Is Your Pain Caused By Spinal Stenosis?

Health & Fitness Newsletter by South Valley Physical Therapy

Health & Fitness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body

Is Your Pain Caused By Spinal Stenosis? According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, spinal stenosis is a silent epidemic. It is estimated that 2.4 million Americans will suffer from spinal stenosis by 2021. Spinal stenosis occurs mostly in people 50 and over, but can occur in younger adults Spinal Stenosis refers to the narrowing of the canals in your spine that are formed by the vertebrae. This narrowing can impinge on the nerves exiting your spine or the spinal cord itself. Symptoms can vary, but often include radiating pain to the back, buttocks and even legs. Furthermore, weakness and poor balance in the legs can often occur, making it difficult to tolerate walking long distances and prolonged standing. Foraminal stenosis This is the most common form of spinal stenosis. It refers to the narrowing of the foramen canals on either side of the spine formed by the vertebrae above and below the segment. In each canal, spinal nerves exit the lower back to supply different parts of the pelvis and legs. With age and deterioration of the discs between the spine, the canals shrink in size and may also have bone spurs. This irritates the nerve roots, especially when the spine is extended. Sitting typically feels better, but standing and backwards bending increase pain. Is surgery needed? There is a big push towards fusion surgery for spinal stenosis and back pain. However, studies show that surgery should be a last resort, before conservative measures such as physical therapy are performed. In the vast majority of cases, surgery is not needed and people will have signifcant if not complete relief of their symptoms with physical therapy. Physical therapy targets the muscles and joints of the spine to build strength, improve stability of the spine and maintain the foramen as open as possible. If you believe you have spinal stenosis symptoms, then call us today to speak with one of our expert physical therapists. Our SPINE program has helped thousands of patients successfully relieve their back and stenosis pain. www.svpt.net with a history of arthritis. What is spinal stenosis?

Discover The Top 4 Ways to Relieve Spinal Stenosis Easy Things You Can Do To Improve Your Life!

Spinal stenosis is a mechanical problem of movement in your body. While medication may help to numb the pain, it does not fix the underlying mechanical problem. Here are tips on how you can improve your stenosis and back pain symptoms:

1. ICE Icing at the low back area on the affected side helps to decrease the inflammatory process. Use a flexible ice pack with a moist thin towel to make it easier to tolerate the ice. Use for 10 minutes and off for 30 minutes. Make sure to check your skin often and stop if it becomes painful. Apply 2-3 times a day, especially after repetitive bending or standing activities. 2. Improve Hip and Spine Flexibility Restoring natural movement to the spinal joints, hip joints and sacroiliac joints, helps to relieve abnormal pressures on the sciatic nerve. It allows your body to move freely when doing normal everyday tasks and prevents injury and strains. Care should be taken when stretching to be gentle and work with your breathing. Never push through pain and avoid exercises that aggressively extend the spine.

3. Strengthening Your Core Your core muscle groups are the spinal muscles, abdominal muscles, pelvic and hip muscles. By doing exercises that combine these muscle groups together you can develop an internal corset that supports your spinal column. Gentle Pilates and core strengthening exercises are good, however, be sure to consult your physical therapist before starting exercises you are unsure of doing. 4. Manual Physical Therapy Hands on specialized manual physical therapy techniques restore the natural movements of the spinal, hip and sacroiliac joints. This helps to open the foraminal canals in the spine. Physical therapists are the unique medical professionals who are trained extensively in these types of techniques.

If you are suffering with back pain or spinal stenosis, don’t put off getting help as your condition weakens the spine further and can set you up for more extensive injury in the future. Call us today to speak with one of our physical therapists and see for yourself, what a difference our SPINE program can make for your back.

Patient Spotlight A must-read inspirational story of how one of our patients overcame pain, immobility and feelings of despair.

I could not have done it without Tom! “I first met Tom with a back injury over 5 years ago....the same injury and most recently a minimally invasive surgery have taken me back to Tom’s office 3 times. I know I could not have recuperated on my own, not as well and not as quickly. He evaluates the doctor’s reports, your current physical challenges and pain levels and together with his staff we come up with the best treatment. Every patient receives his complete attention and continued support and evaluation. His commitment to wellness is visible throughout his practice and with staff he employs. I remember once calling him at 7 a.m. as I had to exit and could not drive...he happened to be in his office, picked up the phone and helped me get to a place where I could drive myself home and later to his office for treatment. He has been a God send and even though I hope I will not need his services, I know if and when I ever do, I am in good hands.” - Eileen O. I am able to work again! “On my first visit to South Valley PT I literally could not walk and was in excruciating pain due to a lower back injury and muscle spasms. Tom received a call directly from my doctor requesting his services to help me and I was taken the same afternoon. Within 4 weeks I was able to return to work and within 6 weeks I’m now back to my regular training regimen. Tom not only worked on reducing my pain, but was masterful with timely introduction of tailored stretching and eventually core strengthening routines. I have been to various PT facilities before for other type injuries, but never have I had a therapist who could relate to my injury as much as Tom was able to. The front desk personnel, therapists, interns, etc. were extremely friendly and exhibited the utmost professionalism. The facilities, (reception area, workout/exercise area, and the individual rooms) were all clean and well maintained. South Valley PT is a family run business that made me feel like I was part of their family on my road to recovery. I recommend them for both their clinical results oriented expertise as well as the friendly atmosphere.” -Chuck L.

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Practice News

Well it’s been a busy holiday season here at South Valley Physical Therapy! Over Thanksgiving week our CEO Tom Sawhill took his entire family, yes, all 15 of them to sunny Orlando, Florida for a week of amusement park fun to celebrate his daughter Andrea’s win against breast cancer earlier in the year. The family stayed at the beautiful Wyndham Reunion Resort and spent 6 days touring theme parks! As Tom says “it was worth every penny I spent to see the joy on my family’s faces.” In early December our part time physical therapy assistant Will got married! 10 of the staff members were able to attend the beautiful ceremony and reception at the Garden Court Hotel in downtown Palo Alto. Our very best wishes to Will and Agnes! Up next was our annual staff Holiday Dinner that was held on December 13th at The Ladera Grill in downtown Morgan Hill. 23 of us were able to get together and celebrate a year well done with good food, good drink and good fun…and the toaster made a reappearance in this year’s gift exchange! Josh has already warned us it will be back again next year… A nd just to show that with every ending… there is a new beginning, 3 days after saying goodbye to Tom’s mom..we celebrated the birth of the newest member of our South Valley Family …Raine Nalani Sarmiento, born to Marielle and Chris on December 16th at 6:26 PM weighing in at 6lbs 9oz and 18.5 inches. All went well and the new mom and dad are enjoying some time getting to know their beautiful little girl.

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Think PT First Why You Need To Come Back In For A Tune-Up

Physical Therapists Are The Mechanics Of Your Body!

Minor aches and pains are warning signals from your body to let you know something is not working properly. Don’t put off the pain until it’s too late. Come in today for a “Tune-Up.”

9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely

9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle

Take Care of Your Aches and Pains Before It’s Too Late.

Think about moving joint by joint

tal Extension At Home Exercises To Help Back Pain Do these exercises to help your knee pain. If it still hurts call for a consultation. Share this with a friend or family member to help keep them healthy too!

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Exercises copyright of

Great For Back Pain

Great For Hip Pain

www.simpleset.net

LUMBAR SEGMENTAL EXTENSION Stand with good posture. Find a neutral spine. Bend backwards in a very controlled manner. Think about moving joint by joint. Do not push into pain. Return to the start position. Repeat 5 times. Start position

CHILD’S POSE Kneel on the floor, buttocks over heels. Stretch arms forward far as you can. Let head and trunk sag to the floor and hang heavy. Keep buttocks over heels. Relax. Repeat 6 times.

in a very controlled manner. ng joint by joint. pain. t position.

Always consult your physi- cal therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

Think about moving joint by joint

Buttocks over heels, stretch arms Now is the time for resolutions How are you going to take care of your body and health in 2017?

1. Be purposeful in everything you do. Strive for purpose in your daily activities. Do you just at lunch or do you enrich relationships while you eat? What purpose do those two sitcoms serve you every night? What is the purpose of eating that bag of chips? More importantly, what types of consequences await you now that you’ve indulged? Be purposeful in everything you do. Walk with purpose and people are more likely to respect your time. 2. Resolve not to be mediocre, even in how you eat. Use the freshness of the new year as an excuse for avoiding mediocrity. This can be a challenging task because industry markets products and services to the lowest common denominator. Junk food is marketed to the lowest common denominator. Fast food, for example, is

produced cheaply and sold cheaply. If you need help eating in a way that will benefit your health in the long run contact us and we can provide a plan that is right for you. 3. Schedule exercise and stretching. Exercise is more effective when it is regular and systematic. It can be difficult to schedule exercise unless time is pre-committed. If you need help with exercise or if you have pain that is holding you back, contact us at South Valley PT and we can help you meet this resolution. 4. Mend fences and help others resolve issues. Call, or better yet, visit the person with whom you want to make peace. Use this exact wording: “I feel bad about what’s happened between us and want to take responsibility for everything. I’m sorry about the past and I’m going to be a better person for you in the future.”

rebuffs you or otherwise tries to continue the conversation, try to not pursue the topic. Allow them to respond, then gracefully end the meeting or phone call. Give the person time to think about what you said. What are the things you want to resolve to do or not do in 2017? Write them down below.

ween your knees for support.

In 2017 I resolve to...

Lie on side. Use pillows for

Whether the other party accepts your apology,

841 Blossom Hill Road, Suite 103 San Jose, CA 95123

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CALL TODAY! 408-365-8400 Fax: 408-365-8417

Lean backward

Thomas Sawhill, P.T. Physical Therapist, CEO

Health & Fitness

Do You Desire a Pain Free New Year?

Doyouhavepain in the neckor back? Doyouhavenumbness, weakness, cramping, or pain in thearmsor legs?

Discover theTop 4Ways ToRelieve SPINAL STENOSIS...

support.

Inside: Exercise Essentials Is Your Pain Caused By Spinal Stenosis? Now Is The Time For Resolutions

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