Physical Therapy Newsletter by Therapy Works
Getting To The Core Of YOUR BACK & NECK PAIN Health If you suffer from an aching back or neck pain, it could simply be that your core muscles are weak. You may have heard of the term “core”, but what is it? Your core is the foundation of your body and like a building, needs to be strong and supportive. If your foundation is weak or crooked, then the other structures, which rely on this, will not function properly. However, unlike a building, your core needs to not only be strong and supportive, but also move. The timing and strength of the various muscle contractions is critical for your proper body function. When it isn’t, abnormal strains occur to your spine, causing a lot of common aches and pains. Your core muscles consist of a wide variety of skeletal muscles that keep you erect and help you move around on two feet. The core is a group of muscles in the pelvis, spine, abdominal and upper thigh areas. These muscles are arranged in different angles that are layered to give you support and stability. Why do most people suffer from back pain? Most people will experience back pain sometime in their life due to core muscle weakness. When the spinal joints, hip joints, sacroiliac joints and the muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, spine and hips don’t move well, a resulting strain occurs on the spine. This causes pain and can occur at any stage of life. However, this typically happens as we become older and less active as adults.
& Fitness
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Getting To The Core Of YOUR BACK & NECK PAIN (continued) How does the core become weak? A simple answer; use it or lose it. Our lifestyles today put us more at risk with prolonged sitting at work, sitting in the car, bending forward, watching TV, poor posture and many other factors which contribute to core weakness. Once the core is weakened, the weight of your body rests on your spinal discs, joints and ligaments causing long term damage. Medication, injections and other treatments can help with pain control, but do not address the root cause of the problem, which is core weakness. If you have ever had a surgery that involves cutting through the abdominal or pelvic walls, this weakens the core. In addition, prolonged illness and bed rest also weaken the core. Another common reason for core weakness in women is from childbirth and c-sections. This severely weakens the core. The answer to helping most back pain suffers and preventing future injuries, is to strengthen the core with professional help. Specialized training and exercise techniques can be done to strengthen your core, relieving stress on the spine. Physical Therapists are the medical professionals most uniquely qualified to evaluate and treat back pain resulting from core weakness. Working with your physician, we thoroughly evaluate your movement, alignment and strength. After we determine where the root cause of the problem is coming from, we then put together a comprehensive treatment plan to help restore core strength and movement. This helps you to not only have relief from back pain, but teaches you the right exercises, posture and movement to prevent future problems and maintain a strong, healthy core. To see how we can help you have a strong core and relieve your back pain, call us today or go online for more information. Most any type of exercise can reduce your risk of low-back pain by between 25% to 40%. JAMA Internal Medicine, Jan. 2016
Tortola (284) 494-4678
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Patient Spotlight:
“I’m moving around better!”
“On February 10th, 2016, I walked into Therapy Works with tons of lower back pain that prevented me from a good night’s sleep which I’ve experienced for over 4 years. Seeking for some kind of relief I made sure I did all my exercises from the easiest to the most difficult and not to mention the most challenging ones. I’m very pleased that I took the step to making my lower back stronger. I can now sleep at night and I’m moving around a lot better. All the staff was very friendly and assisted as needed. Thank you Therapy Works. You have definitely made a difference in my life!” - Syria T.
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Experience The Benefits Of STRETCHING
As you age, your muscle tissue actually dries out a little, tightening. This causes a loss of range of motion in your joints and tissues. In addition to the loss of range of motion, it can really limit your active lifestyles and hinder day-to-day, normal motions. Tasks that used to be simple, such as dressing or squatting down to tie your shoes, now become extremely difficult. A regular stretching program helps lengthen your muscles and makes daily living activities much easier. Everyonecan learn tostretch, regardless of age or flexibility. Stretching should
be a part of your daily routine, whether you exercise or not. It does not have to involve a huge amount of time, but stretching can end up giving you huge results! Stretching is a natural part of what we do on a daily basis. You might notice that if you have been sitting in a particular position for a long time, you stretch unconsciously. It feels good! In addition to that good feeling, a consistent stretching program will produce large gains in flexibility and joint movement. Be kind to your muscles and they will be kind to you!
Do You Have An Ache Or Pain? a Do you have difficulty reaching? a Do you ache throughout the day? a Do you have trouble sleeping due to pain? If you have answered “Yes” to any of the questions above and are looking for help to relieve your problem then CALL TODAY!
FREE PAIN CHECK-UP
Offer valid for the first 25 people to schedule. Expires 01-30-17. Tortola: (284)494-4678 St.Thomas: (340)779-4678 Virgin Gorda: (284)495-5678
Exercise Essentials Try this simple exercise to relieve pain... Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
Helps Relieve Back Pain
DEAD BUG | HEEL TOUCHES Lie on back, hands up, knees up and engage your core. Slowly lower one heel to the ground. Alternate sides. Keep core engaged. Repeat 8 times.
Exercisescopyrightof
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Think Therapy Works FIRST
Why You Need To Come In For Another Check-Up: • Move without pain • Bend and move freely • Balance confidently and securely • Sit for long periods comfortably • Walk for long distances • Live an active and healthy lifestyle Tortola: (284)494-4678
St.Thomas: (340)779-4678 Virgin Gorda: (284)495-5678
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