Back Pain Treatment
In-depth patient information on full range of non-surgical back pain treatments.
- Back Pain Treatment
- Back Pain Exercises
- Back Pain Treatment Research Articles
- Back Pain Videos — Treatments (non surgical)
Back Pain Treatment
Scoliosis Treatment
Updated October 7, 2007
There are essentially three scoliosis treatment
options for adolescents primarily based on the
size of the curvature and the age of the patient:
observation, back braces, and surgery. Read
more...
How
to select the best chiropractor
Updated September 6, 2007
Some patients prefer the immediate feeling of relief
offered by the “joint
popping” type of manipulation by a chiropractor, while others cringe at
the mere thought and request a low-force type of technique. This article outlines
several issues to consider when selecting the best chiropractor for your back
care. Read more...
By:
Kelly Andrews, DC
What to
expect at your first chiropractic visit
Updated August 2, 2007
At your first appointment, chiropractors typically complete a thorough consultation
that includes your patient history, a physical examination, a review of diagnostic
studies (when indicated), diagnosis, and a treatment plan tailored for you. Read
more...
By: Peter J. Schubbe, DC
Living
with spinal stenosis
July 25, 2007
Many people with lumbar spinal stenosis find that they can successfully
manage their condition through an easy self care program including specific
exercises, posture changes, pain management and nutrition. Read
more...
By: Grant Cooper, MD
Heat wrap therapy can reduce post-exercise low back pain
March 14, 2007
According to this recent study, it is now possible
to avoid some of the low back pain that typically follows exercise involving
the lower back muscles by using heat wrap therapy prior to and after exercise.
Read
more...
By:
John Mayer, DC, PhD
McKenzie therapy for mechanical low back pain
March 8, 2007
McKenzie Therapy is a multi-dimensional approach to classifying and
treating mechanical low back pain. The McKenzie Method is designed to centralize
pain so that it becomes more tolerable for the patient. This goal is achieved
through completing prescribed exercises. Read
more...
By: Thomas E. (Ted) Dreisinger, PhD
Myofascial
therapy to treat acute and chronic pain
February 20, 2007
Tightness within the fascial system—the web of connective tissue that spreads
throughout the body and surrounds muscles, bones, and organs—can be a source
of back pain. Myofascial Release therapy is a low load stretch that is designed
to relieve pain by releasing tightness within the fascia. Read
more...
By: Lisa Ganfield, OTR/L, CHT
Living
with degenerative disc disease
February 16, 2007
This article outlines the four key components of a self-care program for patients
to manage the low back pain and other symptoms of degenerative disc disease and
avoid surgery. Read more...
By: J. Talbot Sellers,
DO
Prolotherapy for Low Back Pain
January 30, 2007
Several studies of patients with low back pain show benefits from prolotherapy, yet more research is necessary to demonstrate conclusively if and how prolotherapy works to provide relief from low back pain. For now, patients should consider prolotherapy as one of many treatment options available to them. Read more...
By: Simon Dagenais, PhD
Breaking the
cycle of chronic pain and insomnia
Updated September 7, 2006
The majority of patients suffering from chronic pain, such as chronic back pain,
also suffer from sleep disorders. Disrupted sleep often exacerbates chronic pain
problems, which in turn makes sleeping more difficult. This article reviews several
behavioral and medical approaches, including prescription sleep aids, that can
help treat both chronic pain and sleeping problems. Read
more...
By: William W. Deardorff, PhD, ABPP
4
proven steps to prevent osteoporosis fractures
August 29, 2006
Spine fractures can be severely disabling, often resulting in chronic pain, spinal
deformity, and loss of independence. Once a spine fracture has occurred, it usually
means the patient has advanced osteoporosis and is susceptible to more disabling
vertebral fractures. The key is to prevent osteoporosis and fractures from ever
occurring. Read more...
By: Scott Boden, MD
Pain killer addiction treatment
August 14, 2006
When patients take narcotic pain killers to avoid the withdrawal symptoms, rather
than to treat the pain that caused them to take the medicine initially, the patient
is considered to be addicted. Rapid opiate detoxification programs, such as Accelerated
Opiate Neuro-regulation, can help patients through the withdrawal process in
a manner that is relatively brief, safe, and with a minimum of withdrawal symptoms.
Read more...
By: Clifford A. Bernstein, MD
Low back
pain and degenerative disc disease treatments
Updated
May 3, 2006
The treatment options for degenerative disc
disease are either passive or active. Usually a combination
of treatments is used to help control the symptoms.
Passive treatments are rarely effective on their
own - some active component is almost always required. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Ahh... ice massage for pain relief
Updated April
24, 2006
Most episodes of back pain are caused by muscle strain. When injured, the large
muscles in the low back can become inflamed and spasm, causing low back pain
and significant stiffness. Ice massage therapy can provide pain relief by slowing
the inflammation and swelling that occurs after back injury and muscle strain,
helping to slow the nerve impulses in the affected area. Read
more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Lumbar stabilization as physical
therapy for lower back pain
April 2, 2001
Dynamic Lumbar Stabilization is designed to strengthen muscles to support the
spine and help prevent lower back pain. This article addresses this active form
of physical therapy. Read more...
By: Andrew J Cole, MD
The osteopathic
medical visit
February 9, 2001
There are a number of things a back pain patient can
expect from a medical examination by a Doctor of Osteopathy
(D.O.). This article focuses on treatment options a D.O.
can offer. Read more...
By: Wolfgang Gilliar, DO
Osteopathic medicine and
back pain
February 9, 2001
Osteopathic Physicians, also known as Doctors of Osteopathic
Medicine or Doctors of Osteopathy ( D.O.), diagnose and
treat all illnesses and injuries and many specialize in
treating back pain. This feature looks at the role of
the D.O. and how they can help back pain patients. Read
more...
By: Wolfgang Gilliar, DO
Prolotherapy and chronic
back pain
January 25, 2001
Prolotherapy is a non-surgical injection procedure
used to treat connective tissue injuries of the musculoskeletal
system that have not healed by either rest or conservative
therapy. This article provides an overview on this procedure
and addresses potential risks. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD and Bjorn Eek, MD
Osteoarthritis treatments
- Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements
November 28, 2000
For patients who have evidence of osteoarthritis in
their spine (as seen on an x-ray) and who have had other
causes of back pain and neck pain ruled out by their health
care provider, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate
may be a treatment option. Read
more...
By: Christopher D. Chaput, MD
Specialists who treat
back pain
November 14, 2000
There are many types of health practitioners that care
for patients with spinal conditions, and each has a slightly
different role. The practitioner a patient chooses largely
depends on the condition, diagnosis, or symptoms. Read
more...
By: Philip R. Shalen, MD
The integrated approach
to back pain treatment
September 5, 2000 (updated November 2000)
Before choosing which type of specialist should treat
your back pain, you should know that each kind of specialist
has different training and interests, and that no one
type of physician treats all types of back pain, neck
pain or other musculoskeletal conditions. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr.
Chiropractic treatments for whiplash
August 22, 2000
Chiropractors use a systematic approach to help patients
overcome the pain that comes with whiplash. Read more...
By: Donald Murphy, DC
The myths and
reality of back pain
July 7, 2000
Misconceptions about back pain exist for both patients
and doctors. This article addresses a number of the more
common misconceptions about back pain and neck pain. Read
more...
By: Andrew J. Cole, MD
Effective
coping strategies for chronic pain
June 14, 2000
Whatever your medical condition, there are a number
of effective strategies for coping with chronic pain.
These techniques generally include relaxation training,
hypnosis, biofeedback and guided imagery. Read
more...
By: Andrew R. Block, PhD
Treatment options
for a lumbar herniated disk
May 8, 2000 (Updated January 28, 2003)
Treatment for lumbar disk herniations will largely
depend on the length of time the patient has had his or
her symptoms and the severity of the pain. Generally,
patients will be advised to start with 6 to 12 weeks of
conservative treatment (such as physical therapy). Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr, MD
Chiropractic
treatments of the sacroiliac joint
May 7, 2000
Today, patients with sacroiliac joint pain have a variety
of first-line chiropractic treatment procedures available
to them. Read
more...
By: Steven G. Yeomans, DC, FACO
Introduction to
conservative care
October 1999
Most episodes of back pain will get better with time
and conservative treatments. Read
more...
Electrotherapy for
pain relief
November 1999
Recent scientific studies have proven that electricity
can reduce acute and chronic pain. Learn about today's
electric stimulants and how they may benefit you. Read
more...
By: John Revord, MD
All about
chiropractic treatments
September 12, 1999
Read all about chiropractics, the role of the Doctor
of Chiropractic (D.C.), What happens when the spine is "adjusted",
different therapies, education, and more. Read
more...
By: Steven G. Yeomans, DC
First steps
in caring for low back pain
October 1999
This article provides a useful overview for self-care
at the onset of back pain. Read
more...
By Peter F. Ullrich, MD
Snow removal techniques to prevent
low back injuries
January 27, 2006
Winter low back pain from snow removal can be prevented with correct snow shoveling
technique. These tips give pointers on finding the right shovel, proper shoveling
posture, and exercises to relieve muscle strain. Read
more…
By: Peter J. Schubbe, D.C.
Pain-free travel tips
December 6, 2005
For many people with back pain or neck pain, the prospect
of a long trip can be daunting. These travel tips can help to prevent
the aggravation of back and neck conditions with strategies for packing,
lifting, stretching, and more. Read more...
By: Ron Miller, PT
What is the McKenzie Method for back
pain and neck pain?
November 14, 2005
The McKenzie Method is an overall philosophy of physical therapy and exercise
that "centralizes" a patient's pain into the back, away from the legs
and arms, and then teaches patients self-healing techniques, including exercise,
for managing their own back pain or neck pain long-term. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Hip joint injections for pain relief
August 23, 2005
A hip joint injection is a procedure that involves
injecting medicine into the joint located where the leg
and the pelvis join. It may be beneficial for patients
suffering from leg, hip, buttock or lower back pain that
results from arthritis, mechanical stress or injury to
the joint. Read
more…
By: Ray M. Baker, M.D.
Reducing back pain while sitting
in office chairs
July 11, 2005
Sitting for prolonged periods of time in an office chair can be a major cause
of back pain. This article offers some important guidelines to help make sure
that your office chair and work area are as comfortable as possible and cause
the least amount of stress to your spine. Read
more...
By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD
Osteoarthritis Complete Treatment Guide
May 25, 2005
While there is currently no proven treatment to stop or slow the progression
of osteoarthritis in the spine, there are treatments to alleviate the pain and
other symptoms. Most people will benefit from a combination of lifestyle changes—particularly
exercise. In only the most severe cases will surgery be necessary. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Non-surgical
Osteoarthritis treatments
May 25, 2005
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and find the best treatments for
pain from spinal arthritis. Most patients find pain relief from a combination
of conservative care treatments, including heat/cold therapy, gentle exercise,
and medications, and may require treatment by a multi-disciplinary team of medical
professionals. Only the most severe cases tend to require surgery.Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
More
Osteoarthritis treatments
May 25, 2005
It is important to get an accurate diagnosis and find
the best treatments for pain from spinal arthritis. Some patients find
relief from a combination of conservative (including alternative) treatments,
such as manipulation, massage therapy, relaxation, TENS, acupuncture, support
devices, weight control, and healthy lifestyle choices. Read more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
FDA advisory
on Bextra, Celebrex and other NSAIDs
May 16, 2005
Recent FDA reviews have resulted in the withdrawal
of Bextra, commonly used for arthritis and back pain,
and stronger label warnings for Celebrex and other
NSAIDs. Further investigation is in process on specific
brands or pain medication as not all NSAIDs carry the
same risks. Read
more...
By: Doug Hendricks, MD
COX-2 inhibitors - Celebrex and Bextra
information
October 7, 2003 (Updated March 23, 2005)
Due to the new label warnings for Bextra and recent concerns about COX-2 inhibitor
health risks, it’s especially important for patients to follow Celebrex
and Bextra usage recommendations and know when to consult a physician. This article
clearly explains the known side effects of Celebrex and Bextra as well as the
important new guidelines from the FDA. Read more...
By: Donald Frisco, MD
Understanding COX-2 inhibitor
side effects
February 9, 2005
Following the Vioxx recall, the FDA issued a new advisory
for physicians prescribing Celebrex, Bextra and other NSAIDs to their
patients. This article summarizes the recent study findings and FDA recommendations
regarding COX-2 inhibitors and naproxen, and provides several guidelines
for safe use of these medications for arthritis and back pain. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich,
Jr., MD
Safe use of COX-2 inhibitors
and other NSAIDs
February 9, 2005
In light of new information about health risks associated
with COX-2 inhibitors and some other NSAIDs, treatment options will vary
from patient to patient based on individual risk factors, treatment needs
and past experiences taking NSAIDs. Patients are recommended to meet
with a physician to determine the safest and most effective arthritis
and back pain medications. Read more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Vioxx recall and recommendations
January 31, 2005
Since the voluntary recall of Vioxx, a brand of COX-2
inhibitor commonly prescribed for arthritis and different types of back
pain, many patients have concerns about other brands of COX-2 inhibitors
such as Bextra and Celebrex. This article explains the events that led
to the Vioxx recall and outlines the current FDA recommendations for
patients using COX-2 inhibitors and other NSAIDs. Read
more...
By: Gunnar B.J.
Andersson, MD, PhD
Insights and advice about
herniated discs
January 19, 2005
Getting an accurate diagnosis and finding
the best treatments for pain from a herniated
disc can be challenging. Some patients find that
a combination of conservative treatment options
work s best, (such as medications, injections,
and physical therapy), while other patients may
find that early surgical intervention is necessary
to find adequate relief from the pain and symptoms
caused by a herniated disc. Read
more...
By: John P. Revord, MD
Radiofrequency neurotomy for facet
and sacroiliac joint pain
December 27, 2004
Radiofrequency neurotomy is a pain management option
for certain types of back pain that uses a heat lesion designed to interrupt
the nerve's pain signals to the brain. This article explains the injection
process as well as the expected results. Read
more...
By: Ray Baker, MD
Review of adjustable beds
December 14, 2004
Patients with back pain should be especially choosy
about the type of bed and mattress they sleep on. There is very little
research in general about what types of mattresses and beds are best
for the back—and no real medical research about adjustable beds.
This article answers questions about how an adjustable bed works and
how it could potentially help some patients to sleep more comfortably
in an inclined position rather than on a flat mattress.
Read more...
By: Ron Miller, PT
Food for thought: diet and nutrition
for a healthy back
December 10, 2004
Patients with back problems may not be aware that diet
and nutrition play a major role in nourishing spinal structures, preventing
problems and healing from injuries. Using these nutrition guidelines,
patients can integrate back-friendly vitamins and nutrients (especially
calcium) into their diets. Read more...
By:
Kelly Andrews, DC
Cervical, thoracic and lumbar facet
joint injections
November 12, 2004
The facet joints can become painful due to arthritis
of the spine, a back injury or mechanical stress to the back. The pain
relief from a facet joint injection is intended to help a patient better
tolerate a physical therapy routine to rehabilitate his or her injury
or back condition. Read more...
By: Ray Baker, MD
Costotransverse and costovertebral
joint injections
September 24, 2004
Costotransverse and costovertebral joint injections
both involve carefully injecting medication into the small joints where
the ribs join with the spine in the upper back. The injections are used
to both confirm a diagnosis that these joints are the source of the patient’s
upper back pain as well as to provide pain relief. Read
more...
By: Ray Baker, MD
Cervical, thoracic and lumbar interlaminar
epidural injections
September 10, 2004
An epidural injection delivers steroids into the epidural
space around spinal nerve roots to relieve back pain, leg pain, or other
pain caused by irritated spinal nerves. The steroid used in the injection
reduces the inflammation of those nerves, which is often the source of
the pain. Read more...
By: Ray Baker, MD
Choosing the best
mattress for low back pain
August 19, 2004
A mattress lacking in back support reinforces poor
sleeping posture, strains low back muscles, and does not help keep the
spine in alignment, all of which can increase low back pain. This article
provides practical guidelines for choosing a mattress that provides both
sleep comfort and back support. Read
more...
By: J. Talbot Sellers,
DO
Study on the best types of
mattress for back support
July 14, 2004
A recent study reported that patients who slept on
a medium-firm mattress reported less low back pain in bed and less back
pain getting out of bed than patients who slept on a firm mattress. Read
more...
By: Richard A. Staehler, MD
Choosing the right ergonomic office
chair
July 2, 2004
An ergonomic office chair provides for the lower back
support, promotes good posture, and helps alleviate back problems. This
article offers guidelines for how to decide on the best office chair
and introduces new office chair options for those who spend most of their
time sitting at work. Read more...
By: Rodney K. Lefler, DC
Ten tips for improving posture
and ergonomics
June 7, 2004
Poor posture can easily cause or aggravate episodes
of back pain and over time damage spinal structures. This article offers
guidelines to improve posture and ergonomics, especially for those who
sit in an office chair for long hours. Read
more...
By:
Kelly Andrews, DC
Sciatica first aid
May 24, 2004
When sciatica flares up, it is helpful to know a range
of options that can be tried to help alleviate the discomfort and pain
along the sciatic nerve and stay active. Read
more...
By: Randall Schultz, MD
Procedural skills in spinal
manipulation: do prerequisites matter?
March 4, 2004
Training to perform spinal manipulation procedures
for back pain ranges from full professional degree programs to weekend
seminars. This study looks at the impact that preparation for performing
spinal manipulation procedures can have on patient care. Read
more...
By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD, FCCS
Acupuncture: an ancient treatment
for a current problem
February 5, 2004
Acupuncture is understood to stimulate the central
nervous system—the brain and spinal cord - which in turn releases
pain-relieving chemicals that occur naturally in the body. People with
back pain often report a tingling sensation, feeling relaxed or even
energized with acupuncture treatments. Read
more...
By:
Paulo Zanardi AP
Back support in office
chairs
December 17, 2003
In the seated position the lumbosacral discs are loaded
three times more than standing, and for many people sitting in an office
chair without back support either causes or exacerbates lower back pain. Read
more...
By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD
Massage chairs for pain
relief
November 25, 2003
A good hands-on massage can play a crucial role in
alleviating back pain. Similarly, newer massage chair technologies are
designed to provide some measure of relief from many types of back pain. Read
more...
By: Peter Schubbe, DC
Benefits of heat
therapy for lower back pain
March 20, 2003
Many episodes of lower back pain result from a strain
or over-exertion, creating tension in the muscles and soft tissues around
the spine. The muscle spasm that results from the back injury can create
sensations that range from mild discomfort to inability to move and excruciating
pain. Heat therapy can help relieve both pain from the muscle spasm and
related stiffness in the lower back. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Calcium requirements for kids'
growing bones
January 16, 2003
The need for calcium acquisition and storage begins
very early in life - especially in the pre-adolescent years. However,
the decrease in children's milk intake has created a serious shortfall
in the amount of calcium that kids have an opportunity to obtain. To
grow and maintain a strong spine, kids need to have minimum calcium requirements
in their diet. Read more...
By: Julian Huang, MD
Manipulation under anesthesia
October 23, 2002
It is theorized that a past or present back injury
can cause adhesions and scar tissue to build up around spinal joints
and within the surrounding muscles, causing pain. Manipulation under
anesthesia is a non-invasive procedure offered to treat this type of
acute and chronic neck pain, back pain and joint pain. Read
more...
By: Richard Reid, MD, Rosie Desimone, DC, Ben Eubank,
DC
Cervical herniated disc symptoms
and treatment options
June 12, 2002
The arm pain from a cervical herniated disc results
because the herniated disc material "pinches"
or presses on a cervical nerve, causing pain to radiate
along the nerve pathway down the arm. Along with the pain, numbness,
tingling and/or muscle weakness may also be present down the arm and
into the fingertips. Read more...
By: Rick Staehler, MD
Massage therapy for back pain
May 10, 2002
The use of massage therapy for back pain has more than
doubled in recent years. In addition to its positive affects on muscle
relaxation, one of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is the release
of endorphins, which can be quite helpful in managing chronic back pain. Read
more...
By: Beth Mueller, RMT
Bracing treatment for
idiopathic scoliosis
March 26, 2002
Currently, bracing is the only non-operative treatment
for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis advocated by the spine medical community.
This article discusses the types of braces used—TLSO, Milwaukee,
and Charleston Bending Brace—a case example, and outcomes of bracing
treatment. Read more...
By: Paul C. McAfee, MD
Preparing for your consultation
with a spine doctor
December 11, 2001
The better prepared you are for your doctor's visit
the more productive it will be for you and for your physician. This article
includes a comprehensive list of questions you can expect your doctor
to ask you. Read more...
By: Charles D. Ray, MD
Pain management for chronic
back pain
October 24, 2001
Pain used to be something many patients simply had
to learn to "live" with. Recently, researchers have learned
a great deal about pain and its physiological and psychological basis,
leading to treatments that can provide complete or partial pain relief. Read
more...
By: John Revord, MD
Treatment options for
neuropathic pain
June 27, 2001
Currently there is no proven treatment to prevent or
cure neuropathic pain (neuropathy or nerve pain). Instead, the primary
goals of treatment are to reduce the pain as much as possible, balance
the negative side effects of the treatment, and help patients manage
any unresolved pain. Read more...
By: Ralph F. Rashbaum, MD
Stress related back pain
April 5, 2001
A stress related back pain diagnosis means that psychological
factors either initiated or are maintaining the back pain, or both. This
article addresses the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for stress related
back pain. Read more...
By: William W. Deardorff, PhD, ABPP
Osteoarthritis
exercises
July 3, 2007
Exercise is actually beneficial for osteoarthritis pain. The type of exercise
need not result in heart-pounding, sweat-inducing fatigue to be beneficial; a
program that increases flexibility, builds strength, and provides low impact
aerobic conditioning will deliver substantial benefits. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Home exercise
equipment for low impact aerobic exercise
May 23, 2007
Home exercise equipment, such as treadmills,
elliptical trainers, and stationary bikes can allow
easy access to one's exercise program and are relatively
low impact on the spine. Read
more...
By:
Megan Tyner, ACE
How to start an exercise ball
program
March 1, 2007
Getting started using an exercise ball can be a challenge. This article provides
simple steps to get familiar with an exercise ball – sitting comfortably
on it, stretching and beginning exercises. Once one has developed a comfort level
with these activities, more sophisticated exercises can be incorporated into
the exercise ball program. Read more...
By: J. Talbot Sellers,
DO
Sciatica exercises
Updated January 3, 2007
Exercise and gentle stretching are usually better for healing sciatic pain than
bed rest, and a physical therapist or other spine specialist often recommends
exercise as a treatment option for the low back pain and leg pain associated
with sciatica. This article provides helpful illustrations and explanations of
key strengthening and stretching exercises to treat sciatica from a herniated
disc, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis and other back problems. Read
more...
By: Ron S. Miller, PT
Water therapy exercise program
December 27, 2006
Water therapy exercise is especially helpful in cases where a land-based exercise
program is not possible for patients due to pain, decreased bone density, disability
or other factors. In addition to spine conditions, water therapy can also help
patients who have diabetes or high blood pressure. Read
more...
By: Andrew J. Cole, MD and Bruce E.
Becker, MD, MS
Rehabilitation
and exercise for a healthy back
November 21, 2006
Whether suffering from the first bout of low back pain
or following extensive treatments or even surgery, the best way for patients
to avoid or minimize the severity of recurrences is to rehabilitate the
back through appropriate exercise. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Abdominal and back exercise recommendations
October 11, 2006
A high percentage of back pain complaints are due to
soft tissue injury or back muscle strain. Strengthening the abdominal
muscles and back muscles by ab exercise (stomach exercise) and lower
back exercise may help prevent back pain. Read
more...
By: Thomas E.
Hyde, DC
Sports and your spine
July 20, 2000
For people with back pain, sports can still be a viable option if they pay attention
to their back. This article addresses the strains some of the more popular sports
can have on the back and the different steps one can take to prevent them. Read
more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC
How a physical therapist can
help with exercise
June 16, 2000
Back pain sufferers are often referred to a physical therapist, whose role is
to provide pain relief, rehabilitate, and educate patients.
By: Carol M. McFarland MS, PT, OCA
Strengthening exercise
program for low back pain relief
June 27, 2005
Strengthening exercises help stabilize the spine and decrease stress on the lower
back and pelvis. Most spinal stabilization exercise programs include strengthening
both the abdominal and gluteal muscles. The key is an exercise program that is
simple and easily done. Read more...
By: Robert J. Daul, MPT
Exercise ball therapy for low
back pain
June 2, 2005
Exercise programs using exercise balls are designed
to help prevent further episodes of low back pain as part of a patient's
low back rehabilitation program. This article provides in-depth information
on uses, exercises, benefits and drawbacks of therapy with an exercise
ball. Read more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC,
DACBSP
Exercise bikes for a low stress workout
April 27, 2005
Many patients have trouble finding an exercise program with an appopriate level
of intensity and minimal impact. An exercise bike is a good option that provides
a low stress workout incorporating aerobic exercise, strengthening and flexibility,
while still being gentle for the back. Read more...
By: J. Talbot Sellers, DO
Exercise for back pain during pregnancy
December 21, 2004
Although pregnant women may be tempted to rest rather than exercise if they are
experiencing back pain, in many cases, gentle exercise can decrease muscle spasms,
boost energy levels and help with an easier labor, delivery and recovery. This
article explains some simple cardiovascular, strength and flexibility exercises
women can use for back pain during pregnancy. Read
more...
By:
Alicia Silva, MSPT
A healthy weight
for a healthy back
December 15, 2004
Obese and overweight patients may be surprised to learn
that they have an increased risk for certain back conditions such as
osteoarthritis, where their extra weight puts extra pressure on their
joints. This article helps to explain why maintaining a healthy weight
level is particularly necessary for back pain patients. Read
more...
By:
Kelly Andrews, DC
Weight loss for back relief
November 2, 2004
Being obese or overweight can increase low back pain, joint pain, spinal disc
problems, muscle strain and other conditions. However, patients who are overweight
or obese may be unaware that excess weight is increasing not only their current
pain but also their risk of future problems. This article gives practical guidelines
on how exercise, diet and weight loss can help with back relief. Read
more...
By: Donald J. Frisco,
MD
Back exercise and
fitness for back pain relief
August 4, 2004
For most back problems, exercise and movement are the natural stimuli for the
healing process. Gentle exercise, rather than inactivity and bed rest, most often
provides the best long-term solution for reducing back pain and preventing (or
lessening) future episodes of pain. Read
more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
Exercise walking for better
back health
May 24, 2004
Exercise walking is an excellent way for most people with low back pain to benefit
from regular exercise while not aggravating the structures in the lower back. Read
more...
By:
Ted Forcum, DC, DACBSP, FICC, CSCS and Thomas
Hyde, DC, DACBSP
Good posture helps reduce back
pain
May 17, 2004
Not maintaining good posture and adequate back support
stresses the spine, which over time can lead to changes in the anatomical
characteristics of the spinal structures and back pain from problems
with muscles, nerves, discs and joints. Read
more...
By: John Schubbe, DC
Tai Chi for posture and back
pain
February 19, 2004
Tai Chi involves slow, deliberate, flowing movement of the body (no jarring motions
that create impact on the spine) along with a focus on breathing, all carried
out with particular mental focus. This combination is why Tai Chi is referred
to as "meditation in motion" and can be an ideal exercise for people
with back pain. Read more...
By:
Robert Humphreys, DC
Healing benefits of yoga
for back pain
January 27, 2004
Among other things, yoga helps ease lower back pain by gently stretching and
strengthening the muscles of the lower back and legs and increasing blood circulation,
which in turn brings healing nutrients to the injured tissues. Read
more...
By:
Fred Busch
Yoga for back problems
December 2, 2003
Studies have shown that those who practice yoga for as little as twice a week
for 8 weeks make significant gains in strength, flexibility, and endurance, which
is a basic goal of most rehabilitation programs for neck or back problems. Read
more...
By:
Karen P. Barr, MD
Choosing the right exercise ball
October 22, 2003
When sitting upright on an exercise ball, feet should be flat on the floor, knees
should be level or slightly lower than the pelvis, and the pelvis, shoulders,
and ears should be in a vertical line. Read more...
By: Ron Miller, PT
Pilates exercise system to
promote back health
March 21, 2003
Pilates is an exercise program that can help alleviate
and prevent future episodes of back pain. In particular, learning awareness
of neutral alignment of the spine and strengthening the deep postural
muscles that support this alignment are important skills for back pain
patients. Read more...
By:
Beth Glosten, MD, Certified Pilates Instructor
Exercise ball physical therapy
for back pain
June 29, 2001
The exercise ball (swiss ball) is designed to help prevent further episodes
of back pain as part of a rehabilitation program. This article provides tips
on uses, exercises, and important considerations you should know before starting
therapy with an exercise ball. Read more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC, DACBSP
Low back pain relief using
a pneumatic vest
February 14, 2006
Some patients find significant low back pain relief after taking weight off the
spine by resting. This article reports on recently published research about the
effectiveness of using a pneumatic vest to provide low back pain relief by unweighting
the spine while allowing the patient to stay more active. Read
more...
By: John J. Triano, DC, PhD
Effectiveness of glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate for osteoarthritis
April 19, 2005
Although there is not yet a proven treatment to stop or slow the progression
of osteoarthritis, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate nutritional supplements
may provide a viable alternative for some patients. An FDA study on the effects
and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin dietary supplements is currently underway,
and many physicians support their use because of the low incidence of serious
side effects (compared to other medications, such as COX-2 inhibitors and other
NSAIDs). Read more...
By: Thomas E. Hyde, DC
Rechargeable spinal cord stimulators for
chronic pain
September 23, 2005
Spinal cord stimulators are small devices implanted under a patient’s skin
with the purpose of stopping pain signals from reaching the brain and thus alleviating
chronic or neuropathic pain. They may be recommended if conservative treatments
fail to relieve chronic pain. Read more...
By: Thomas M. Wascher, MD, FACS
Pneumatic vest - a new lower
back pain treatment option
May 28, 2003
Many patients with lower back pain feel worse with activity that loads the spine
(such as walking). For patients who meet specific criteria there is a new treatment
that is designed to unload some of the weight from the patient's lumbar spine,
thus simulating a state of decreased weight-bearing on the lower back. Read
more...
By: Andrew J. Cole, MD
PNT - a minimally invasive
treatment for lower back pain
August 28, 2002
The treatment involves the delivery of electrical
stimulation directly to the deeper tissues (muscles,
ligaments, tendons) near the spine through several
needle electrodes. The theory is that this type of
electrical stimulation helps curtail the central nervous
system hypersensitivity that leads to persistent pain. Read
more...
By John Revord, MD
- Cervical epidural steroid injection
- Discography
- Facet joint injections
- Lumbar epidural steroid injection
- Lumbar sympathetic block
- Medial branch block
- RACZ caudal neurolysis
- Sacroiliac joint steroid injection
