It’s the end of the day and your head is pounding and your neck is aching. Was it the work you were doing? Was it the stress or the way you were sitting? Your neck is an intricate structure with hundreds of muscles and nerves. The joints in your neck provide movement, while the discs in between the bones give support and shock absorption. In today’s world of sitting for long periods at work, being on your computer and at home watching TV, your neck muscles, joints and nerves can become strained.
BAT T L I NG BACK PA I N
It’s the end of the day and your head is pounding and your neck is aching. Was it the work you were doing? Was it the stress or the way you were sitting? Your neck is an intricate structure with hundreds of muscles and nerves. The joints in your neck provide movement, while the discs in between ...
I N S I D E IS BACK PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN? FINDING BACK PAIN SOLUTIONS EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
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N E W S L E T T E R
I S BACK PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN?
(Continued from outside) ...the bones give support and shock absorption. In today’s world of sitting for long periods at work, being on your computer and at home watching TV, your neck muscles, joints and nerves can become strained.
What Causes Back Pain? The forward head position puts a strain on the neck muscles resulting in general muscle tension in the head. A few things cause back pain. The American Physical TherapyAssociation covers each of these, but the following are leading causes:
• Spinal & core muscle weaknesses • Bad posture • Spinal muscle & tissue damage
• Improper lifting form • Limited hip, spine, & thigh muscle flexibility • Bad abdominal, pelvic, & back muscle coordination
OVER 80 PERCENT OF THE U.S. POPULATION WILL SUFFER FROM IT AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIFETIME.
Back pain can hinder your day-to-day activities. Left untreated, it can even lead to long-term joint, spine and nerve damage. As one of the most common physical complaints, over 80 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime. The pain itself can hinder your ability to reach, lean, kneel, lift or bend. It can also hinder your time spent with friends and family. Direct pain aside, minor aches and cramps associated with a back pain problem can make you irritable—ruining your good time.
Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seek treatment when back pain arises. Before they know it, they have a big problem. They might assume nothing—except for medication—can solve their back pain problem. Medication might mask the pain, but it won’t cure the problem’s root cause. Get Moving Today with AgeWell Physical Therapy! Call 516.488.8808 to talk with your physical therapist!
BACK PA I N SO LU T I ONS
You’re in luck: Back pain can be cured! The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke covers a number of back pain remedies. These include the use of strength exercise, physical therapy and medication. Where medication is considered, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesic medications and counter-irritants are the most popular. Before you can treat your back pain, however, you need to knowwhy it started. Whetheryou’ve tweaked a muscle or have a deeper injury, a spine specialist can help. Back Pain Prevention A little prevention goes a long way. If you want to avoid future back pain, you can make sure you’re being good to your back. 1. Lift Properly You pick things up constantly. Even if you’re lifting something right, make sure you’re facing the object.
Squat, keeping your spine straight. Lift with your leg muscles, as this will reduce the pressure placed on your spine. 2. Use Good Posture When you’re standing, imagine a string is attached to the top of your head—lifting you up. This will keep your hips, spine, shoulders and neck aligned. If you’re sitting, don’t slouch. 3. Use StrengthTraining Your body has hundreds of muscles. These muscles protect and control your spine. By lifting weights, running and swimming, you can keep them strong. Train your core muscles. In doing so, you’ll easily control quick, lifting movements.
Sources http://www.apta.org/
https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain- Fact-Sheet
E X E R C I S E E S S E N T I A L S
T RY T H I S E X E RC I S E F OR BACK PA I N R E L I E F
Exercisescopyrightof
SUPPORT E D BR I DG E
Lieonyourbackwithkneesbentandfeethipdistance apart. Place your feet close enough so they can be touched by your finger tips. Inhale and lift the hips, placeablockunderthesacrum.Keepthechestopen. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
Ms. Joyce Lenard was treated for 2 weeks to address sudden onset severe low back pain. She was desperate to feel better so she could take a trip to Israel. She came for PT 3 days a week for 2 weeks and was compliant with her home exercise program. She showed steady improvement from her first treatment. Joyce was able to take her once in a lifetime family vacation including long round trip flights and lengthy excursions requiring hiking and climbing, all the while enjoying every minute with no low back pain and no functional limitation. WHAT OUR PAT I ENT S ARE SAY I NG PAT I E N T S U C C E S S S P OT L I GH T
NCS & EMG T EST I NG
Nerve Conduction Studies (NCS) and Electromyagraphy (EMG) are used together to assess nerve health and help therapists detect and diagnose nerve and muscle disorders.
ULTRASOUND D I AGNOST I C
Ultrasound imaging is a safe, advanced, non-invasive technology used by your physical therapist to assist in assessing your condition more effectively and guide your therapist to design the most appropriate treatment plan for you.
STAFF SPOTL IGHT Milena Alicandro, OTR, CHT , Occupational Therapist p: 516-488-8808 | e: milena@livewellot.org
AVA I L ABL E TO YOU !
Milena Alicandro OTR, CHT, owner of LiveWell Occupational Therapy recently became a NY board certified hand therapist. Milena has been practicing as an OT for over 30 years. She is extremely proficient in all aspects of Occupational Therapy, is an expert in all hand therapy and in designing and fabricating custom splints for all upper extremity problems. Milena speaks English and Italian and is very dedicated and caring to all of her clients. She can be reached at: milena@livewellot.org or 516-488-8808.
These valuable tests are available for AgeWell clients and the local community. These tests are expertly done, promptly
written and available to be shared with your doctor.
Keep Moving with LiveWell! Call 516.488.8808 to schedule your appointment today!
www.agewellpt.com
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