LOW BACK PAIN
OH! MY ACHING BACK! PICK UP LIFE
WHERE YOU LEFT IT.
YOU HAVE A CHOICE!
ARTICLE SELECTIONS
INTRODUCTION
Low back pain, your aching back- it can be more
than a nuisance, it may prevent you from doing the things that you
need to do or love to do. The nagging pain can be debilitating,
literally stopping you in your tracks. Low back pain is very
common, costing millions in lost work, as well as millions in
medical, state and insurance resources every year. Most back pain
does not signify any serious underlying problem.
WHAT IS LOW BACK PAIN
We have all experienced a dull pain or ache in
our lower back from “over doing it” the day before. By definition
low back pain is a pain or ache somewhere between the bottom of the
ribs, at the back, and the top of the legs. The pain may travel to
or be felt elsewhere. It often goes into the buttocks, but may go
further down the leg and even into the foot. The pain may be worse
on bending and is often worse sitting, especially in an easy chair.
Sometimes turning over in bed and sitting up are agonizing. Chronic
nonspecific back pain is different from the occasional sore back
you night have for a day or two after physical activities that
stresses the lower back muscles. In order to be diagnosed with
chronic back pain, the pain is considered long lasting
and is present for at least three months at a time. Chronic
back pain has a tendancy to return even after resolution. This recurrence is highly variable depending
on the person and personal level of fitness and
lifestyle.
CAUSES
The main cause for low back pain is a strain of the muscles, or
other soft structures (e.g. ligaments and tendons) connected to the
back bones (vertebrae). Sometimes it is the cushion between the
bones (intervertebral disc) which is strained, and which bulges out
(herniates) and presses on the nearby nerves (as in sciatica).
TRADITONAL TREATMENT
Treatment options include a variety of
conservative approaches such as physical therapy and exercise and
medications. Surgery is an option that should be the last
consideration. The most important aspect of chronic nonspecific
back pain is how it impacts your ability to function in your daily
life. So, although it's important to reduce pain, the emphasis and
goal of treatment isn't only on eliminating the pain, but on
improving your ability to and giving you the skills of self pain
management that allows you to function and resume your normal
daily activities
WHY TRY PHYICAL THERAPY FIRST
Because Low Back Pain is generally the result
of over used, strained and or pulled muscles, (causing the muscles
to spasm resulting in mild to severe pain and discomfort and
often immobility) and as a result of poor posture, the most
advantageous way to improve this condition is by strengthening the
muscles that are affected. Physical Therapy addresses this
condition with the focus on improving muscles strength and
eliminating pain using various modalities without the added side
effects of medications. This chronic type of pain/condition
responds excellently to the exercises and treatments that are
executed by your Physical Therapist.
OUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST’S COMMENT
In treating low back pain, there are several
modalities for pain control that we do: Ultra Sound (deep heat),
electrical stimulation, moist hot pack or ice packs. Manual therapy
consists of soft tissue mobilization, Myofascial release and
therapeutic massage in the affected area to decrease inflammation,
pain, muscle spasm, tenderness, tightness and myofascial restriction
In the low back area in conjunction with trunk strengthening
exercises to improve flexibility, muscle strength. Physical Therapy
education on posture and body mechanics is a vital part of
treatment because 90% of back pain is caused by poor posture and
body mechanics.
Clara Rodriguez, P.T.
PATIENT COMMENTS
I’m very grateful to Physiocare for alleviating
my chronic back pain. I continue to follow the instructions
provided for me, including walks. I feel greater range of motion
and I thank you for it. Gladys M.
I received the best massage and therapy! My back was
improved…!!
Conrad M.
The therapy I received at Physiocare from Clara was
outstanding. I especially enjoyed the TLC from Beatrice. Also
appreciated the reminder calls.
Jean D.
DOCTOR'S COMMENTS
During my many years of receiving physical and
occupational therapy, I can say without provocation, your staff’s
knowledge of physiology and efforts produced are without compare. I
highly sanction Physiocare’s service! Your entire staff exudes
interest and courtesy to the patient!
Roy Hughes, M.D.
“Physiocare does excellent hands on physical therapy and I
recommend them without reservation.”
Irvine Mason, M.D., Diplomat – American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology
“Physiocare rehabilitation has made a big difference in the
lives of my patients. Their staff is professional , warm and always
helpful in caring for their patients. I have never had a patient
who was not completely satisfied with the rehabilitation at
Physiocare.”
Michael D. Milstein, D.O. F.A.A.F.P., Internist
“My patients find that Physiocare provides prompt and successful
relief to their pains and stiffness. I send most of my patients to
Physiocare. I have found Physiocare to be the best physical therapy
center in town.”
Daniel I. Nuchovich, M.D.
“ Since referring my patients to Physiocare I have found that
for the first time my patients actually want to return to their
clinic for therapy treatment. Never before have I seen so many of
my patients compimenting a rehabilitation clinic. The Physiocare
team truly performs the best therapy and they continually exceed my
expectations.”
Irma V. Lopez, M.D., Internist
References: Sources come from one or more of the
following articles and sites:
Medicinenet.com / mediregister.com /mediline.net /mediinfo.co.uk /
mhni.com /Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
/American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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