Back pain

Back Pain Relief!

13092

When Leah Bailey of Columbiana found out she had scoliosis, she looked for back pain relief without having surgery. She found help at Encore Rehabilitation-Columbiana.

Leah shares, “I found out I had scoliosis and I had been having back pain for a while so I wanted to find a way to fix my back without surgery. The doctor sent me to Encore and they have been amazing. They are very friendly and sweet people! My back has been a lot better since.”

Leah completed her rehabilitation and is doing well! Thank you, Leah, for choosing Encore Rehab!

“I would recommend Encore to anybody!”

13092

Adele Wallace of Calera was having back pain, so much so that her back “locked up”!

Her doctor referred her to Encore Rehabilitation-Columbiana and after one month, this is what Adele has to say:

“Currently I have no more back pain and I have resumed all of my regular activities. I have been to Encore before and had good results. I would recommend Encore to anybody!”

Thank you, Adele, for choosing Encore Rehabilitation! We LOVE to see you move!

“I love the staff,” Dorothy Smith and Encore Rehabilitation – Petal

dorothy-smith-petal-photorevised.jpg

“I have had surgery on my left knee three times. Each time Encore has helped me with my rehab,” says Dorothy Smith. “Stacey Martin is my champion. Mid September, after my last surgery, my back developed pain. They are currently helping me work through my pain. I love the staff and appreciate the care they give.” 

Thank you. Ms. Smith! We appreciate your kind words.

Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

Stiff back? Here are some stretches you can do to help relieve the pain.

“General Tips for Stretching to Relieve Back Pain

Keep the following in mind when starting a stretching routine as part of a program of back exercises:

  • Wear comfortable clothes that won’t bind
  • Stretching should be pain free; do not force the body into difficult positions
  • Move into the stretch slowly and avoid bouncing, which may actually tear muscles
  • Stretch on a clean, flat surface that is large enough to move freely
  • Hold stretches long enough (20-30 seconds) to allow muscles or joints to become loose
  • Repeat the stretch, generally 5-10 times

If one already has low back pain or neck pain, it is best to check with a physician or physical therapist to discuss whether the following neck, shoulder, and lower back pain exercises should be done.

Back Exercise Stretches

Many back pain patients know the feeling of tension in the back, especially first thing in the morning. These stretching back exercises can help bring back some suppleness and increase mobility, decreasing back pain and discomfort.

Back Flexion Exercise
While lying on one’s back, pull both knees to the chest while simultaneously flexing the head forward until a comfortable stretch is felt in a balled-up position. (See left Figure 8)

Knee to Chest Stretch
While lying on the back with the knees bent and both heels on the floor, place both hands behind one knee and bring it to the chest. (See right Figure 21)”

Source: Ulrich Jr., P. (2999, September 8). Stretching for Back Pain Relief. Retrieved , from http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/exercise/exercise-and-back-pain

Physical Therapy Benefits For Back Pain

After an episode of low back pain has lasted between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences of low back pain, it is reasonable to consider back pain exercises and physical therapy for back treatment. (Some spine specialists consider back exercise and physical therapy sooner, particularly if the pain is severe.) In general, the goals of back pain exercises and physical therapy are to decrease back pain, increase function, and provide education on a maintenance program to prevent further recurrences.

 

Passive Physical Therapy – Modalities

There are many different forms of physical therapy. Acutely, the therapist may focus on decreasing pain with passive physical therapy (modalities). These are considered passive therapies because they are done to the patient. Examples of modalities include:

  • Heat/ice packs
  • TENS units
  • Iontophoresis
  • Ultrasound

 

Active Physical Therapy – Back Pain Exercises

In addition to passive therapies, active physical therapy (exercise) is also necessary to rehabilitate the spine. Generally, a patient’s back exercise program should encompass a combination of the following:

  • Stretching for back pain exercise
  • Strengthening for back pain exercise
  • Low-impact aerobic conditioning

Even patients with a very busy schedule should be able to maintain a moderate back pain exercise regimen that encompasses stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning. These exercises suffice as physical therapy for back pain relief.

  • Stretching for back pain exercises. Almost every individual who has suffered from low back pain should stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice daily. Simple hamstring stretching does not take much time, although it can be difficult to remember, especially if there is little or no pain. Therefore, hamstring stretching exercises are best done at the same time every day so it becomes part of a person’s daily routine.
  • Strengthening for back pain exercise. To strengthen the back muscles, 15-20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization or other prescribed exercises should be done every other day.
  • Low-impact aerobic conditioning. Low impact aerobics (such as walking, bicycling or swimming) should be done for 30-40 minutes three times weekly, on alternate days from the strengthening exercises.

Source: Ullrich, P. F. (1999, 9 8). Physical therapy benefits for back pain. Retrieved from http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/physical-therapy-benefits-back-pain