Low back pain
Low back pain can come from many different sources, including the muscles, joints, and connective tissues of the spine and pelvis. Pain does not always mean something is permanently damaged. Dr. McDonald looks at how the low back, pelvis, hips, and surrounding areas are moving together, and where restriction or compensation may be placing extra strain on the area.
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What commonly contributes
Muscle strain or overload
Lifting, exercise, or an unexpected movement can place more demand on the muscles and connective tissues than they were prepared for.
Reduced motion or compensation
Restriction in the low back, pelvis, or hips can change how forces are distributed through the area.
Disc and joint changes
Changes in the discs and joints are common, especially with age, and may contribute to pain, but findings on imaging do not always explain how someone feels.
Protective guarding
When an area hurts, surrounding muscles may tighten to protect it, sometimes adding stiffness and limiting normal movement.
Hands-on treatment (OMT)
How OMT may help
Dr. McDonald examines before he treats: palpation and motion testing, joint by joint, through the low back, pelvis, and hips. Treatment is gentle and specific, using techniques such as muscle energy, myofascial release, and counterstrain.
- Can help ease guarded, overworked muscles
- Often improves motion in stiff spinal joints
- May reduce fascial tension through the low back and pelvis
- Comes with practical guidance for moving while you recover
If you need more than OMT
Hands-on treatment is not always the whole answer, and Dr. McDonald does not work alone.
Imaging
If your recovery needs a closer look, he can order it, including X-rays and MRI.
Referrals
He sends and receives referrals with physicians in physical medicine and rehabilitation, orthopedics, neurology, and family medicine, and with physical therapists. If your care should involve one of them, he will point you there.
Ready when you are
Start with a conversation
Describe what is going on, and Dr. McDonald will tell you whether hands-on treatment can help.