Spine injuries (Neck and Back Pain)
The spine is one of the most complex areas of the human body, comprising more than 30 small bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are held together by muscles, tendons, and ligaments and are cushioned by intervertebral disks. Together, these components surround and protect the spinal cord.
Spinal Conditions Treated
1. Stenosis
2. Strains and sprains
3. Disc injury
4. Sciatica
5. Radiculopathy
6. Arthritis
7. Instability
Most acute spinal pain injuries are simple tissue injuries that calm and heal pretty much on their own . Some disorders of the spine do not settle within expected healing time and there are many factors that may contribute to one's pain experience.
- Structural injury or pathology (only in 10% of cases in lower back injuries). A disc injury would be an example.
- Issues in your daily life such as lack of sleep, decreased activity and stress, home and work environmental factors
- Poor control with posture and the way you control your spine with daily activities
- Nervous system changes that result in lowering your pain tolerance - meaning that things that wouldn't normally hurt you do cause pain now!
- Poor conditioning, strength and endurance of different muscle groups
- Psychological factors such as excessive attention on pain, fear of movement, anxiety, negative beliefs regarding your pain and mood changes
- Genetic factors - these can actually be influenced by what we do throughout our lives.
At SMART Physical Therapy we will consider these factors described by Dr. Peter O'Sullivan in his "Cognitive Functional Therapy" approach. We use a patient centered approach
Click here to listen to an interview with Peter O'Sullivan and learn more about Cognitive Functional Therapy.