Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction Symptoms

While it is frustrating to deal with, it is also important to understand why you are experiencing these symptoms. Some of the most common orthopedic issues as it relates to back pain are the following: muscle spasms, discogenic pain (disc-produced), neurogenic pain (nerve-produced), stenosis (narrowing of the joint space), or restriction in the joints of the spine, to name a few. It is also good to understand that non-orthopedic conditions such as referred pain from other organs, fractures, or cancers can also cause low back pain.  Some good starting questions to ask before doing any exercise to self-manage symptoms would be the following:

• ​Do you have a history of a traumatic injury such as a motor vehicle accident or fall? 
• Do you have any issues with night pain associated with night sweats or fever? 
• Do you have a history of osteoporosis?
• Does your pain change with your position or activity?  
• ​Do you have any issues with going to the bathroom either increased pain with urination or bowel movements? 

If the answers to the above questions are “no” then you may benefit from trying a few basic exercises and positions to see if you can improve your low back symptoms. If the answer to any of these questions is yes and your back pain is new onset, then it may be wise to consult with a physician before starting a new program.