Physical Therapy for the Back and Neck
Physical therapy is important for prevention and treatment of many spinal disorders including acute back pain and chronic back pain.
Abdominal and Core Strengthening
Medication is injected into the epidural space, which is the space around the spinal nerves.
Both a numbing medication and a steroid (cortisone) are injected.
Strong “core” muscles are essential to treating and preventing back pain.
Core muscles include abdominals, pelvic floor, and deep muscles of the back.
A strong core will take pressure off the discs and joints of the back, helping relieve back pain.
Core muscles also stabilize the sacroiliac joint, which treats sacroiliac joint pain.
Postural Training
Unbalanced trunk and limb position can lead to tissue damage and pain.
Optimal posturing can counteract environmental loads and stresses.
Postural training is essential in treatment and prevention of neck pain and back pain.
Stretching
It is important to stay mobile and active.
Stretching helps to reduce unwanted tension in the neck and back muscles.
“Nerve glides” are a type of stretch to help relieve pinched nerves.
Modalities
“Modalities” involve the use of energy to cause physiologic changes. These include:
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Electrical Stimulation
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Traction
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Ultrasound
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Heat and Ice
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and more…
