BACK and NECK INJURY

The BAD News: Back pain in the most common cause of loss of activity among adults under 45. It is estimated that over 80% of all American workers suffer back pain at some time during their careers. Injury in the neck or back is the second most common reason people visit their doctor.

The GOOD News: Most bad backs and necks respond well to rest and conservative treatment and most injuries can be prevented.

Most of us have experienced back or neck pain and most of the time the pain goes away within a few days. For pain that does not go away after several weeks, extends into the arms or legs, or has a pattern of coming and going, medical attention should be sought.

What causes Back or Neck pain?

Your body depends on the spinal column for structural stability. The shoulders, rib cage and pelvis are anchored to the spine for strength and support. The spine consists of discs, which separate and cushion 24 vertebrae allowing nerves to exit from the spinal cord. These nerves branch out to our arms and legs to activate our muscles and allow sensation which travels up to the brain. Structural stability for the spine includes primarily muscle, which acts as a shock absorber, and secondary ligaments, facet joints and their capsules to help the spine move in a controlled fashion.

You can experience pain in your back and neck if there is injury or repetitive strain to any one of these structures. Repetitive strain can occur simply by sitting at your desk at work with your trunk in poor alignment (forward head, leaning into your computer, feet not touching the floor). Injury can occur from poor flexibility or muscle imbalance during lifting or a fall. Your physical therapist will perform a comprehensive screening of all your back and neck muscles and determine source of physical strain to develop a treatment plan to resolve your pain and prevent further injury.

What does a physical therapy treatment plan include?

The physical therapists at BODYCENTRAL Physical Therapy have advanced training in manual therapy, which includes a hands-on approach to patient evaluation and treatment. Manual techniques include soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, myofascial release, and muscular re-education. Manual physical therapists incorporate a total body approach to pain management. They perform a comprehensive examination of total spine and pelvic mechanics including gait deviations and range of motion limitations in your arms and legs, which could cause muscle compensation and strain. You may receive modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or traction. And you will likely be given instruction in posture, ergonomics, body mechanics and sport specific movement re-education to prevent recurrence of pain. Each patient is given a custom exercise program to address flexibility and strength limitations to eliminate pain and prevent further injury.

Our goal is not to just treat the symptoms…but to find the cause for the pain. Only by finding the cause can we provide a comprehensive care program to eliminate your pain and prevent the injury from reoccurring.