" Your Better Step Starts Here "
Back and Neck Pain
The human back is composed of a complex structure of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks and bones - the segments of our spine are cushioned with cartilage-like pads called disks. Problems with any of these components can lead to back pain. In some cases of back pain, its cause is never found.
Our clinic conducts a comprehensive examination to establish the underlying cause of your discomfort- in our experience pain can often be referred from weakness or immobility of a distant muscle group or joint. We aim for effective treatment in addition to long term control for your particular complaint. Most people have heard of the deep core trunk muscles [often the target of pilates programs] and work hard to strengthen them. However sometimes it is the timing that is out, not the strength. Latest research has shown the anticipatory timing and co-activation of the deep core muscles (transversus abdominus, multifidus) and the superficial muscles (obliques, rectus abdominus) become disrupted with back pain. Similarly, headaches and chronic neck pain also respond to strengthening of deep muscles in the neck.
Chronic pain states are sometimes actually driven by the brain in an attempt to ‘protect’ you from further harm, resulting in what’s called ‘Central Sensitisation’. Our clinic incorporates the latest science of ‘retraining your brain’ in your home exercise routine which assists many sufferers of chronic back and neck pain, sciatica or various nerve injuries.
We design most appropriate sessions for the commonly presented back and neck pain caused by ;
Strain - the most common causes of back pain are:
Strained muscles
Strained ligaments
A muscle spasm
Things that can lead to strains or spasms include:
Lifting something improperly
Lifting something that is too heavy
The result of an abrupt and awkward movement
Structural problems - the following structural problems may also result in back pain:
Ruptured disks - each vertebra in our spine is cushioned by disks. If the disk ruptures there will be more pressure on a nerve, resulting in back pain.
Bulging disks - in much the same way as ruptured disks, a bulging disk can result in more pressure on a nerve.
Sciatica - a sharp and shooting pain that travels through the buttock and down the back of the leg, caused by a bulging or herniated disk pressing on a nerve.
Arthritis - patients with osteoarthritis commonly experience problems with the joints in the hips, lower back, knees and hands. In some cases spinal stenosis can develop, which is the term used to describe when the space around the spinal cord narrows.
Abnormal curvature of the spine - if the spine curves in an unusual way the patient is more likely to experience back pain. An example is scoliosis, a condition in which the spine curves to the side.
Osteoporosis - bones, including the vertebrae of the spine, become brittle and porous, making compression fractures more likely.
Bad mattress - if a mattress does not support specific parts of the body and keep the spine straight, there is a greater risk of developing back pain.
Everyday activities or poor posture.
Our approach to back pain includes ;
Passive Physical Therapy - Modalities
Acutely, the physical therapist may focus on decreasing pain with passive physical therapy (modalities). These therapies are considered passive because they are done to the patient. Examples of modalities include:
Heat/ice packs
TENS units
Iontophoresis
Ultrasound
Active Physical Therapy - Back Pain Exercises
