What does physical therapy do for the spine?

 

INTRODUCTION:

Spinal care is important because it is the back bone of our body and provides support to the muscles ,nerves, fascia and ligaments from cervical to tail bone region .The spine provides stability and mobility to our body to perform activities of daily living, so any injury or disease of spine pushes us backward and affects our performance.

According to a report by the Center for Advancing Health, in 2018, 75.8 million American adults aged 18 and older, which is 29.9% of the population, suffered from lower back pain. The report also states that 15% to 20% of adults have back pain during a single year. Additionally, 50% to 80% of adults will experience at least one episode of back pain during their lifetime.

It is worth noting that back pain is a leading cause of work limitations globally. In 2016, low back pain was the leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) among adults in the United States, accounting for about 3.07 million YLDs. Back pain statistics show that this condition is one of the most expensive conditions to treat in aggregate, accounting for over $100 billion in care each year 

Causes of spinal problem: 

 According to the latest research study of W.H.O  every 8th out of 10 individual faces a problem of spinal pain and discomfort in his lifespan, so we have to understand the importance spinal care in our life. Spinal problems such as slip disc, spondylosis, spinal disorders, postural imbalances, muscle spasticity, arthritis of spine, are some examples of spinal deformity.

Although trauma may be a cause of spine, most often there is no apparent reason for the onset of symptoms. Thus, it is thought that repetitive strain on the structures around the spine is the main cause of spinal deformity. To overcome all these deformity and problem you should go for physical therapy of spine to your nearest physical therapist.

Assessment of spine:

A physical therapist will manually examine your spine and tries to find out the exact cause of spinal pain or discomfort, assessment includes the following 

🔘 tenderness over the spine 

 

🔘 muscle tone around the spinal column

 

🔘  gait pattern while walking 

🔘  muscle strength of core, back and hips

🔘 body balance 

🔘 position changing from supine to siting 

🔘  posture

 Methods used by Physical Therapist

Physical therapists use various methods to test pain tolerance. One such method is dolorimetry. It uses an instrument called a dolorimeter to assess pain threshold and pain tolerance. Most dolorimeters apply heat, pressure, or electrical stimulation to parts of your body while you report your pain level.

Another method is pain pressure threshold (PPT). It is used to measure deep muscular tissue sensitivity. The test determines the amount of pressure over a given area in which a steadily increasing non painful pressure stimulus turns into a painful pressure sensation. A varying pressure is applied from 0.5 to 1 kg/sec in a perpendicular direction relative to the muscle.

It’s important to note that pain tolerance varies from person to person and is difficult to accurately measure. Factors such as genetics, age, sex, chronic illness, mental illness, stress, social isolation, past experience, and expectations can influence pain tolerance.

It’s also worth mentioning that pain tolerance can potentially be boosted by changing the way you perceive pain via therapies like yoga, mental imagery, and biofeedback. However, it’s important to consult a physical therapist before attempting any treatment.

Treatment of Spinal condition:

 After the proper assessment and confirmation of the diagnosis there comes the treatment part of spinal problems so physical therapy should be the first line of treatment in spinal care. A qualified professional physical therapist will make a tailored physical therapy program for your type of condition. 

Physical therapy treatment is divided into two parts which includes electrotherapy part and exercise therapy part, so the electrotherapy part contains modalities such as

 

1. Laser machine 

 

2. Decompression traction machine

3. Ultrasound machine 

4. Tens machine 

5. Hot pack and cold pack machine

Exercise therapy part contains hands on manual technique such as 

1. Myofascial release 

2. Movement with mobilization technique 

3. Stretching

4.  Manipulation technique

5. Passive range of motion 

All this treatment is performed by qualified registered physical therapist, So according to the type of spinal problem a combination of both electrotherapy and exercise therapy is performed by physical therapist.

As to the road of recovery after 8 weeks of physical therapy session a home exercise program is also given to the patient to follow up and continue the exercises with the do's and don't as precaution care.

Physical therapy focuses on returning you to your normal activities and to achieve mobility goals with reduced pain and increased flexibility with strength.

  

Conclusion:                                     

                  Myself  Dr Shailendra Chourey ( Physical therapist) in Practice from year 2010 comes to a conclusion and sharing with you is prevent your back bone ( Spinal Column ) always to get a good posture and gain confidence with your physical appearance. Your body will thank you  for a healthy and strong spine.

My motto is to help people Feel better, Move better and Perform better. I want to help you learn to do the Same.

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