TherapyWorks_VibrantHealth.Is Back Pain Slowing You Down

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.

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Is Back Pain Slowing You Down?

A L S O I N S I D E : What YOU Can Do To Prevent Back Pain • Helping You Move and Feel Better Virtually! • Get Ready For Summer! • Patient Success Spotlight

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Is Back Pain Slowing You Down?

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. BACK PAIN SOLUTIONS 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 know why it started. Whether you’ve tweaked a muscle or have a deeper injury, a spine specialist can help.

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. WHAT CAUSES BACK PAIN? A few things cause back pain. The American Physical Therapy Association covers each of these, but the following are leading causes:

· Improper lifting form · Limited hip, spine and thigh muscle flexibility · Bad abdominal, pelvic and back muscle coordination

· Spinal and core muscle weaknesses · Bad posture · Spinal muscle and tissue damage

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What YOU Can Do To Prevent Back Pain

you can keep them strong. Train your core muscles. In doing so, you’ll easily control quick, lifting movements. It never hurts to visit a physical therapist, either. Get regular check-ups, and make sure your body is in good condition. If you have a history of back injuries, pain or minor aches, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional. You deserve a pain-free life, and your back will thank you. 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

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. LIFT PROPERLY You pick things up constantly. Even if you’re lifting something light, 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. 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. USE STRENGTH TRAINING Your body has hundreds of muscles. These muscles protect and control your spine. By lifting weights, running and swimming,

Helping You Move and Feel Better Virtually!

TelePT is a tool we are using at our clinic to get you the physical therapy you need, so you can feel better during these uncertain times. With TelePT, everything you need from your physical therapist can be conducted from the comfort of your own home via your smartphone or computer. Have a question you need to ask your physical therapist? Looking for advice about your current condition? Want to track the progress you’ve been making? TelePT makes all of this possible for you, while still ensuring that you are safely distancing at home! To learn more about our TelePT services, give us a call today, or schedule your first virtual appointment online!

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has caused limitations in access to needed physical therapy care, we as medical professionals are diligently trying to serve you in the best ways possible without risking the spread of this disease. In times like these, with increased stress, pain, and limitations in movement, life can feel miserable. However, just because you can’t get out to physical therapy, it doesn’t mean that we can’t come to you, right through your own computer or mobile device! We are now able to offer you a way to continue the benefits of your physical therapy treatment, in the comfort of your own home, with cutting-edge TelePT services.

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Get Ready For Summer With These Tips!

Staff Spotlight

3. Sip on a mug of herbal tea every evening. If you make this a habit, you’ll add an extra cup of fluid to your body every single day. 4. Eat a diet rich in whole foods. By eating foods like vegetables, fruits, and yogurt, you’ll automatically up your fluid intake. If you’re an elderly adult, it’s especially important to pay attention to hydration. Aging impairs the body’s natural thirst mechanisms, which makes it easier to become dehydrated. These tips should make hydration a habit in your life. Remember to always keep a water bottle as a physical reminder to drink even if you’re not thirsty.

Staying hydrated has real advantages, including helping you maintain your energy and focus. It’s important to give your drinking habits the attention they deserve. Here are some simple ways to stay hydrated this summer. 1. Always carry a water bottle. If you have a bottle within arm’s reach, it’s very likely that you’ll mindlessly sip from it throughout the day, without having to make a conscious effort. 2. When you’re feeling frazzled, grab a glass of cold water. Studies show that people instantly feel more alert after drinking H2O.

Cindy Johnson Owner, MSPT

Cindy completed her pre-physical therapy studies at the University of Florida and received her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy at the Medical College of Georgia in 1988. She later received her master’s degree in Biomechanics and Exercise Physiology from the University of Kansas in 1996 with a research focus on the spine. In addition, she completed a 2-year certification process in manual therapy in 2008. She has a special interest in orthopedics, manual therapy, and women’s health. Cindy is a member of numerous professional and civic organizations and currently serves on several not-for-profit boards. Cindy and her husband Chris have 4 children. Her hobbies include travel, hiking, camping, and numerous kids activities.

Exercise Essentials Relieve Pain In Minutes!

SIDELYING TRUNK ROTATION While lying on your side with your arms out-stretched in front of your body, slowly twist your upper body to the side and rotate your spine. Your arms and head should also be rotating along with the spine as shown. Follow your hand with your eyes. Hold for 20 seconds repeat 3 times on each side.

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Start Feeling Better Today! Call Us At (785) 749-1300 Or Visit Us Online At www.therapyworkskansas.com

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