Health & Wellness Newsletter by Physical Therapy Institute of Illinois
Health&Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
Is Your Back Pain Being Caused By Your Hips?
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states that over 80% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their life. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 149 million workdays are lost due to back pain.
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Al Flores, PT, CFCE Director of Rehab
Health & Wellness The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
Is Your Back Pain Being Caused By Your Hips?
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You may be thinking, “What do my hips have to do with my back pain?” Well, your hips have a very large range of motion that works together with the movement of your back. Your hips contain thick Y-shaped ligaments known as “iliofemoral ligaments” that work to provide support. With prolonged sitting over weeks, months, or years, these ligaments shrink, reducing the natural movement of the hip joints. When the iliofemoral ligaments shrink, they begin to yank and pull on the pelvis, which is attached to your spine – thus causing back pain. Additionally, this can cause the pelvis to tilt, altering the posture of your spine and increasing strain. Luckily, this can be resolved through improving your hip mobility. Contact Physical Therapy Institute of Illinois today to find out how!
While millions of Americans experience back pain, the majority of back pain cases are non-specific, meaning that there is not a primary cause, such as a fracture or disc protrusion. With non-specific back pain, there are usually 3 common factors that are contributing to it:
1. Poor posture.
2. Weak core and gluteus muscles.
3. Poor hip flexibility.
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HOW CAN I TELL IF MY HIPS ARE HEALTHY? Your hips are part of a kinetic chain, meaning that they make up a combination of weight-bearing joints that must function together in harmony in order for your body and posture to function properly. If one part of the kinetic chain is out of balance, stress may be placed on another part of the body – such as the back.
Fortunately, you can test your hip mobility with some at-home tests. If you notice that any of these bring you pain or discomfort, don’t hesitate to contact PhysicalTherapy Institute of Illinois as soon as possible to find relief.
1. Hip Mobility Test • Lie on your back with your legs straight out.
• Cross one ankle above the other knee, cross-legged in a “figure 4” position. • Keep your ankle pressed on the other leg, but now lower the raised knee to the side. Does it lower close to the ground?
• If you feel a lot of pressure in your knees or calf muscles, you could have a hip movement problem. • Try again in front of a mirror. Does your body want to go to one side? This can indicate a hip motion problem on one side. If you are looking for a safe and effective treatment method for treating your back pain and figuring out if it is originating from your hips, contact PhysicalTherapy Institute of Illinois today to consult with one of our physical therapists. Your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive exam to determine the best individualized treatment plan for your needs. This will include targeted stretches and exercises in addition to any pain-relief modalities your physical therapist deems fit. Our mission is to help relieve your painful back symptoms while simultaneously improving your hip mobility, strength, and function. Contact us today to get started on the first steps toward relief!
• Repeat on the other side and see if there is a difference.
• This might indicate a hip motion problem and cause back pain or hip discomfort on that side.
2. Hip Squatting Test • Keep your knees parallel, facing forward.
• Squat down as far as you can, keeping your feet and heels flat on the floor.
COME BACK IN FOR A CONSULTATION! Whether you want to come in for a check-up, suffered a recent injury or you want to improve your health, you can choose the physical therapy practice you want! Come back to PTII for a consultation today!
See our physical therapists for: • Recent injury • Nagging aches and pains • Back and neck pain • Joint pain and movement problems • Walking or balance difficulties
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FOX RIVER GROVE LOCATION: 1009 IL Route 22 Suite 1 Fox River Grove, IL 60021-1998
PARK RIDGE LOCATION: 1550 North Northwest Highway Suite 120 Park Ridge, IL 60068
T 847-462-8707 F 847-462-9208
T 847-298-3079 F 847-298-4019
PATIENT SPOTLIGHT
THERAPIST SPOTLIGHT
Michael Geimer, PT, Dip. MDT
“Therapists are interested in helping you recover quickly and safely. I feel my daughter’s fast progress was because of the care she received from Joy.” - F.S. “I feel my daughter’s fast progress was because of the care she received from Joy.”
Mike Geimer is the Lead Physical Therapist of our Park Ridge and Fox River Grove clinics. He runs the Neck and Low Back Pain Center, which focuses on the conservative treatment of neck and low back pain.
Mike received his Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy in 1977 from Marquette University. He was one of the first to receive an advanced diploma in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Dip. MDT) in the state of IL in 1998 from the prestigious McKenzie Institute and is currently one of seven McKenzie Diplomats in the state. Mike specializes in the conservative treatment of pain in the spine, including the neck, mid-back and low back in patients from ages 8 – 80. He has helped thousands of his patients avoid surgery and have a better quality of life. In his free time, Mike enjoys golfing, spending time with his adult children and travelling with his wife.
HEALTHY RECIPE EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT
Try these exercises to get you moving...
Exercisescopyrightof
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HIP ABDUCTION - SIDELYING While lying on your side, slowly raise up your top leg to the side. Keep your knee straight and maintain your toes pointed forward the entire time. The bottom leg can be bent to stabilize your body.
HIP ADDUCTION - SIDELYING Lie flat on your side. Place a rolled towel between your waist and the floor, directly above your hips. Position your bottom leg in line with your trunk. Bend your top knee and place your foot flat on the ground directly in front of your bottom knee. Lift your bottom foot as high off the ground as you can, keeping your knee straight. Relax your leg back to the start position.
Relieves Tight Hips
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.
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