The Pittman CONNECTION The Newsletter About Your Health And Caring For Your Body
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6BackPROBLEMSYouShouldn't Ignore Plus: Physical TherapyHelps!
Do you feel aches and pains in your lower back? If so, you are not alone. Four out of every five Americans will suffer fromback pain at some time in their lives. Without proper spine mobility, stability and alignment your back structures wear down over time, similar to tires that are out of alignment. There are many different back conditions, but here are a few common ones: 1. Lumbar or sacral radiculopathy: The result of pressure on a nerve exiting the spine. Pain, numbness and tingling can be felt down in different parts of the leg. 2. Sciatica: This comes from compression of the sciatic nerve by a muscle called the piriformis, deep in the buttock. Symptoms can radiate down the buttock and leg. 3. Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the bony spinal canal which causes rubbing or pressure on nerves. Central canal stenosis is quite serious as it presses upon the spinal cord. 4. Lumbar sprain/strain: This is a common cause of low back pain due to injury of muscles and tendons. The
rows of muscles that run up and down the sides of the spinal column, are the major muscle groups usually involved in lower back injury. 5. Fractures: These are due to trauma, or sometimes occur without any injury in people with osteoporosis. 6. Spinal cord compression: This is unusual, but very worrisome and may be associated with weakness and loss of bowel/bladder control. Medication and Bed Rest Most lower back pain sufferers try over the counter drugs and bed rest. However, most self remedies will not provide the relief that you need. In fact, bed rest is the wrong thing to do, because it can weaken the spinal muscles further. Weakness in the spinal muscles is one of the main reasons for low back pain and puts you at risk for injuring your back with common activities such as lifting, bending or squatting. Most of us sit too much and this contributes to severe weakening of the back and torsomuscles which are needed for a healthy back.
How Physical Therapy Helps The sooner you get physical therapy help, the faster you will get relief. This translates into fewer missedwork days and needless spending on drugs that have unpleasant side effects. Putting off treatment could lead to loss of movement, loss of coordination and even loss of independence. Our expert physical therapists help you regain proper mobility and stability of your spine, reduce pain and teach you how to take care of your spine. Talk to your doctor or give us a call today to learn more about our spine program.
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