Are You Experiencing Both Back AND Neck Pain? PT Can Help

Relieve Your Back and Neck Pain with the Help of Physical Therapy!

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

According to the National Institute of Health, back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or miss days at work. Even school-age children can have back pain.

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

Fortunately, physical therapy can 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: physical therapy!

How can physical therapy 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, physical therapy is a completely safe, natural, and effective mode of care.

If you have pain in your neck or back, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today and see how physical therapy will help you get back to a pain-free life.

Our physical therapists 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 physical therapist.

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 physical therapist. 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 physical therapist 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 physical therapist 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 physical therapist will also ask you to perform some activities in order to find out what your level of functional mobility is.

Your physical therapist 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 physical therapy for neck and back pain. Physical therapy for these disorders focuses on spinal support systems.

They include tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Physical therapists 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 physical therapy 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 will relax your muscles to 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 Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today.

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Ready to Relieve Pain the Natural Way? Say Goodbye to Drugs with PT

Kick Pain Management Drugs to the Curb Today!

The world we live in today is heavily medicated. Go to any grocery store or pharmacy and you'll find countless over-the-counter drugs. Doctors also consistently prescribe more extreme pain relievers, including opioids that have been widely abused over the years. Drug abuse is everywhere, and it is an ongoing battle that patients are constantly fighting.

If you've ever experienced an injury, you know it can turn your everyday life upside down. If it's a car accident, a sports-related injury, a workplace injury, or even an unintentional fall, the pain from a sudden injury can make you feel helpless. To fight this, many people resort to pain-relieving medications, such as opioids. However, what many people don't know is how much more damage these drugs do to their body than they realize.

If you're struggling with chronic pain but don't want to pump your body full of addictive drugs, you'll be delighted to discover a better, safer alternative: physical therapy. Physical therapy is a natural and effective approach to chronic pain that can make you feel better in the long-term. Let's look at how this kind of natural treatment will boost your quality of life!

You can choose the natural path to pain relief!

Your physical therapist is going to show you what to do but they don't have to do all the work! In order for physical therapy to be effective for you, you have to make an effort.

Our physical therapists here will take the time to teach you about your pain and the value of maintaining your stretches and workouts at home for long-term relief.

However, at the end of the day, you make the decision to completely partake in your journey to get rid of pain!

How can a physical therapist help relieve my pain?

Because everybody is different, and the pain levels of everyone are different, physical therapy procedures must be as well! Depending on your particular condition, your physical therapy pain treatment strategy may be different from anyone else's.

Your doctor might decide to use massage therapy, heat, ice, ultrasound, or other therapies to relieve your pain and speed up the healing process if you are dealing with pain from a recent injury.

If you are able to get up and exercise comfortably, a physical therapist will recommend simple stretching, walking, swimming, or cycling to assist with the mobilization process.

These kinds of physical therapy are excellent for helping to restore mobility to soft tissues, allowing them to function more freely and comfortably. They are also excellent at keeping arthritic joints mobile and lubricated.

Strengthening exercises can repair and rehabilitate weakened muscles to avoid causing pain. Physical therapy often includes certain exercises to help strengthen your posture, balance, and gait.

Why YOU should choose physical therapy

If you keep up with the news on a daily basis, you’ve most likely heard about the dangers of opioids. These narcotics, which include both illegal drugs and prescription medication, are the cause for at least 115 overdose deaths in America every single day.

The APTA states that clinicians “[…] should consider opioid therapy only if expected benefits for both pain and function are anticipated to outweigh risks to the patient." Opioids are extremely powerful and can interact with other drugs in a dangerous way. They also lead to abuse and addiction as well.

Steroids are another dangerous class of prescription medication, and pose many risks and dangers to your health. Epidural steroid injections are used to relieve pain, but can cause arthritis in the hips, cataracts, stomach ulcers, elevated blood sugar, and nerve damage stemming from the injection itself.

Even ordinary NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are capable of causing liver problems and bleeding in the stomach, which is worrisome, because many people who don’t even have chronic injuries use these daily.

Physical therapy can prevent you from having to deal with all of these unpleasant side effects. Some cases of severe discomfort might still require you to take medication, but physical therapy helps plenty of patients decrease -- or even eliminate -- their dependence on pain medication.

Our physical therapists will use a combination of treatment techniques to help get your pain condition under control, no matter if it’s from an acute injury, or a wound from a recent surgery.

Physical therapy is a good option for you especially if you’re looking for ongoing chronic pain management that doesn’t include constant drug usage, or if you’re already on other essential medications and you’re worried about how they will interact with your pain meds.

Ready to get started?

It should be clear now that opioids and over-the-counter medications are not the only choice for pain relief.

There are a variety of treatment services available to you via physical therapy. Our therapists are here, waiting for your call!

Contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today to learn more about our natural options and get back to a drug-free, pain-free lifestyle.

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Do You Hav Herniated Discs? Find out with PT!

Is a Herniated Disc the Cause of Your Back Pain?

Herniated discs refer to an issue with one of the rubbery cushions that are in between the vertebrae. A spinal disc has a soft jellylike interior with a tougher exterior.

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? If you do have a herniated disc, what can you do about it?

These questions don't have to add confusion and frustration to your physical woes.

Fortunately, if your back pain is caused by a herniated disc, physical therapy can help. Contact us today to learn more.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?

While most herniated discs occur in the lower back, they also can occur in the cervical area.

Symptoms are dependent on where the disc is located and whether or not it’s compressing a nerve.

Typically, one side of the body is affected. You may experience arm or leg pain, tingling or numbness or weakness.

If the herniated disc is located in the back, you’ll likely experience pain in the buttocks, thigh and calf.

If it’s located in the neck, you’ll likely experience pain in the arm and shoulder.

The pain with a herniated disc can be sharp. Pain, numbness and tingling can radiate to other parts of the body, too.

Keep in mind that you can have a herniated disc with no symptoms.

Why did I develop a herniated disc?

A herniated disc is often the result of aging and known as disc degeneration. With age, the disc becomes less flexible.

Lifting heavy objects improperly can cause a herniated disc. Other risk factors include weight and genetics.

Excess body weight causes more stress on the discs. And genetics can predispose one to developing a herniated disc.

How can physical therapy help my herniated disc?

Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovery from a herniated disc. There are a variety of physical therapy techniques, including passive and active treatments.

Passive treatments by a physical therapist include hot and cold therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and deep tissue massage. Heat therapy increases blood flow to the target area and enhances healing. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and muscle spasm due to a herniated disc. TENS uses tiny electric currents to trigger endorphins and reduces pain. Deep tissue massage stimulates an increase in oxygen and nutrients for pain relief and healing.

A physical therapist will work with you to develop an active treatment program if you have a herniated disc. The focus is on flexibility, core stability and muscle strength. Core strengthening exercises will strengthen the back muscles for better support. Flexibility and stretching exercises will enhance movement. Exercises for muscle strengthening will create a strong structural support of the back.

How can I tell if the cause of my back pain is a herniated disc?

Your doctor can diagnose a herniated disc with a physical exam.

Your doctor can perform a neurological exam to check muscle strength, reflexes, walking ability, and the ability to feel touch. Imaging tests may be ordered to diagnose the cause of your pain.

A CT scan shows cross-sectional images of the spinal column and can pinpoint a herniated disc. An MRI creates images of the body’s internal structures and can also confirm the location of a herniated disc.

Herniated discs don't always cause symptoms, but the symptoms that they do cause can help you troubleshoot the nature of your problem.

The most common symptoms include:

  • Neck pain (if it's a cervical disc)
  • Back pain that seems to grow worse when you sneeze, cough, stand up or sit down
  • Pain, tingling, or loss of sensation in a limb (the result of a herniated disc pressing against nerve roots.
  • An inability to walk more than a few steps without pain
  • Symptoms that started shortly after an accident, extreme twisting of the neck or back, or an attempt to lift a heavy object
  • Symptoms that began after you gained a lot of weight (since obesity is a risk factor for disc problems)

If your symptoms seem to be soothed by massage, heat, or cold, you're more likely to have a strained muscle or tendon than a herniated disc.

Ultimately, the most accurate way to confirm a herniated disc is through medical imaging. X-rays can reveal not only the abnormal shape of a herniated disc, but also whether the herniation is pinching a nerve.

Ready to find relief for your herniated disc?

All around, physical therapy can help you recover from a herniated disc and help prevent future injury to the spine.

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a herniated disc, it’s wise to see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Likely, your doctor will recommend physical therapy. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Living with Chronic Pain? Discover the Relief You’ve Been Looking For

Physical Therapy Can Help You Beat Those Chronic Pain Blues!

Do you feel as if your chronic back pain has locked you out of your own life?

This nagging, excruciating symptom can stem from a variety of underlying causes, in some cases growing progressively worse from day to day until you can hardly move at all.

Did you know that approximately 80 percent of Americans have experienced (or will experience) back pain?

Chronic back pain can prevent you from performing the countless daily tasks you need or want to perform.

Even when you're not engaged in activity, your back pain may be keeping you miserable 24/7. But don't assume that drugs can provide more than temporary relief, or that surgery won't create more problems than it solves.

Even with these awful limitations, however, you may be understandably wary of subjecting your back to the risks of major surgery.

The good news is that you may not need to go to such extremes, thanks to physical therapy.

A skilled physical therapist can often identify the source of your pain, developing a personalized treatment program that doesn't involve drugs or surgery in any way.

What can physical therapy do for me?

The smartest way to fight chronic back pain is by helping your back function more normally - and the smartest way to do that is through physical therapy.

Chronic back pain refers to pain that lasts more than three months. It is a progressive pain that gradually worsens with time and basic daily activities.

Furthermore, the specific cause of back pain may remain unknown. A person simply may not know what caused it or pinpoint a point of origin.

Our physical therapist can confirm the cause of your upper or lower back pain, from a degenerative condition to strained muscles or an unbalanced body.

You may benefit from a physical therapy program that includes:

  • Flexibility exercises to gently and carefully extend your pain-free range of back motion
  • Strengthening exercises to help you enjoy better spinal support and maintain a straighter posture
  • Orthotics to compensate for foot or leg imbalances that are straining your muscles
  • Stabilization exercises to help keep your spinal components in place as you perform everyday tasks (from sitting in a chair to getting out of bed)
  • Lifestyle changes to prevent unnecessary strain due to awkward workplace or sports ergonomics
  • Cold laser therapy and/or massage therapy to soothe, warm, and relax tight muscles and connective tissues
  • Alternating cryotherapy and heat therapy to relieve tissue pain and inflammation
  • Chiropractic adjustments to normalize your spinal alignment and improve spinal joint function

What’s causing my chronic pain?

Most people, it seems, are no strangers to back pain. Low back pain, in particular, plagues an estimated fourth-fifths of adults at some point or other.

Many of these issues are related to acute injuries such as auto accidents, sports accidents, or workplace injuries caused by improper lifting practices.

As these injuries heal themselves, the pain is supposed to fade away. In other conditions such as pregnancy, back pain disappears after the baby is born and the body resumes its normal weight and spinal alignment.

Sometimes, however, back pain develops into chronic misery. Some conditions such as spinal arthritis, spondylolisthesis, or spinal stenosis don't heal themselves, leaving you with constant or recurring pain.

Other kinds of chronic back pain occur due to repetitive motion injuries and soft tissue strain. Poor workplace or sports ergonomics, weak back muscles that don't support a normal posture, or musculoskeletal irregularities such as fallen arches can place your upper or lower back in a state of ongoing agony.

Have you been fearing the treatment for your chronic back pain more than the pain itself? Many back pain sufferers are rightfully concerned about the prospect of taking large numbers of painkillers, which may reduce their pain temporarily while creating their own long-term complications.

They may be even more afraid to undergo a major spinal surgery such as vertebral fusion, a procedure which may leave you even more limited in your range of motion, prove completely ineffective against the pain, or possibly even make the pain worse.

Common causes of chronic back pain include:

  • An old back injury that failed to heal properly, leaving you with internal scarring and chronic stiffness
  • A narrowing of the spinal canal known as spinal stenosis
  • Degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis of the spine
  • Chronic muscle strain from an unbalanced posture or weak back muscles
  • Bulging or herniated discs

Relieve your chronic pain today!

Gain control over your chronic back pain by making your back healthier.

Contact our physical therapist today!

Are You Living With Chronic Low Back Pain? Find Relief Today

Did You Know Physical Therapy is an Effective Treatment for Low Back Pain?

Got low back pain? Then get a physical therapy referral!

Physical therapy is a leading profession involved in the diagnosis and treatment of low back pain.

In fact, low back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to work with a physical therapist.

Researchers in our field have even developed concise and comprehensive practice guidelines to help therapists manage this condition in their patients.

Keep reading to learn how physical therapy treatments with Washington Physical Therapy & Rehab can help you find meaningful relief from your lower back pain!

Do you have back pain?

Did you know that approximately 80 percent of Americans have experienced (or will experience) back pain? That's an unfortunate statistic, especially if you're already one of those sufferers.

Chronic back pain can prevent you from performing the countless daily tasks you need or want to perform.

Even when you're not engaged in activity, your back pain may be keeping you miserable 24/7. But don't assume that drugs can provide more than temporary relief, or that surgery won't create more problems than it solves.

Instead, go with the healthy, natural way to kiss your back pain goodbye -- through physical therapy.

Some facts about back pain

“Back pain” is an all-encompassing term used to describe a vast number of conditions that cause pain in the upper or lower back. Sports-related injuries, poor posture, and car accidents are just a few of the many ways that someone can develop back pain.

The most common cause of back pain is from sustaining an injury. This can happen in one of two ways - from an instant, sudden trauma, or from a repetitive-use injury that develops gradually over time.

Because back pain is so commonplace in the United States, there is a lot of information we have on the topic. Below are some facts about back pain:

  • Back pain is the number one disability for those under age 45.
  • In the United States alone, there are an expected 31 million people with lower back pain at any given time.
  • Back pain runs second, only after the common cold, as the top reason for visiting a healthcare provider in the United States.
  • Experts place the likelihood of any person to experience some type of back problem in their lifetime at about 80%. That’s four out of every five people!
  • 30-40 percent of all workplace absences are due to back pain.
  • Approximately one quarter of U.S. adults reported having low back pain lasting at least one whole day in the past three months, and 7.6% reported at least one episode of severe acute low back pain within a one-year period.
  • More than two-thirds of back strains are caused by lifting and other exertions, such as pulling and pushing.
  • Most cases of back pain are mechanical—meaning they are NOT caused by serious conditions, such as infection, fracture, or cancer.

1. All physical therapy treatments are safe for all ages.

The risk for low back pain tends to increase with age, but people of all ages can struggle with this broad condition.

Fortunately, physical therapy services that are proven effective for low back pain—including corrective exercises and spinal manipulation—are safe and appropriate for folks from all walks of life.

If a specific service is contraindicated for you, your physical therapist can deliver plenty of other treatments to support your healing.

2. Physical therapy treatment plans are safe, non-invasive, and personalized for your needs.

Based on the current clinical practice guidelines created by the American Physical Therapy Association's Orthopaedic Section, a person presenting with low back pain can be classified into one of several distinct treatment categories, based on a thorough examination.

This type of systematic categorization is cost-effective and beneficial, since it helps patients receive services specifically designed for their needs.

Thanks to their extensive training, a physical therapist can skillfully tease out hidden issues contributing to your back pain condition, such as nerve impingement, movement incoordination, poor core muscle activation, and range of motion limitations.

These are issues that are often overlooked or under-addressed by other professionals—and explains why interventions that just provide symptom relief are often not effective in the long-term.

In other words, if underlying issues like instability or incoordination aren't addressed, your issue is likely to recur!

By addressing the underlying causes of your back pain and then systematically managing these issues with personalized treatment based on research, a physical therapist can alleviate your symptoms and reduce your likelihood of chronic suffering.

3. Physical therapy can help decrease your risk of sustaining a back-related injury or condition.

Low back pain is so common that most people will have it at least once in a lifetime.

It's not always clear what triggers back pain in the first place, and most experts agree that there are usually multiple issues at play, including activity level, occupation, age, family and medical history, and the presence of other health conditions like smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

A physical therapist can work with you to help you identify and modify your preventable risk factors. For example, sitting too much is correlated with lower back pain.

By helping you control your pain and improve your physical function and ergonomic environments, a physical therapist makes it easier for you to increase your physical activity level and minimize the amount of time you spend sitting.

Consult with a physical therapist today

Physical therapists are experts at identifying how low back pain limits a person's participation in daily activities, and how these limitations can be resolved or compensated for.

After all, your progress outside the clinic matters even more than your progress inside the clinic! Our physical therapy team at Washington PT & Rehab always looks for the bigger picture of your condition and will help you modify your daily tasks in a way that will make you feel successful, safe, and confident.

So You Have Back Pain – Chances Are, It Could Be From a Herniated Disc

Did You Know Your Back Pain Could Be Stemming From a Herniated Disc?

How do you know whether you have a herniated disc or it’s just good old back pain? One telltale sign can be where the pain is located.

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? If you do have a herniated disc, what can you do about it?

With a herniated disc, the pain is typically located in the lumbar spine. That’s the lower part of your backbone. The pain may radiate from the back to the thighs, buttocks, or calves.

A herniated disc can cause pain whether you're resting or active. Even a cough or sneeze can cause pain as it puts pressure on pinched nerves.

The benefits of physical therapy for herniated discs

A physical therapist will have you engage in specific exercises to ease the pain and strengthen the muscles associated with a herniated disc. Physical therapy programs also include ultrasound therapy, deep tissue massage, ice and heat treatment, stretching exercises, electrical muscle stimulation and aerobic exercises.

Deep tissue massage uses pressure to relieve spasms and muscle tension due to a herniated disc. Heat therapy helps increase nutrients and oxygen to the affected area for healing. Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Active treatments like exercise for a herniated disc focus on core stability, flexibility and muscle strengthening. Keep in mind that core muscles help support the spine. Learning proper stretching and flexibility techniques will help your body move easier. Muscle strengthening creates a solid support system for the spine and helps relieve pain.

A physical therapist will also teach your self-care principles and home exercises. This way, you can prevent further injury and enjoy the long-term effects of physical therapy. With physical therapy, you’re an active participant in your recovery.

“Herniated discs can be very painful injuries that impact your day-to-day life. The good news is that you don’t necessarily have to get surgery to repair your herniated disc. In fact, studies have shown that 90% of patients were able to recover by pursuing non-surgical courses of treatment like physical therapy.” That percentage is a testament to how effective physical therapy is in the treatment of a herniated disc.

How do I know if I have a herniated disc?

A good way to determine if you have a herniated disc is to visit your physician. Likely, your doctor will do a physical exam and may even take an x-ray.

While an x-ray won’t show a herniated disc, it can help rule other causes of your pain like a fracture. If your doctor recommends having an MRI, this test can show detailed 3-D images of the spinal cord and pinpoint if there is a herniated disc. It also shows which nerves are affected.

The purpose of spinal discs is to act as a shock absorber when you engage in daily activities, like walking, sitting, lifting and running. Each disc has a soft inner ring and a tough outer ring. When the outer ring is injured, the inner ring may protrude out and cause pain.

Common causes of a herniated disc include weak muscles, age, being overweight or leading a sedentary lifestyle. And if you turn suddenly, you can also incur a herniated disc.

What can I expect from treatments?

Herniated discs can be successfully treated with physical therapy. At your initial appointment, one of our physical therapists 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 physical therapist 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 physical therapist will also advise you on any lifestyle changes that may be recommended in order to prevent herniated discs from developing again in the future.

Physical therapy 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.

Learn how to get started

If you are suffering from a lower back pain and you think it may be due to a herniated disc, contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitations today.

We’ll help discover the origin of your pain and treat you accordingly. Schedule a consultation to get started and begin your journey toward living your highest quality of life, free of lower back pain!

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So You’ve Been Having Back Pain… Could it be Caused by 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. 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.

What is a Herniated Disc?

The spinal column is comprised 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.

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

The Benefits of Physical Therapy for a Herniated Disc

Physical therapy plays a critical role in recovering from a herniated disc. A physical therapist 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 physical therapist address joint movement, stability, flexibility, strength and posture. A physical therapist 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 physical therapist will teach you flexibility techniques and proper stretching techniques.

If you have back pain, turn to physical therapy for help. A physical therapist 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 physical therapist will then create and implement a personalized treatment plan targeted to the affected area. The goal of physical therapy 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 Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

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Stand Up to Your Back Pain with Physical Therapy Relief

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 good news is that you don’t have to live with back pain permanently. Taking a proactive approach like working with a physical therapist can help you find back pain relief at long last. Contact Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for more information on how physical therapy can relieve your back pain.

Types of Back Pain

There are three main types of back pain:

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

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.

Diagnosing Back Pain with a Physical Therapist

Your journey with a physical therapist 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 physical therapist 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 physical therapist 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.

Physical Therapy for Back Pain

Once your back pain has been diagnosed, a personalized course of physical therapy 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:

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

Physical Therapy Strategies for Back Pain

Over the course of your work with a physical therapist, 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 physical therapist 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.

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. Request an appointment with Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation today!

Say Goodbye to Your Stress Headaches, Once and for All

If stress headaches are happening so frequently that they are impacting your daily life, it’s time to start thinking about physical therapy for relief. Stress headaches, also called tension headaches, are the most common type of headache that impacts people. While they are not as serious as migraines, tension headaches are a sign that something in your body is “off.” A physical therapist can work with you to determine the cause and eliminate stress-related headaches for good.

Causes of Stress-Related Headaches

One of the main causes of stress headaches is right there in the name: stress. The headache generally happens when the muscles in the neck or scalp become tense and contract. Depression and anxiety are similar emotions to stress that can also lead to headaches. In addition, there may be a physical cause behind your stress-related headaches. An accident or injury to the neck or back can contribute to headaches. Poor posture and arthritis are two other potential causes.

Diagnosing Your Headaches with a Physical Therapist

Before your physical therapy treatments begin, your therapist will work with you to diagnose your headaches. You’ll need to discuss your medical history with the therapist. If you sustained an injury to your neck, back or jaw years ago, it could still be contributing to headaches to this day. The location where you experience pain, such as in the face, back of the neck or forehead, can also help to diagnose the source.

Your physical therapist will likely run you through some tests as part of the diagnosis phase. For example, your posture will be checked as you engage in several activities. The strength of your muscles and the range of motion in your neck and shoulders will be tested. Your therapist might do some manual therapy to see how mobile your neck joints are. Once the cause of your stress-related headaches is determined, a customized course of physical therapy can be prescribed to treat them.

Physical Therapy for Stress-Related Headaches

The treatment of your stress headaches will depend in part on the diagnosis. For example, one course of treatment that would work for correcting your posture and strengthening the neck muscles might not be appropriate if your headaches are the result of a past injury. In general, you can expect stretching and strength training to be part of your treatment. Other options that your physical therapist might employ can include:

  • Soft tissue mobilization
  • Hot and cold compressions
  • Body mobilization
  • Cervical traction
  • McKenzie therapies

Aside from your physical therapy sessions at the clinic, your therapist will also recommend exercises, stretches and lifestyle changes that you can make at home, which will all contribute to eliminating your headaches.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Headaches

The ultimate goal of your physical therapy regimen will be to eliminate your stress-related headaches. However, in addition to relief, you will gain additional benefits that will likely improve your overall quality of life:

  • Improved Strength: Your therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your neck and upper back, which will lead to improved posture. With better posture, you will be able to stand and sit longer without experiencing discomfort.
  • Reduced Neck Tension: You will have better range of motion in your neck and reduced tension, thanks to manual physical therapy techniques applied to the muscles there.
  • Better Posture: Bad posture is really one of the leading causes of stress-related headaches. If you don’t enjoy good posture throughout the day, it is likely to lead to more generalized aches and pains, as well as the muscle tension that contributes to stress-related headaches.

What are you waiting for? Stress-related headaches can be a thing of the past for you, after working with a physical therapist to correct the problem. Contact our office today to schedule your first appointment.

So You’ve Been Having Back Pain… Could it be Caused by a Herniated Disc?

Do you wince when you bend over to tie your shoes? Is your back stiff, sore, and achy, especially in the morning? Do you notice numbness, tingling, and pain in an arm or leg?

If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s possible you have a herniated disc. We encourage you to call Washington Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation to see how an experienced physical therapist can provide non-invasive, drug-free relief and help you avoid recurring pain.

What is a Herniated Disc?

Between the 33 vertebral bones in your spine are small cushion-like structures called spinal discs. These discs improve mobility and shock absorption in the spinal column.1

Sometimes, the outer layer of a spinal disc, called the annulus fibrosis, tears. If this happens, the disc’s inner gel-like core, called the nucleus pulposus, can leak through this ruptured tissue. The now “herniated” disc can alter the adjacent joint mechanics and compress and irritate nearby spinal nerve roots.2

Herniated discs are often incorrectly called “slipped discs.” As you can see, a disc doesn’t “slip” so much as it ruptures and encroaches onto surrounding tissues.

A related disc condition is called a bulging disc. In this case, the outer layer of a disc remains intact, but the inner gel-core still protrudes and presses out abnormally.

Signs, Symptoms, and Causes of a Herniated Disc

Herniated discs can occur anywhere in the spine, but they’re the most common in the neck (cervical spine) and lower back (lumbar spine).3 The leading causes and risk factors include3:

  • Male gender (men are two times as likely to be diagnosed with a herniated disc than women)
  • Advancing age, especially ages 30-50 (discs tend to lose fluid and elasticity as we get older, and become more susceptible to damage)
  • Repetitive heavy lifting, bending, and/or twisting
  • Poor posture
  • Sitting too much
  • Obesity
  • Smoking
  • Family history
  • Trauma, such as a car accident or slip and fall

Sometimes herniated discs present with no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can range from mild to severe and vary depending on where the herniated disc occurs. Signs and symptoms often include:

  • Pain, numbness, tingling, weakness, and/or abnormal reflexes in an arm or leg
  • Clumsiness, limping, or tripping due to a weakened hand or foot
  • Stiffness and reduced mobility in the spine
  • Pain that worsens in the morning
  • Pain that worsens or moves further down an arm or leg (peripheralizes) when a person bends forward, coughs, sneezes, or sits for a long time
  • Pain that improves or move up an arm or leg (centralizes) when a person extends their spine, lies on their stomach, or leans to one side

How Physical Therapy Can Treat Herniated Disc

Research shows that except in extreme cases, conservative treatment like physical therapy is more effective at treating a herniated disc than surgery and pain medications.3 At our clinic, our physical therapist can help you find relief by:

  • Diagnosing your condition: we use physical examination tests and personal/medical history to diagnose a herniated disc and rule out other conditions
  • Treating your condition: initial treatment goals focus on relieving pain and inflammation, healing the injured disc, alleviating compressed nerves, and restoring normal mobility in your spine. This is possible through a variety of physical therapy techniques including joint mobilizations, stretches and massage, therapeutic exercises, and modalities like cold laser therapy and electrical stimulation.
  • Preventing recurring problems: we’ll teach you how to improve your posture and body mechanics, improve the strength and conditioning of your core, and enhance spinal health through healthy lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation, increasing physical activity, improved nutrition, etc.).

Our overall mission is two-fold: to help you feel better and address the root cause of your disc herniation so you can avoid chronic pain and dysfunction!

Could your symptoms be caused by a herniated disc? Find out and get help with our physical therapy team in  Kirkland, WA by arranging an appointment today.

Sources:
  1. Herniated disk. (2018, March 06). Retrieved from
  2. Herniated nucleus pulposus: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia Image. (n.d.). Retrieved from
  3. Bise, C. (2016, December 01). Herniated Disk. Retrieved July 9, 2019, from

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