A thorough examination includes the doctor feeling the back for tenderness, muscle spasms and a lack of joint motion. Evidence of a lack of joint motion can be seen on X-rays after six months, evidenced by calcified ligaments otherwise known as boney spurs.

The spurs put pressure on the nerves. A combination of chiropractic adjustments and exercises targeting the muscles surrounding the degenerating joint will increase movement in the joint, improve the mechanics of the joint and relieve the stress on the ligaments. Loss of proper vertebral joint motion and the improper alignment of the bones also causes it to put stress on the nerve which exits the spine at the level of the joints.

Bowel, bladder and sexual function are all dependent upon proper nerve supply, which the doctor of chiropractic can help to restore.

--This public service information was provided by Dr. Cheryl McFarland of Better Health Chiropractic, 6166 W Gulf to Lake Highway, Crystal River. Call 795-8911.

[Last modified February 7, 2005, 01:44:19]