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RELIEF FOR LOWER BACK PAIN
Back problems are the third most common reasons for taking time off work behind the common headaches and colds and are also the second most common reason people go and see their GP. It is believed that approximately 8 in 10 people in western countries suffer from some form of back pain at least occasionally.
Back pain or back ache is a symptom that can arise from many causes including arthritis, muscle and ligament strains, disc lesions, osteoporosis, sciatica and stress. Many cases of upper and low back pain and sore backs in general are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Back pain affects patients of PhysioAdvance in the neck (cervical spine), mid back (thoracic spine) and lower back (lumbar spine).
Back problems are the third most common reasons for taking time off work behind the common headaches and colds and are also the second most common reason people go and see their GP. It is believed that approximately 8 in 10 people in western countries suffer from some form of back pain at least occasionally.
Back pain or back ache is a symptom that can arise from many causes including arthritis, muscle and ligament strains, disc lesions, osteoporosis, sciatica and stress. Many cases of upper and low back pain and sore backs in general are caused by stresses on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. Back pain affects patients of PhysioAdvance in the neck (cervical spine), mid back (thoracic spine) and lower back (lumbar spine).
At PhysioAdvance we deal with a high volume of cases of back pain/injuries and have a proven track record to providing good relief! Our staff here are specially trained in dealing with back related issues whereby X-rays, Scans and a comprehensive physical exam are utilized to determine the exact cause of the back pain. We know that everyone is different and therefore we tailor a management program that best suits you! A ‘generic’ treatment formula simply won’t work if you want to stop your pain from coming back.
Here at PhysioAdvance we also take a ‘holistic’ approach to one’s back problems; as such we also consider and give advice on lifestyle factors that can contribute to back pain. Majority of cases of back pain are aggravated by lifestyle factors, including lack of exercise, schoolbags, being overweight/obese, sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, stress and bad work practices. We address all of the contributing factors to prevent the pain in your back from coming back for good. Many back pain ailments can be addressed easily and quickly but those with serious and chronic back pain often benefit from an ongoing education and maintenance program at PhysioAdvance to prevent worsening of the symptoms or relapses.
Here at PhysioAdvance we also take a ‘holistic’ approach to one’s back problems; as such we also consider and give advice on lifestyle factors that can contribute to back pain. Majority of cases of back pain are aggravated by lifestyle factors, including lack of exercise, schoolbags, being overweight/obese, sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, stress and bad work practices. We address all of the contributing factors to prevent the pain in your back from coming back for good. Many back pain ailments can be addressed easily and quickly but those with serious and chronic back pain often benefit from an ongoing education and maintenance program at PhysioAdvance to prevent worsening of the symptoms or relapses.
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Headaches appear as pain in the head, in or around the eyes or ears and behind the back of the head. There are many different types of headaches, and many different causes. The most common types of headache seen by PhysioAdvance Physiotherapists is a tension headache or cervicogenic headache.
When treating a headache most people will reach for pain killers. Traditional headache pain relief typically comes from paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen. However, persistent headaches or chronic head pain may require an alternative treatment. Many people are turning to therapies or remedies that will complement, or even replace, conventional treatments for their headache. Physiotherapy is one such therapy that can help with headaches.
When treating a headache most people will reach for pain killers. Traditional headache pain relief typically comes from paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen. However, persistent headaches or chronic head pain may require an alternative treatment. Many people are turning to therapies or remedies that will complement, or even replace, conventional treatments for their headache. Physiotherapy is one such therapy that can help with headaches.
What are the causes of headaches?
Headaches are a complex type of pain and there is evidence that a high percentage of headaches are due to problems in the neck structure. Physiotherapy can help solve these problems and put a stop to the associated headaches.
Headaches can be caused not only by dysfunction in the neck region but also by physical and emotional stress and tension. The physical aspect of the headache can be successfully treated by your physio and preventative advice can be given to stop them from coming back!
There are two types of headaches: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are not associated with (caused by) other diseases. Examples of primary headaches are migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by associated disease. The associated disease may be minor or serious and life threatening.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache that our patients present with at PhysioAdvance. This is often related to pain and tension in the neck region. A disorder of the neck joints or the muscles that connect to the base of your scull (cervicogenic dysfunction) may refer pain into your head; this is because the nerves that are in your neck are also connected to your head and face.
Indicators that your neck may be the cause of the headache:
Headaches can be caused not only by dysfunction in the neck region but also by physical and emotional stress and tension. The physical aspect of the headache can be successfully treated by your physio and preventative advice can be given to stop them from coming back!
There are two types of headaches: primary headaches and secondary headaches. Primary headaches are not associated with (caused by) other diseases. Examples of primary headaches are migraine headaches, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Secondary headaches are caused by associated disease. The associated disease may be minor or serious and life threatening.
Tension headaches are the most common type of headache that our patients present with at PhysioAdvance. This is often related to pain and tension in the neck region. A disorder of the neck joints or the muscles that connect to the base of your scull (cervicogenic dysfunction) may refer pain into your head; this is because the nerves that are in your neck are also connected to your head and face.
Indicators that your neck may be the cause of the headache:
- Your doctor has cleared you of any other factors that may be contributing to your headache
- Your neck pain radiates from the back to the front of your head
- You have pain between your shoulder blades.
- Headache is worsened by neck movement or by keeping your neck in the one position for extended periods, for example: staring at the computer screen throughout the day with your chin poked forward; watching TV for a long periods; long periods of office work that exacerbate poor posture
- Headache is eased by pressure at the base of your skull
- This type of headache is often not relieved by medication
- You have a long history of neck/headache with and haven’t found long term relief through pain medication or conventional remedies
What are the symptoms of Neck headaches?
Neck headaches often begin in the back of the head and upper neck as a band-like tightness/ pressure/pain that can lead to reduced range of movement. Tension headaches also are described as a band of pressure encircling the head with the most intense pain over the eyebrows. The pain of tension headaches usually is mild (not disabling) and bilateral (affecting both sides of the head). Tension headaches are not associated with an aura (see below) and are seldom associated with nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. Tension headaches usually occur sporadically (infrequently and without a pattern) but can occur frequently and even daily in some people. Most people find that they are still able to function despite their tension headaches. The Physiotherapists at PhysioAdvance will be able to accurately assess and diagnose whether your neck is causing your headache.Some of the physio treatment techniques that may be used are:
- Mobilisation of stiff joints
- Soft tissue release of tight muscles
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening for weak muscles
- Heat treatment
Your PhysioAdvance Physiotherapist will also provide postural and ergonomic advice if this is found to be a contributing factor. Implementation of a specialised neck pillow may also be provided as well as other preventative measures. A thorough examination, X-rays or Scans from your PhysioAdvance Physiotherapist will assist in identifying the real cause of your headaches so that a treatment can be found to stop your headaches from coming back!
Isn’t it time to stop having your life limited by headaches??
Isn’t it time to stop having your life limited by headaches??
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If you are one of the many Australians that suffers with neck pain, you will be pleased to know that our proven Physiotherapy approach may offer the solution you have been searching for.Neck pain is very common with about one in 10 people having it at any given time. This comes as no surprise when we consider the activities of modern life such as sitting in front of a computer, watching prolonged periods of television and an increasing incidence of poor posture – particularly forward head posture.Problems within the neck can also cause headache, shoulder pain, TMJ or jaw pain, pins and needles in the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome and upper back pain.We encourage you to contact us for a thorough assessment with one of our
Physiotherapists if you regularly experience any of the following:
- persistent neck ache first thing in the morning
- neck stiffness when reversing in the car
- clicking neck noise when turning
- constant aching neck muscles
- tingling in your hands or fingers
Causes
By far the most common cause of neck pain relates to the effects of poor posture. In order to understand the impact of poor posture, we must first consider why spinal alignment within the neck is so important.
Your head weighs about 5 kgs and in normal alignment it is very carefully balanced on top of your seven neck bones (vertebrae). Your muscles work very hard to maintain this position and easily withstand short periods of variation. The problem arises when we assume awkward positions for prolonged periods, the fine balance is disturbed and the nerves, muscles, joints, ligaments and discs of your neck become strained and irritated. In fact, the tension in your neck and shoulder muscles doubles for every 2-3 cm’s that your head is forward! Over time, the neck strain and pressure accumulates to a point where it becomes chronic and even the smallest changes in posture cause significant effects. Coupled with the stresses and demands of modern life, it is no surprise why neck pain is so common.
Other common causes of neck pain include whiplash, arthritis and sporting injuries.
Treatment
Thankfully, Physiotherapy offers a very effective treatment for neck pain. After conducting a complete history, orthopaedic and neurological examination, your Physiotherapist will recommend a course of treatment that aims to reduce pressure, restore movement and prevent recurrence. Typically, your Physiotherapist will recommend the following:
- postural advice and how to avoid further strain
- a series of spinal mobilisations to restore proper movement to the neck vertebrae
- massage to tight neck muscles
- neck exercises to encourage improved movement
- neck strengthening exercises
- heat/ice therapy to help manage your neck pain
- recommend a contoured pillow to provide correct support while sleeping.
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Most of my patients present with persistent lower back pain that’s caused by sustained poor postures. For many, what they are suffering from is called postural syndrome and it is becoming more and more common in today’s quick society.
Your lower back is made up of number of supporting structures such as ligaments, tendons, muscles and connective tissues. It is the function of all of these tissues to support the joints of your lower back – ideally with good posture in a neutral position. Maintaining this best length and position warranties the least amount of tension to the connective tissues of your lower back. Now, if you slouch in your chair at work or twist or bend repetitively, you don’t take care of your ideal position. This causes postural syndrome and causes mechanical stress on the supporting structures of your low back. A good way to illustrate this is to bend your finger backwards before you feel the stretch. Now, if you bend even further, or hold the stretch for long enough it would certainly start to hurt - that's mechanical pressure on the tissue and joints.
Your lower back is made up of number of supporting structures such as ligaments, tendons, muscles and connective tissues. It is the function of all of these tissues to support the joints of your lower back – ideally with good posture in a neutral position. Maintaining this best length and position warranties the least amount of tension to the connective tissues of your lower back. Now, if you slouch in your chair at work or twist or bend repetitively, you don’t take care of your ideal position. This causes postural syndrome and causes mechanical stress on the supporting structures of your low back. A good way to illustrate this is to bend your finger backwards before you feel the stretch. Now, if you bend even further, or hold the stretch for long enough it would certainly start to hurt - that's mechanical pressure on the tissue and joints.
So, when you are sitting slouched for hours, days, weeks perhaps even years, this mechanical strain is compounded and while there is no mechanical damage, these positions become ingrained and thus does the pain connected with them.
How To Find Out if You Have Lower Back Postural Syndrome
Individuals with postural syndrome ordinarily have pain / ache free movement in all ranges. They’ll just feel the pain once they embrace a poor position and in the beginning the position will have to be continued for an extended period. However, in the future, it eventually takes less time for this position to become painful.
You may have been in the same job for years and only now have pain, and you are therefore thinking why. It’s because it takes time for postural tension to accumulate – finally your tissues get overloaded and may no more withstand the load. The kind of pain you are feeling is typically experienced as a dull ache in the lower back in the beginning, and that, if not dealt with would spread to the mid and upper back sometimes causing neck pain and headaches. In the early stages, pain is alleviated by changing position, as this helps to remove the pressure off the tissue. Nevertheless, over the years the connective tissue fatigues and the pain is much more difficult to resolve.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Most sufferers with postural syndrome of the lower back go through no discomfort once their posture is adjusted. However postural correction is hard to attain and requires a good deal of work from both your physiotherapist and you. It is essential to remember that unhealthy position evolves over a number of years and that it does not resolve instantaneously!
You should be devoted in performing your workouts and your physio has to be highly skilled in releasing the tight structures which can be now rendering it a hardship on you to maintain a neutral spine in your chosen posture.
Here are some points to get you started.
Don’t forget
Avoid
You should be devoted in performing your workouts and your physio has to be highly skilled in releasing the tight structures which can be now rendering it a hardship on you to maintain a neutral spine in your chosen posture.
Here are some points to get you started.
Don’t forget
Avoid
- Sustained sitting or standing
- Slouching when sitting or standing
- Actions that make you ache
Take on
- Postural suggestions from your physiotherapist
- Heat therapy
- Suitable stance
Contact PhysioAdvance for more information or to arrange an assessment.
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Sciatica is characterized by pain that starts in the lower back or buttock and travels into one or both legs. Sciatic nerve pain often varies in its intensity and frequency, however, usually there will be a component of sharp, jabbing or “electric shock” pains that radiate into the legs. Sciatica pain is also commonly associated with burning, numbness and tingling sensations. Muscle weakness is another frequent symptom of sciatica that requires careful monitoring. Typically, sciatica is made worse by bending, lifting, sneezing and coughing.
Sciatica is a common problem for manual workers, sedentary office workers and is particularly prevalent during pregnancy.
Sciatica is a common problem for manual workers, sedentary office workers and is particularly prevalent during pregnancy.
Causes
Sciatica nerve pain is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve – a very large nerve that originates from the lower lumbar spine and travels through the buttock into the leg as far as the back of the knee.
Pressure on the Sciatic nerve can result from a number of reasons including:
- piriformis syndrome (tightness of the piriformis muscle in the buttock that compresses the sciatic nerve)
- spinal misalignments, vertebral dysfunction
- herniated disc, disc prolapse
- osteoarthritis
- poor posture – wearing high heels, prolonged sitting, poor mattress
- poor lifting technique and poor bending habits
- spinal compressions due to osteoporosis
Diagnosis
Since there are many disorders that can cause sciatica, your Physiotherapists’ first task is to determine the exact cause of your sciatic nerve interference.
Physiotherapy treatment always begins with a thorough history, spinal, orthopaedic and neurological examination. Special diagnostic imaging investigations such as X-ray, CT, MRI may also be required to accurately diagnose your condition.
Physiotherapy treatment always begins with a thorough history, spinal, orthopaedic and neurological examination. Special diagnostic imaging investigations such as X-ray, CT, MRI may also be required to accurately diagnose your condition.
Treatment
As sciatica is due to pressure on the sciatic nerve, it stands to reason that treatment involves removing this pressure. Your Physiotherapy treatment aims to achieve this by reducing nerve pressure caused by poorly moving spinal joints as well as easing muscular tension in the lower spine, buttock and leg. This is achieved by using a combination of the following techniques:
- Spinal mobilisations
- Massage therapy and trigger point therapy
- Stretching tight muscles, joints, tendons and ligaments
- Ultrasound and other electrical stimulation devices
- Advice in relation to how to minimise pressure, aggravating factors and irritation of the sciatic nerve
In addition to this, you will be given a series of home stretching exercises and asked to apply ice and heat to help aid your recovery.
If you are suffering with sciatica at the moment please do not delay – you can achieve the best results when you address the symptoms early…please contact us to begin your care today!
If you are suffering with sciatica at the moment please do not delay – you can achieve the best results when you address the symptoms early…please contact us to begin your care today!
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Painful shoulder conditions that limit movement are very common, and are caused by injuries affecting the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. As the shoulder has a high degree of flexibility, it is therefore less stable and more prone to injuries than other joints of the body.
Since the nerves that supply the shoulder and arm originate from the neck and upper spine, conditions such as Vertebral Dysfunction commonly contribute to pain in the shoulder.
Physiotherapists can assist with the following shoulder conditions:* Chronic Shoulder Pain and Stiffness*Shoulder Muscle Spasm and Tension*Rotator Cuff Disorders such as tears and strains*Frozen Shoulder* Arthritis of the Shoulder
Since the nerves that supply the shoulder and arm originate from the neck and upper spine, conditions such as Vertebral Dysfunction commonly contribute to pain in the shoulder.
Physiotherapists can assist with the following shoulder conditions:* Chronic Shoulder Pain and Stiffness*Shoulder Muscle Spasm and Tension*Rotator Cuff Disorders such as tears and strains*Frozen Shoulder* Arthritis of the Shoulder
Diagnosis
In order to determine the cause of your pain, your Physiotherapist will conduct a full physical, orthopaedic and neurological examination of the shoulder, cervical and thoracic spine.
You will be asked to perform shoulder range of motion and muscle strength tests. Where the pain is felt, both at rest and during movement of the shoulder, provides important clues as to the cause of the shoulder pain. It may also be necessary to undergo specialized diagnostic tests such as X-ray, Ultrasound and/or MRI scans.
You will be asked to perform shoulder range of motion and muscle strength tests. Where the pain is felt, both at rest and during movement of the shoulder, provides important clues as to the cause of the shoulder pain. It may also be necessary to undergo specialized diagnostic tests such as X-ray, Ultrasound and/or MRI scans.
Treatment
The initial objective of all shoulder injuries is to relieve pain and inflammation. Whilst many doctors will recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and swelling, the benefit obtained by applying ice-packs can be equally, if not more beneficial.
As your shoulder begins to heal, it is vitally important to restore range of movement, and later to improve muscle strength so as to stabilize the shoulder and help prevent further injury and aggravation.
Your Physiotherapist will be able to assist you with suitable shoulder range of motion exercises and shoulder strengthening and rehabilitation exercises during your recovery.
As your shoulder begins to heal, it is vitally important to restore range of movement, and later to improve muscle strength so as to stabilize the shoulder and help prevent further injury and aggravation.
Your Physiotherapist will be able to assist you with suitable shoulder range of motion exercises and shoulder strengthening and rehabilitation exercises during your recovery.
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What is a whiplash neck sprain?
A whiplash neck sprain occurs when your head is suddenly jolted backwards and forwards in a whip-like movement usually caused in motor car accidents known as a “rear-ender”. These movements generate considerable force, typically causing the neck to move far beyond the normal range of movement and causes damage to the delicate supporting structures of the neck. Whiplash is effectively a sprain of the joints in the neck – Physiotherapists refer to this as a vertebral dysfunction.
Whiplash can also result from forceful sporting injuries that cause similar stress to the neck joints, ligaments, muscles and discs.
Whiplash can also result from forceful sporting injuries that cause similar stress to the neck joints, ligaments, muscles and discs.
Who gets whiplash neck sprains?
Whiplash neck sprains are common. About 2 in 3 people involved in car accidents develop neck pain (with or without other injuries). Many people are surprised with the onset of neck pain following even minor accidents some hours following the accident. It is important to note that even minor car bumps can cause enough whipping of the neck to cause symptoms. Less commonly, whiplash can result from everyday mishaps such as jolting your neck when you trip of fall.
Symptoms
Whilst the symptoms of whiplash will vary, the following represent the most frequently noticed effects of whiplash.
- Pain in the neck
- Head feels too heavy for the neck
- Reduced neck movement
- Neck stiffness
- Pain into the shoulders and arms
- Tingling in the arms and fingers
- Dizziness, headache, blurred vision and pain on swallowing
- Irritability and difficulty to concentrate
Treatment
Physiotherapy management of whiplash is extremely effective. All Physiotherapy care initially consists of a through history, orthopaedic, neurological and spinal examination to determine the exact location of your neck pain. Diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, CT and MRI scans may also be required to fully assess any damage.
Treatment consists of reducing pain and inflammation and stabilizing your neck to prevent further damage. Ice is perhaps the best natural anti-inflammatory modality and it is also very soothing when your neck is painful.
If you are able to support your head and neck, it is especially important to keep your neck mobile rather than immobilizing it in a soft cervical collar. Studies have shown that you are more likely to make a quicker recovery if you do regular neck exercises, and keep your neck active rather than resting it for long periods in a collar.
As your pain decreases, and your stability improves, your physiotherapist will massage and gently mobilize your spine to help improve your neck function and reduce nerve pressure.
Some other helpful advice is to avoid poor neck posture during your daily routine and to use a firm supporting contoured pillow when sleeping.
Whiplash responds very well to Physiotherapy treatment, with most people experiencing significant improvement within weeks of beginning care.
Sasha Med Specialist Centre341 Buckley StreetAberfeldie 3040 VIC Australia
tel: 03 9364 2221fax: 03 8692 2812
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