Back and Neck Pain Archives

Living the Persistent Back Pain Blues? Try Changing Your Posture!

Improve Your Posture and Relieve Your Pain with Physiotherapy!

Most people are unable to sit and stand up straight. As adolescents, many of us can recall our parents and teachers telling us that good posture was the secret to good health later in life!

We all rolled our eyes back then, as this demand seemed irritating. However, we know that good posture goes beyond looks and confidence as we grow older. In fact, sitting and standing with good spinal alignment can help reduce back pain.

In showing patients how to exercise good posture, physiotherapists are excellent. Your physiotherapist may be able to help you appreciate the meaning of it and give you the education you need to ensure that every day you maintain excellent posture.

It could be because of poor posture if you’re enduring back pain. Let our clinic assist you in exploring the benefits of physiotherapy for back pain. To arrange an appointment with a physiotherapist, contact our office today!

Some PT strategies to help you prevent back pain by developing a healthy posture are as follows:

1. Avoiding improper lifting techniques

If you constantly lift heavy objects, you definitely need to make sure you have good posture!

Good posture is a critical component of lifting objects without hurting yourself. If you lift and fail to use good posture, there is a much higher risk that you will hurt your back.

Ask your physiotherapist how to maintain proper posture while lifting. They know how to teach you to properly lift things, and also guide you through exercises to hold the right posture.

2. Enhancing blood circulation

Maintaining the proper spinal alignment means that your veins won’t be as constricted by pressure on your vertebrae. There are many components of your spine that require proper circulation to operate the right way and to reform from daily wear and tear.

It might seem like a daunting task, but as your physiotherapist guides you through the different physiotherapy exercises and techniques that help with maintaining good posture, you’ll be able to improve at keeping the alignment required for proper circulation.

3. Discovering proper posture for everyday tasks

Most of the time when we hear the term “good posture” we think of how we sit or stand, but good posture is important in everything we do!

In physiotherapy, your therapist may teach you how to maintain good posture during sports and everyday activities such as running or walking.

Improving your overall posture will lessen the wear and tear you put on your spine every day. This will also minimize your risk of developing back pain from these activities.

4. Improved strength and flexibility

If you haven’t had good posture for a long period of time anyways, it’s probably best to assume that learning to maintain it isn’t going to be the easiest thing to do.

It might take time in physiotherapy to gain the strength and flexibility you need to keep ideal posture and spinal alignment. According to the Mayo Clinic, “correct posture can boost your productivity and mood, as well as help you use your muscles more efficiently.”

The work you do and the effort you put in with your physiotherapist to achieve your goal will lead to greater overall fitness. The more flexible you get, the stronger you’ll be, and the less likely you are to suffer from nagging back pain every day.

5. Decreasing risk of anatomical changes

Did you know that the ways in which you use your spine can actually cause changes in your anatomy? It’s true.

Sitting hunched over can cause excess stress and can eventually lead to damage of your spinal discs, muscles, joints and the nerves and blood vessels traveling through your spine.

Thankfully in most cases the damage can be reversed by physiotherapy. Targeted exercises, stretches, and education can help your body learn to sit and stand correctly!

How will posture relieve my back pain?

Your spine is designed to function in a particular way. You can end up causing long-term issues each time you move, sit, or stand in ways that disturb the correct location and function of your spine.

Practicing good posture is one way you can work to alleviate back pain with the aid of a licensed physiotherapist.

You can learn how to develop good posture when you start physiotherapy. PT can help you discover when you are not practicing good posture and develop more safe movement habits that will help alleviate your back pain.

Contact us to get started on the path toward relief!

Chances are if you suffer from back pain, it may be the product of bad posture.

To get set up for an appointment with one of our certified physiotherapists, contact BeActive Physiotherapy today!

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/posture-align-yourself-for-good-health/art-20269950

Are You Experiencing Both Back And Neck Pain? PT May Be Able To Help

Relieve Your Pain with the Help of Physiotherapy!

Back and neck pain are very common problems that many people deal with throughout the course of their lives.

Unfortunately, it’s not always a straightforward job to locate the exact cause of the pain you experience in your neck or back. Pain can also spread to your arms, legs, and head.

Fortunately, physiotherapy may be able to help. People often end up paying for costly surgeries to find relief or falling back on addictive medications that can cause adverse health effects later in life.

However, there is a safer remedy for pain in the back and neck: physiotherapy!

How can physiotherapy help with my back and neck pain?

No matter what age you are, neck and back pain is absolutely not easy to deal with! The good news?

Physical exercise, regardless of the root cause of pain, has been shown to help with neck pain or back pain. For those trying to prevent costly procedures or dangerous drugs, physiotherapy is a completely safe, natural, and effective mode of care.

If you have pain in your neck or back, contact our office today and see how physiotherapy could help you get back to a pain-free life.

Our physiotherapists are trained and waiting for you; they’ve helped a lot of people, and you’re next in line!

What can I expect from a PT treatment plan?

A personalized recovery plan that is tailored to your needs will be developed by your physiotherapist.

Since the origin of your back or neck pain may vary, this treatment plan may be different for you than it would be for anyone else.

For example, you might be experiencing pain because of a herniated disc, a degenerative disc disease, whiplash from an auto accident, a sports injury, arthritis, or poor posture.

A few conditions that could be the root cause of the pain you’re feeling are as follows:

Strains & sprains: This is a very common issue that sends people straight to a physiotherapist. It is not uncommon for athletes to incur sprains and strains to the neck or back regions when engaging in sports that require aggressive overuse of a body part or muscle.
Osteoarthritis: Arthritis is developed due to wear and tear on the facet joints. This causes friction when bending, can result in pinching a nerve root, or in sciatica.
Degenerative disc disease: This condition occurs when there is wear and tear on the discs.
A herniated disc: This condition occurs when the gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks out.

How can a physiotherapist help me?

A thorough evaluation of your physical condition will be done, and a customized recovery plan will be formulated to remedy the cause of your back or neck pain.

To find the root cause of your back or neck pain, your physiotherapist will perform a comprehensive examination. To test your range of motion, he or she may use an instrument called a goniometer. It is also likely that they will conduct a strength test on you.

Spinal mobility is assessed along with palpation in order to find sore or tight muscles. Your physiotherapist will also ask you to perform some activities in order to find out what your level of functional mobility is.

Your physiotherapist will also take a look at your medical history to see if there are any factors that could be contributing to the discomfort you are currently experiencing, such as previous accidents or surgeries.

During this time, you can discuss the things that you are now not able to do as a result of any past injuries you might have sustained.

What else should I know?

There are several common methods of physiotherapy for neck and back pain. Physiotherapy for these disorders focuses on spinal support systems.

They include tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. Physiotherapists typically provide stretches, exercises, and adjustments to alleviate discomfort in the neck and back.

Some therapists also use water exercises to make the therapy even easier. Aquatic therapy is helpful because the buoyancy of the water eliminates the pressure from the cervical and lumbar spine when you exercise.

Passive physiotherapy also involves a range of techniques, such as heat or ice therapy, massage therapy, electrotherapy, and ultrasound therapy.

Heat or ice therapy can increase blood circulation to speed up the healing process and reduce swelling and inflammation. Massage therapy can help to relax your muscles and reduce your pain.

With electrotherapy, electrical waves are sent directly to the sensory nerves to prevent the signs of pain from reaching the brain. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to reach deep into the tissues and soothe affected areas.

Ready to get started?

Make a call today and learn how we can get you on the road to recovery.

When we have the answer right here; there’s no need to suffer from pain any longer! Contact BeActive Physiotherapy today.

Say Goodbye Your Chronic Back Pain With These Helpful Tips!

Did You Know Physiotherapy Could Help Provide Chronic Back Pain Relief?

Do you periodically find yourself disabled by bouts of back pain? Do you experience ongoing back pain that never gives you a moment’s relief?

Whatever form it may take, chronic back pain can put all kinds of limits on your life — until you finally start taking the necessary steps to address it head-on.

But you don’t have to schedule major surgery or allow yourself to become addicted to prescription painkillers just to keep this lurking monster at bay.

Conservative strategies such as physiotherapy and smart lifestyle practices can help you manage your chronic pain for life. Ask our physiotherapist to evaluate your conditions and recommend specific treatments!

What exactly is chronic back pain?

If you’ve ever injured your back in a car crash, high-impact sports injury or work-related accident, you know just how bad back pain can get.

As horrendously painful as that acute back pain may be, however, at least it goes away at some point. Chronic back pain hangs on long after an acute injury or other ailment should have resolved it through healing.

Chronic back pain is pain that persists for three months and longer. This type of pain can be due to a variety of reasons, including arthritis of the spine, aging, disc problems and myofascial pain syndrome.

Technically, back pain is categorized as chronic if it continues for at least 3 months -and in many cases, chronic back pain can haunt sufferers for years. This is especially true if your back pain stems from an irreversible or progressive condition.

About 20 percent of people who have back pain will have it develop into chronic back pain with persistent symptoms. Chronic back pain ranks number three on the scale for the most burdensome conditions for Americans.

What caused my back pain to develop?

The first step in addressing your chronic back pain is having some understanding of its cause.

Chronic back pain can be caused by many underlying issues, from an acute injury that failed to heal correctly to chronic health problems such as:

Degenerative disc disease, a condition in which the spinal discs bulge and flatten
Arthritis in the facet joints that mobilize your spinal column
Chronic muscle or connective strain due to stress, overuse or repetitive motion
Muscle knots associated with fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome and other chronic problems
Physical or postural imbalances that lead to chronic muscle strain and soreness
Congenital deformities such as scoliosis
Excess weight from obesity or pregnancy
Herniated discs that compress spinal nerve tissue

Chronic back pain doesn’t always limit itself to your back.

Conditions that involve pinched nerve roots may send pain and other odd sensations into your upper or lower extremities.

What can physiotherapy do for chronic back pain?

Don’t fall into the trap of feeling helpless against your chronic back pain. Our physiotherapist can analyze your current condition to determine the exact cause of your symptoms.

We can then prescribe, not just physiotherapy exercises, but an entire way of living that helps you maintain optimal day-to-day comfort. Here are some tips you can incorporate into your new pain-management routine:

Sleep differently – Switch to a different type of mattress or adjust your sleep position to minimize nighttime (and next-day) pain.
Exercise – Regular physiotherapy exercises to strengthen your core muscles (including the muscles of the abdomen, pelvis and lower back) can stabilize your spine and ease muscle pain.
Change your ergonomics – Move things around in your workplace so that you can reach frequently-needed items with a minimum of stooping, bending or twisting.
Pursue stress reduction – Yoga, meditation, and other stress-busting techniques can help you keep your back muscles relaxed.
Improve your nutrition – Emphasize anti-inflammatory foods, “nature’s medicine” for chronic pain. Our physiotherapist can also prescribe exercises to help you lose weight, thus taking pressure off of your spine.

The exercises your physiotherapist prescribes to you will help retrain the deep muscles of your back. Your physiotherapist will show you how to use the right spinal and abdominal muscles before beginning any exercises to stabilize the spine. Manipulation is another technique to alleviate chronic back pain. Short and rapid thrusting movements are done over a joint to reduce pain and increase mobility.

Ready to find relief?

Ready to learn more about how to fight chronic back pain? Contact Be Active Physiotherapy and Wellness today!

Sources:

Herniated Discs Can Be Painful – Here’s How to Tell if You Have One

Did You Know Physiotherapy Could Help Relieve Pain Caused by Herniated Discs?

Could you have herniated disc pain? This type of pain can sneak up on you. You’re sitting comfortably watching TV and when you stand up, there’s a sharp pain that radiates through your back.

If you’re experiencing pain in your lower back, you just might have a herniated disc. Contact our office in Oakville, Ontario for a consultation and evaluation, so you can get a proper diagnosis.

Herniated discs, defined

The spine consists of 33 bones referred to as vertebrae. The vertebrae are cushioned by discs made up of a gel-like substance. This cushions the discs and prevents friction.

It’s the discs that allow movement of the spine, such as bending over. However, if a disc slips out of place between the vertebrae, you have a herniated disc.

This condition is also known as a ruptured disc or slipped disc. A herniated disc can cause extreme pain if it irritates the surrounding nerves.

Why do herniated discs develop?

A disc herniation is often caused by age-related wear and tear. This condition is known as disc degeneration. With age, the disc loses water content, which makes them more prone to tearing and less flexible. Twisting and turning when lifting something can also cause a herniated disc.

Even a fall or strike to the back can result in a herniated disc. Excessive weight, occupation and genetic disposition can be the cause of disc herniated, too. Sometimes, people are unable to determine what caused their herniated disc.

“The most common symptoms of a herniated disc are arm or leg pain, numbness or tingling and weakness.” You may feel pain in your calf, thigh and buttocks. If you have a herniated disc in the neck, you’re likely to feel pain in the arm and shoulder.

When you cough or sneeze, the pain may shoot into your leg. Numbness or tingling may be felt in parts of the body. You may also be unable to lift items, as the muscles served by the affected nerves tend to weaken.

Physiotherapy and herniated disc pain relief

A physiotherapist will design a specific treatment program to reduce pain and speed up your recovery, so you can return to your normal activities and lifestyle. Typically, recovery can be achieved within two to eight weeks with the help of a physiotherapist. A physiotherapist will conduct an in-depth evaluation and outline specific treatment for patients with herniated discs.

Physiotherapy may include stretching exercises, massage, ice and heat therapy, electrical muscle stimulation, pelvic traction and ultrasound.

A physiotherapist will also choose specific treatments to help restore movement and reduce pain. Passive movements may be performed on you by a physiotherapist and then you can progress to active exercises on your own.

Stretching exercises will also be done, which can be done at home. Other modalities of treatment for herniated disc pain include hot and cold therapy, massage, electric stimulation, ultrasound and soft tissue mobilization.

According to research, physiotherapy often plays a big role in herniated disc recovery. Physiotherapy entails a holistic approach with both active and passive treatments. Not only is pain relief a result of physiotherapy, but a physiotherapist will teach patients how to prevent further injury.

What does a PT treatment plan for herniated discs look like?

According to SpineUniverse,

“Physiotherapy often plays a major role in herniated disc recovery. Its methods not only offer immediate pain relief, but they also teach you how to condition your body to prevent further injury.

There are a variety of physiotherapy techniques. Passive treatments relax your body and include deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, electrical stimulation (eg, TENS), and hydrotherapy.”

Our physiotherapist can check your symptoms against X-rays, postural evaluations, and other factors to confirm the presence and location of a herniated disc.

In addition to analyzing your symptoms and performing various tests and measures, a physiotherapist can help you determine if you have a herniated disc by assessing your medical history and lifestyle.

While the most severe cases might require surgery, physiotherapy can help many sufferers overcome their symptoms the natural way.

Physiotherapy to treat herniated discs focuses on building the strength in your back muscles, optimizing your posture, and increasing your pain-free flexibility.

Our physiotherapist may start you with a daily walking regimen before moving on to more strenuous aerobic and strengthening exercises.

Find relief today!

If you’re suffering with herniated disc pain, call us today to schedule an appointment.

Our physiotherapists will review your medical history, test your mobility, test your range of motion and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. Contact us today and we’ll get you on the road to recovery.

Sources:

Finally Relieve Those Aches in Your Back with Physiotherapy

Find the Answer to Your Back Pains Today!

Most Americans will suffer temporary back pain at some point in their lives. When back pain is not temporary, however, it becomes a major quality of life issue. The American Physical Therapy Association states that back pain is the most commonly experienced form of pain for Americans.

In fact, one in every four Americans has sustained some sort of back pain in the past three months. The good news is that you don’t have to live with back pain permanently.

Taking a proactive approach like working with a physiotherapist can help you find back pain relief at long last. Contact BeActive Physio for more information on how physiotherapy can relieve your back pain.

What can I expect with physiotherapy for back pain?

Over the course of your work with a physiotherapist, your progress will be monitored to ensure that you are recovering.

The goal is to eliminate the back pain so that you can live a normal life. A big part of working with a physiotherapist is that you will learn strategies for movement and carrying out daily tasks in ways that will prevent the pain from recurring.

For example, your therapist will show you proper posture techniques while you are at home, at work or enjoying leisure activities.

You will also learn how to keep up a regular exercise regimen to keep your supportive muscles strong, which will prevent the back pain from coming back. If your weight is contributing to your back pain, you will learn nutritional advice in addition to exercise to control your weight and keep back pain at bay.

What do treatments look like?

Once your back pain has been diagnosed, a personalized course of physiotherapy will be outlined for you. Treatments for back pain will vary based on the diagnosis, your age, weight, physical ability and other factors.

Your course of treatment may include any of the following:

Posture work to provide better support for your back
Electrical stimulation for pain relief
Manual therapy and spinal manipulation to improve joint mobility and relieve tissue pain
Stretching and strength building exercises
Ice or heat treatments for pain relief
Education on how to take better care of your back, such as proper methods of lifting, bending, sitting, and sleep positions

How will a physiotherapist diagnose my back pain?

Your journey with a physiotherapist will start with a discussion of your symptoms. Your therapist will also review your medical history for any past injuries or illnesses that could be contributing to your current pain. Your physiotherapist will also conduct an exam to assess how you are able to move and function as a result of your back pain.

The diagnosis phase will also involve some tests to find symptoms of more serious conditions. If your physiotherapist suspects that there is a serious health condition contributing to your back pain, you will likely be referred to a specialist for more testing. In most cases, this will not be necessary.

So, why am I experiencing back pain?

Did you know that the World Health Organization estimates that approximately 149 million workdays are lost due to back pain? It is a sensation that is all too common for millions of people.

60-70% of people across industrialized nations experience back pain, which can greatly hinder daily life and limit you from participating in certain tasks and activities that you enjoy. If left untreated, back pain can also progress into more serious health issues.

There are three main types of back pain:

Chronic Back Pain: If back pain lasts longer than three months without subsiding, it is classified as chronic.
Recurrent Back Pain: This occurs when acute back pain goes away for a while, but then comes back periodically.
Acute Back Pain: Acute back pain is the most common type. This is a temporary pain that goes away in less than three months.

Back pain is usually not serious and will resolve on its own. Recurring pain and chronic pain, however, can be a sign of a more serious health problem.

There is a broad range of potential physical conditions that could be causing your back pain, which include osteoporosis, degenerative disk disease, a herniated disk, fractures, or lumbar spinal stenosis.

Get started today

The key is to be proactive in standing up to your back pain. If the pain lasts longer than three months, it probably won’t go away on its own.

Call BeActive Physio today to schedule your first appointment with a physiotherapist.

Herniated Discs Can Be a Real Pain in the Back – Are You Living with One?

Do You Know How to Identify a Herniated Disc?

If you’ve been experiencing back pain, it just may be a herniated disc. A herniated disc can put extra pressure on the muscles and nerves around the spinal column.

Strange neck pains, back pains, or extremity symptoms can indicate a variety of potential problems – including one or more herniated discs. How can you tell for sure whether you have this specific problem?

Symptoms may include pain on one side of the body, pain that radiates to the arms or legs, aching, burning sensations in the affected area, and pain with certain movements.

Fortunately, physiotherapy can help relieve your herniated disc symptoms and help you move comfortably once again.

How will physiotherapy help my herniated disc?

physiotherapy plays a critical role in recovering from a herniated disc. A physiotherapist implements different techniques for pain relief and healing. Passive treatments like deep tissue massage, electric stimulation and hot and cold therapy are a few examples of passive treatments. Deep tissue massage uses pressure to relieve spasms and deep muscle tension due to a herniated disc. Hot therapy increases blood flow to the affected area and enhances healing. Cold therapy reduces inflammation. Electric nerve stimulation reduces muscle spasm by sending a tiny electric current to the nerve pathway.

Active treatments by a physiotherapist address joint movement, stability, flexibility, strength and posture. A physiotherapist will teach you core stabilizing exercises to strengthen the back muscles. You’ll also engage in body muscle exercises to strengthen and condition your body. In addition, a physiotherapist will teach you flexibility techniques and proper stretching techniques.

Herniated discs, explained

“Studies have indicated that genetic factors influence many, if not most of the diseases commonly encountered in clinical practice by physiotherapists, such as herniated disc. Genetics has been shown to play a role in end-plate herniations at 40-49 years of age.”

The spinal column consists of a series of bones. “The cervical spine has seven bones, the lumbar spine has five bones and the thoracic spine has 12.” Each disc has a gelatinous inner section and a tough outer ring. When the disc protrudes through the outer ring, it is known as a herniated disc. This can cause numbness, pain, and discomfort.

There are a number of factors that can cause a herniated disc. Certain motions like turning or twisting can cause a herniated disc. Lifting heavy objects is another culprit. Being overweight can cause a herniated disc, too.

This is because the discs have to support more weight. Older people are at risk for a herniated disc. As we age, the discs begin to lose some of their protective water content. This causes the disc to slip more easily out of place.

Common treatments for herniated discs

Herniated discs can be successfully treated with physiotherapy. At your initial appointment, one of our physiotherapists will perform diagnostic tests to determine the root of your pain and verify that your pain is indeed being caused by a herniated disc.

Once the cause of your pain is clear, an individualized treatment plan will be created for you, based on your specific needs.

This typically includes a series of stretches and exercises aimed at relieving your pain, improving your function, and promoting the natural healing process of your body. Additional treatments may be added as your physiotherapist deems fit. These include:

Manual therapy
Ice and heat therapies
Traction
Class IV laser therapy
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
Education on posture and lifting mechanics

Your physiotherapist will also advise you on any lifestyle changes that may be recommended in order to prevent herniated discs from developing again in the future.

physiotherapy is one of the safest, quickest, and most effective ways to treat herniated discs. It is a holistic and non-invasive approach that, in many cases, has been able to eliminate the need for harmful drugs or surgical intervention.

Find relief today

If you have back pain, turn to physiotherapy for help. A physiotherapist will do a comprehensive exam and review your medical history to determine if you have a herniated disc. Once a proper diagnosis is made, a physiotherapist will then create and implement a personalized treatment plan targeted to the affected area.

The goal of physiotherapy is to help you attain an active and pain-free life. It’s helped thousands of others and can help you, too. Get on the road to recovery from a herniated disc with physiotherapy by contacting BeActive Physio today!

Herniated Discs: Could This be Causing Your Back Pain?

Your spine is a complex part of the body. It is comprised of 24 bones, and 5 of them are located in the lower back. It is also comprised of numerous nerves and intervertebral discs. Sometimes, the jelly-like nucleus of these discs can “herniate,” or protrude, through the cell wall, if it is not strong enough. If this pressure continues, it could push through the outer ring and begin to bulge. Herniated discs occur along the spine, and they are most often found in the lower back.

Generally, lower back pain is the first symptom of this a herniated disc. Other symptoms may include numbness or weakness in the legs, shooting pain down the back of one leg, or loss of bladder control. Back pain can range from moderate to severe. If you are experiencing back pain and you think it may be the result of a herniated disc, call our office today to see how physiotherapy can help you get back to a pain-free life.

What causes herniated discs?

Herniated discs are typically associated with aging, as the spine begins to wear down and become more brittle. This is known as “disc degeneration.” The discs in the spine contain a high water content when we’re young, but as we age that water content gradually decreases. This causes the discs to shrink. Therefore, the older we get, the more prone we become to disc degeneration. Other risk factors that can make you more prone to herniated discs include:

Being male.
Being overweight.
Being between the ages of 20-50.
Engaging in improper lifting techniques.
Driving frequently.
Engaging in a sedentary lifestyle.

How do I know if I have a herniated disc?

If you believe you may be suffering from a herniated disc, it is important to consult your primary care physician first. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to assess muscle strength and sensation to see if your disc is herniated, and he or she may also conduct a neurological exam.

If your doctor believes your disc is herniated, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be done to confirm the diagnosis. From this scan, your doctor will be able to clearly see if there is a herniated disc in the lower back region. If the disc is putting pressure on the spine, it can be detected. Your doctor will then provide you with a treatment plan, and will likely recommend physiotherapy for pain relief.

How physiotherapy can help:

After going through an evaluation with your physiotherapist, he or she will begin your treatment with passive physiotherapy. Passive physical treatments include deep tissue massage, hot and cold therapy, hydrotherapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and traction.

Deep tissue massage utilizes pressure to relieve muscle tension and spasms. Hot therapy may be used to increase blood flow to the target area to accelerate healing. Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation. Hydrotherapy relaxes muscles and brings pain relief. The TENS machine uses an electrical current that triggers the release of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. Traction may be implemented to reduce pressure on the spine.

After your passive physiotherapy is complete, your physiotherapist will create an active treatment plan for you. This may include core exercises to strengthen your back, stretching and flexibility exercises to increase range of motion, and muscle strengthening exercises. Your physiotherapist will also give you self-care advice that you can implement on your own, in order to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle.

Physiotherapy has been proven to be effective for disc herniation. It is a noninvasive alternative to surgery and a natural way to relieve pain without the need for harmful drugs. If you are suffering from a back pain or a disc herniation, give us a call to schedule a consultation today. Our experienced and certified physiotherapists would be happy to help you get you started on your process toward long-lasting pain relief.

Sources:

https://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=79ef56df-780e-4ad0-963f-94364404125a

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/herniated-disk/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354101

Posture Perfect: How to Correct Your Back Pain

If you suffer from back pain, you’re in good company. In fact, the most commonly reported area of pain is the back. According to one longitudinal study, 3% of all emergency room visits between the years of 2004-2008 were due to back pain or injury. An estimated 25 million Americans suffer from chronic pain, many of whom experience that pain in their back. Back pain can be limiting in numerous ways, and many people with chronic back pain also have a disability that makes it difficult for them to perform their daily tasks. While this is undeniably frustrating and uncomfortable, physiotherapy can help get you back to your normal functioning, pain-free life! For more information on how we can help you eliminate your back pain, give our office a call today.

Why do I have back pain?

If you are suffering from persistent back pain, there is a good chance it is due to your posture. Poor posture is one of the most common causes of back pain. Do you slouch at your desk? Do you lean forward to read emails? Do you hunch over your keyboard? These are all things that people do subconsciously, without even realizing the toll it takes on the body.

Your posture affects how your body moves – whether you’re sitting, standing, walking, running, jumping, or performing pretty much any other task throughout the day. Your posture may also change depending on what you are doing – perhaps your posture when you stand is perfect, but when you sit at a desk or lay down, your body begins to hunch and fold in ways that it is simply not supposed to.

How did I develop poor posture?

Poor posture isn’t anything to be embarrassed about – very few people have perfect posture, and most people partake in bad posture habits in one way or another. We become so wrapped up in whatever tasks we are doing that we forget to think about the way our bodies are positioned. Maybe you’re completing a project at work, it’s the end of the day, you’re tired, and you’re slouched sideways in your desk chair with one eye on the monitor and the other on the clock. This position isn’t normal for your body, but you are getting in the position most efficient for you to type up the rest of that file and then zoom out the door.

Poor posture isn’t due to laziness or apathy; rather, it generally has something to do with a physical weakness within our bodies. We slouch, slump, hunch, and droop over when we get feel drained because our bodies literally get tired of holding us up.

Even if you exercise regularly, it is possible that there are still a few weak muscles contributing to your posture that you may not even realize. The muscles in your shoulders, back, abdomen, buttocks, and pelvic floor all play an important role in your posture. If even one of these is weak, your core will be affected, and your posture may suffer.

How will physiotherapy help me regain proper posture?

Physiotherapy is a great way to regain normal posture. Physiotherapists are experts in movement and they are great resources to have when trying to achieve your physical performance goals. They will aid you in the improvement of your balance, stability, flexibility, and mobility, all of which will positively affect your posture.

At your initial evaluation, your physiotherapist will perform functional testing and diagnostic imaging in order to identify which weakened areas of your body are causing your back pain. Afterward, they will create a customized treatment plan, tailored to your specific needs. This plan will focus on improving your posture, increasing strength, and (most importantly) relieving pain.

If you are experiencing back pain, your posture may be to blame. Fortunately, our advanced team of physiotherapists are ready to help you begin your journey toward long-lasting pain relief. Find out for yourself why physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to address your back pain and start on the road to recovery. Contact Beactive Oakville Physiotherapy today to schedule a consultation, and figure out how physiotherapy can help make you “posture perfect!”

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/posture-align-yourself-for-good-health/art-20269950

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/multimedia/back-pain/sls-20076817

The Top 5 Benefits of Physiotherapy Treatments for Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain can have several underlying causes. For example, any changes in the spine’s anatomy can lead to back pain, such as lumbar degenerative disc disease, lumbar disc herniation, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, or osteoarthritis.

Lumbar degenerative disc disease occurs when the spinal discs experience “wear and tear,” typically due to aging. When the gel-like interior of the discs leak, irritation can occur causing lumbar disc herniation. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction happens when the sacroiliac joint has too much or too little motion, and osteoarthritis happens when the facet joints in the spine wear down and create friction.

Neck pain is most commonly caused by a muscle strain. This can occur in various ways such as whiplash, poor posture, or abnormal sleeping positions. Neck pain can also be caused due to cervical degenerative disc disease, cervical osteoarthritis, or a cervical herniated disc.

The pain associated with these conditions can range from moderate to severe, but physiotherapy can luckily help ease most (if not all) of the pain. If you are suffering from back or neck pain, contact BeActive Physiotherapy & Wellness to schedule a consultation with one of our skilled physiotherapists, and find out how physiotherapy treatments can benefit you.

How will I be diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing back or neck pain, it is important to consult with your primary doctor right away. He or she will most likely perform a physical exam, and may want to take some x-rays or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test. With an MRI, your doctor will be able to clearly see your soft tissues, ligaments, tendons, and blood vessels, which can provide evidence of where your back or neck pain is stemming from. Once this is determined, your doctor will suggest a course of treatment, which will likely include physiotherapy.

Back pain and neck pain can lead to a loss of productivity, and it is a common cause for disability. Because of this, it is important to seek the assistance of a medical professional immediately if you are suffering from back or neck pain.

How will physiotherapy relieve my pain?

Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for both back and neck pain. The goals and expected outcomes of these treatments include:

Reduction of pain and stiffness. By using passive treatments such as manual therapy, your physiotherapist will help alleviate pain in the affected area an accelerate the healing process.
Development of strength. Your physiotherapist will create a specific exercise plan for your particular needs, which will aid in the strengthening of muscles in the affected area.
Improvement of range of motion. Your physiotherapist will implement flexibility exercises into your treatment plan, which will help increase the range of motion in your back and neck.
Prevention of further issues. By learning proper body mechanics, you can avoid future injuries and prevent pain from recurring.
Improvement of overall quality of life. Physiotherapy can help you return to your normal routine much quicker, allowing for an overall improvement in quality of life.

Your physiotherapy treatments will be split into two categories: passive and active. Passive physiotherapy treatments for back and neck pain may include ice and heat therapies, massage therapy, electrotherapy, or ultrasound. These help in relieving pain, stiffness, and inflammation. Active physiotherapy treatments for back and neck pain may include any stretches and exercises that your physiotherapist deems fit for your specific condition. Active therapy helps to increase strength and flexibility, in addition to relieving pain in the spine and affected muscles.

Why wait to begin your physiotherapy treatments? Give our Oakville, ON office a call today and begin your journey toward long-lasting pain relief!

Sources:

https://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=8402b1d2-6580-41b2-b4ff-25a0cd6dac3a

https://www.moveforwardpt.com/SymptomsConditionsDetail.aspx?cid=d0456c65-7906-4453-b334-d9780612bdd3

3 Indicators That Your Sciatica May Require Physiotherapy Intervention

Your sciatic nerves run from your lower back down your legs. People who suffer from sciatica typically describe a “shooting pain” sensation on one side of their body. While this condition does not always require medical treatment, physiotherapy can help ease your pain and lessen some of your other uncomfortable symptoms. Contact BeActive Oakville Physiotherapy today! So, how do you know when you should seek treatment? Some common indicators include:

1. When at-home treatments fail to bring relief.

There are some common home remedies you can try, to help ease some of your sciatica symptoms. For example, alternating with ice and heat compresses, or sleeping with a pillow between your knees can help alleviate some pain and stiffness. Sitting in a reclining chair can also help provide some relief, as it redirects the pressure from your lower back. Going for a walk or taking part in other gentle exercises can also help in getting your body moving so it doesn’t become too tight.

These are some commonly used at-home treatment methods for pain management, but they unfortunately do not always work. If your home treatments are having little-to-no effect in reducing your pain and restricted motion, or if your symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, you should seek the aid of a physiotherapist. If your symptoms worsen, be sure to consult with your primary physician. Physiotherapy can provide you with the treatment you need to alleviate your aches and pains.

2. When symptoms change from mild to severe.

The severity of pain you feel can change depending on how compressed your sciatic nerve becomes. The more compressed it is, the more painful it will be. Symptoms may include severe shooting pain, weakness or numbness on one side, or the inability to move your feet. If your sciatic nerve becomes compressed in the area that controls your bladder and/or bowel function, you may lose control of those functions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with both your primary doctor and your physiotherapist to discuss a treatment plan for easing your pain and getting you back to your normal function. Your doctor may also run a number of tests to rule out any other underlying conditions.

3. When the pain is a symptom of an injury.

With mild sciatica, your symptoms can build up over time, and they may even go away on their own. However, if your sciatica symptoms show up immediately, following an injury or trauma (such as a car accident, sports injury, or harsh fall), it is important to consult with your doctor and your physiotherapist. These symptoms will most likely be severe since they are the result of an intense impact surrounding the sciatic nerve, and it is important to analyze the extent of the damage. No matter what course of treatment your primary physician recommends, it is likely that he or she will also recommend physiotherapy.

Give us a call today:

Physiotherapy can act as a lifeline for those suffering from persistent or severe sciatica. Your physiotherapist will teach you exercises that will help in strengthening the muscles in your lower back and surrounding the sciatic nerve. This will help to ease pain and prevent future injuries from occurring. Your posture and range of motion will also be improved through these treatments, helping to keep sciatica symptoms at bay.

Are you looking to manage (or banish) your sciatica symptoms? Contact our Oakville, ON office today to speak with an experienced physiotherapist about how our treatment programs can alleviate your painful sciatica flare-ups. We’ll help you get started on the path toward long-lasting relief!

Sources:

https://www.moveforwardpt.com/Radio/Detail/sciatica-physical-therapy

https://www.moveforwardpt.com/LowBackPain

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