Health blog Category: spine
Scoliosis
What is Scoliosis?
Scoliosis in layman’s terms is the abnormal sideways curvature or rotation of the spine. Any curve, lateral or rotational greater than 10 degrees is considered Scoliosis. As the curve progresses to 20 degrees or beyond, there is an increased chance that the person or an observer, such as a parent or teacher, might notice abnormalities such as clothes hanging unevenly or the body tilting to one side. For The anatomy of the spine has “normal” curves in different regions to allow for proper movement mechanics and the absorption of force, however once those curves become excessive and/or create pain in additional areas it becomes an anatomical concern.
Read full blog4 Causes of Neck Problems
The neck, a.k.a cervical spine, is comprised of 7 spinal segments and 8 nerves. The nerves that exit out of the neck go on to supply innervation and control function of the arms and hands. It is also important to know that some of the muscles that control neck motion are responsible for shoulder motion too.
Common Neck Conditions:
- Cervical Radiculopathy
- Restricted nerve mobility in the neck that can cause pain into the shoulders and arms
- Muscle Spain/Strain
- Muscle that produces pain with contraction (use)
- The term “strain” specifically refers to faulty tendon contraction. Tendons are where muscles attach to bones.
Lower Back Problems: A Common Complaint
Lower back problems are one of the most common complaints we encounter in physical therapy. The majority of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime. The back pain they experience may only last a short time or it could linger for months. Back pain affects men and women equally and can even be seen in children and teenagers.
Structures in our Back
There are many different structures that are at risk for injury in your lower back.
Read full blogCommon Causes of Low Back Injuries
The single most common cause of lower back pain is a torn or pulled muscle and/or ligament. The lumbar spine, or low back, is a remarkably well-engineered structure of interconnecting bones, joints, nerves, ligaments, and muscles all working together to provide support, strength, and flexibility. However, this complex structure also leaves the low back susceptible to injury and pain.
Common causes of sprain and strain include:
- Lifting a heavy object, or twisting the spine while lifting
- Sudden movements that place too much stress on the low back, such as a fall
- Poor posture over time
- Sports injuries, especially in sports that involve twisting or large forces of impact
Common Injuries and their symptoms:
- Lumbar Herniated Disc
- The jelly-like center of a lumbar disc can break through the tough outer layer and irritate a nearby nerve root.
Key Ways to Relieve Neck & Back Discomfort
There are many common causes of both back pain and neck pain. However, both of these can be treated with physical therapy.
Causes of Back Pain:
- Changes in the spine’s anatomy
- Lumbar disc herniation
- occurs when the gel-like interior of the disc leaks outward and irritates the nerve roots. It typically causes a stabbing pain in the back of the legs and back pain.
- Lumbar degenerative disc disease
- Wear and tear on the spinal discs can lead to lumbar degenerative disc disease.
Sources and Reasons for Back Issues
Back pain can come from multiple different sources and can occur for a number of different reasons. The muscles, lumbar discs in between the bones and the joints of the spine can all be sources of back pain. These are all things that coming to PT can address as well!
So what can I try when experiencing a bout of pain?
- If you injured your back after carrying/lifting or twisting try icing it 10-12 minutes 2-3 times per day.
The Why and Where of Arthritis
Pain due to arthritis is often chronic, and can cause very dull, achy and stiff feeling joints. Often times, the stiffness and achiness is worse after staying in one position for a prolonged period of time. For example:
- Sitting
- Sleeping
- Standing
Why does arthritis happen and where?
Arthritis commonly happens due to normal joint changes that occur from moving and being under gravity, but can also happen in people who have been sedentary.
Read full blogSIck of the Pain
The SI is the sacroiliac joint where the sacrum (lowest part of the spine) and the Ilium come together.
This joint helps to transmit forces from the upper body to the lower body. Ligaments connect the two bones together making up the pelvis. There is generally very little motion at this joint.
When there is injury to the area pain is generally felt on only one side and at the joint line. Pain may also radiate down the leg, which is why it is commonly confused with radiculopathy or low back pain.
Read full blogThe Importance of the Discs in Our Spines
What are They and Why do we Need Them?
You may have heard the analogy that the discs in your back are like a jelly doughnut. The outer lining of the disc is made of up rings and then in the center, there is a jelly-like fluid. When a disc is healthy, it is somewhat oval-shaped, the fluid is in the center of the disc and the rings are strong and thick.
Read full blogEnd the Vicious Cycle of Back Pain
Back discomfort can be debilitating for anyone experiencing it. Living with back pain often means being plagued by the inability to sleep, stiffness, and difficulty doing activities we love. This discomfort and pain impacts our ability to run, rock climb or hike, garden, walk the dog or play with our grandchildren. Back pain is something that can affects everyone from, young athletes, to active parents or older adults.