The spine is one of the most vital parts of the human body.  When it is injured by trauma or disease, function is impaired causing pain and loss of movement.  Approximately 80% of us experience spinal pain sometime .

Symptoms caused by spinal dysfunctions can be localized in the spine, or can cause radicular symptoms into the arms and or legs.  These symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling and weakness.  Bowel and bladder control can also be affected.

There are many causes that contribute to spinal dysfunction.  Poor posture, lack of exercise and overeating are the back’s worst enemies.  Being overweight causes additional strain to the structures of the spine.  Smoking has been shown to directly relate to intervertebral disc deterioration by blocking the nutrient supply to the discs.  When a back is in a weakened condition, strains and sprains are more likely to occur.  A sprain can occur from performing common activities improperly or repetitively, such as bending, lifting, standing or sitting.  An injury can also occur from trauma, such as with an auto accident or athletic injuries.

“Slipped” or ruptured discs can cause severe spinal pain and radiating pain into the arms (cervical discs) or legs (lumbar discs).  The nucleus (semi-solid center) of the disc may “slip,” shift, or bulge, pressing on nerve ends.  In severe cases, the nucleus can herniate (rupture) through its capsule, putting more pressure on the spinal nerves.

Osteoarthritis (“wear and tear” arthritis) is part of the aging process.  The disc dries out and narrows, causing irritating spurs that can press on nerves.  This narrowing of the passageways in the spine is called stenosis.  If stenosis occurs in the neck, arm pain, numbness and weakness are common.  When it occurs in the lumbar spine, it often causes  “sciatica,” irritation to the sciatic nerve (a major nerve in the back of the leg), causing pain, numbness and sometimes weakness in one or both legs.  Spondylolithesis is a forward or backward slippage of one vertebra relative to another, causing instability and pressure on spinal nerves.

Education is a major part of physical therapy treatment for spinal dysfunction.  We teach patients proper posture in standing, sitting and lying.  Ergonomics (correct body mechanics) for lifting, housework and job tasks are incorporated in the physical therapy treatment plan.

Manual therapy techniques may include spinal mobilization, myofascial release, muscle energy and postural restoration.  Modalities used in the treatment of spinal dysfunction include ice, heat, traction, ultrasound, iontophoresis and transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS).

Finally, a home exercise program, including stabilization exercises to increase core strength for lumbar pain, scapular stabilization for thoracic and neck pain and strengthening of the deep neck flexors for cervical pain, is tailored to each person’s needs.  Stretching exercises are given for each specific condition and supervised for maximum improvement.