Lower Back Pain

Question 1

Where anatomically is lower back pain?

Answer 1

Sacroiliac (SI) and lumbosacral (LS) regions

Question 2

What are the clinical signs of lower back pain?

Answer 2

Sensitivity to palpation; “bunny hopping” gait at the center; poor performance (lack of impulsion, resisting “sitting” and collection, refusing jumps or knocking rails with hind feet); “Hunter’s bump” conformation

Question 3

How is lower back pain diagnosed?

Answer 3

Most often diagnosed on clinical signs and sensitivity to palpation; need to rule out and address any sources of pain from hind limbs and thoracic vertebrae

Question 4

How is lower back pain treated?

Answer 4

Steroid injections to relieve inflammation (done through standing sedation in stocks and ultrasound guidance); secondary pain often resolves once hindlimb/back pain is addressed; chiropractic adjustment

Question 5

What is primary pain?

Answer 5

Injury that stretches, strains, or tears soft tissues

Question 6

What is secondary pain?

Answer 6

Lameness or pathology in the hind limbs or back (altered movement from pain puts abnormal strain on lower back)