There are a large number of people who live with back and neck pain. In fact, studies reveal that 90% of people will experience either back pain or neck pain at least once in their lives. However, it is not always easy to isolate those regions of the body that are causing back pain or neck pain. For example, pain rooted in the back or neck can radiate to the arms, legs and even the head. Each episode of pain can last longer, progress more, and travel further from its origin. While this is undeniably an undesirable experience, physical therapy can help get to the root of your problem and provide relief for your symptoms. For more information, contact Spectrum Therapy Consultants today.
Where do I begin?
Before your physical therapy treatments even start, a physical therapist will perform an examination to determine the root cause of your back or neck pain. A strength test will be performed and a goniometer may be used to measure your range of motion. You will be asked to perform certain tasks in order to determine your functional mobility.
Spinal mobility will be also measured through palpation, in order to locate sore or tight muscles. Your full medical history will be evaluated, in addition to your symptoms, in order to determine the nature and severity of your condition. Once your examination is complete, your physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan that will target the cause of your back or neck pain and focus on providing relief.
How will physical therapy benefit me?
Physical therapy for back pain and neck pain is focused on the structures that support the spine. This includes tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Your treatment will include both active and passive forms of physical therapy, in order to achieve optimum relief, function, and injury prevention for the future.
Active physical therapy for neck and back pain typically includes specific exercises, stretches, adjustments, in order to manage or relieve your pain altogether. In some cases, aquatic therapy may be recommended, as the buoyancy of the water takes the pressure off of the cervical and lumbar spine while you’re performing the exercises.
Passive physical therapy includes different modalities, such as massage therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, or electrotherapy. Massage therapy is used to reduce pain and relax the muscles. Ice or heat therapies help to reduce swelling and pain, in addition to increasing blood flow for healing. With electrotherapy, electrical impulses are sent to the sensory nerves, in order to alter pain signals. It’s a mildly warm sensation that reduces pain and relaxes muscles.
A treatment plan just for you:
The cause of everyone’s back or neck pain varies, which is why our physical therapists create a specific treatment plan just for you. Some common causes of back and neck pain include:
- Sudden traumas or injuries. Sudden damage to the neck or back, such as a sports collision or whiplash, may result in back or neck pain.
- Disc herniation. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks out.
- Degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease occurs when there is “wear and tear” on the spinal discs.
- Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” on the facet joints, which causes friction when bending. This can also result in a pinched nerve root, which can cause sciatica.
- Sprains and strains. It’s not uncommon for athletes to incur sprains and strains to the neck or back regions when engaging in sports.
- Improper posture. Poor posture can cause unnecessary strains on the back and neck, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Fortunately, physical therapy has been proven to help with back and neck pain, regardless of its root cause. If you’re suffering from back or neck pain, call our office today to see how physical therapy can help get you live a pain-free life. Our physical therapists are certified and experienced, and they are eager to help you succeed.
Give Spectrum Physical Therapy a call and learn how we can get you on the path to recovery. There’s no reason to suffer in pain when we have the solution.
[:es]There are a large number of people who live with back and neck pain. In fact, studies reveal that 90% of people will experience either back pain or neck pain at least once in their lives. However, it is not always easy to isolate those regions of the body that are causing back pain or neck pain. For example, pain rooted in the back or neck can radiate to the arms, legs and even the head. Each episode of pain can last longer, progress more, and travel further from its origin. While this is undeniably an undesirable experience, physical therapy can help get to the root of your problem and provide relief for your symptoms. For more information, contact our office today.
Where do I begin?
Before your physical therapy treatments even start, a physical therapist will perform an examination to determine the root cause of your back or neck pain. A strength test will be performed and a goniometer may be used to measure your range of motion. You will be asked to perform certain tasks in order to determine your functional mobility.
Spinal mobility will be also measured through palpation, in order to locate sore or tight muscles. Your full medical history will be evaluated, in addition to your symptoms, in order to determine the nature and severity of your condition. Once your examination is complete, your physical therapist will design a personalized treatment plan that will target the cause of your back or neck pain and focus on providing relief.
How will physical therapy benefit me?
Physical therapy for back pain and neck pain is focused on the structures that support the spine. This includes the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Your treatment will include both active and passive forms of physical therapy, in order to achieve optimum relief, function, and injury prevention for the future.
Active physical therapy for neck and back pain typically includes specific exercises, stretches, adjustments, in order to manage or relieve your pain altogether. In some cases, aquatic therapy may be recommended, as the buoyancy of water takes pressure off of the cervical and lumbar spine while you’re performing the exercises.
Passive physical therapy includes different modalities, such as massage therapy, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, or electrotherapy. Massage therapy is used to reduce pain and relax the muscles. Ice or heat therapies help to reduce swelling and pain, in addition to increasing blood flow for healing. With electrotherapy, electrical impulses are sent to the sensory nerves, in order to alter pain signals. It’s a mildly warm sensation that reduces pain and relaxes muscles.
A treatment plan just for you:
The cause of everyone’s back or neck pain varies, which is why our physical therapists create a specific treatment plan just for you. Some common causes of back and neck pain include:
- Sudden traumas or injuries. Sudden damage to the neck or back, such as a sports collision or whiplash, may result in back or neck pain.
- Disc herniation. A herniated disc occurs when the gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks out.
- Degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease occurs when there is “wear and tear” on the spinal discs.
- Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is the “wear and tear” on the facet joints, which causes friction when bending. This can also result in a pinched nerve root, which can cause sciatica.
- Sprains and strains. It’s not uncommon for athletes to incur sprains and strains to the neck or back regions when engaging in sports.
- Improper posture. Poor posture can cause unnecessary strains on the back and neck, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Fortunately, physical therapy has been proven to help with back and neck pain, regardless of its root cause. If you’re suffering from back or neck pain, call our office today to see how physical therapy can help get you live a pain-free life. Our physical therapists are certified and experienced, and they are eager to help you succeed.
Give us a call and learn how we can get you on the path to recovery. There’s no reason to suffer in pain when we have the solution.
