Our previous posts have documented the success of Physical Therapy treatments on sciatica, radiating pain down the back of leg, compared to other conservative treatments and surgery. Specifically, no differences have been noted between surgery and PT at long term follow up. Another medical intervention for sciatica includes non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These...
Pain located on the outside of the hip has previously been diagnosed as trochanteric bursitis, but more recent research reports less than 10% of patients demonstrate bursal inflammation. This condition is more accurately diagnosed as greater trochanter pain syndrome indicating a breakdown of the glut tendons as they attach into the hip. This condition commonly...
Low back pain is the leading cause of disability in our country, costing billions of dollars per year, felt by both the healthcare system and taxpayers. Acute low back pain lasting less than 30 days is a very common condition experienced by up to 90% of us during our lifespans. Thankfully, there is a very...
photo credit: radiopaedia.org Magnetic resonance imaging of musculoskeletal pain has long been known to find various pathologies, including herniated disks, tendon tears, and spinal stenosis, which may or may not contribute to an individual’s symptoms. These spinal and extremity findings are common in pain free individuals especially over the age of 30 years old. As...
Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common diagnosis given to those experiencing low back pain. The gold standard of diagnosing stenosis is using an MRI to determine closure of natural occurring spaces of the lumbar spine. At times the closures can contribute to impingement of nerves or spinal canal which can lead low back pain...
Death and taxes are said to be the two certainties in life for adults, but Ben Franklin may have added low back pain given its’ current prevalence. Up to 90% of adults will report an episode of low back pain during their lifetimes. Fortunately, the vast majority of these episodes are not secondary to any...
Death and taxes are said to be the two certainties in life for adults, but Ben Franklin may have added low back pain given its’ current prevalence. Up to 90% of adults will report an episode of low back pain during their lifetimes. Fortunately, the vast majority of these episodes are not secondary to any...
Low back pain continues to affect many Americans leading to pain, loss of function, missed work days, and higher health care expenditures. Much of this cost is attributed to the often unnecessary utilization of advanced imaging and procedures such as injections and surgery. Previous research has shown early access to Physical Therapy without a prior MD...
Dry needling treatments performed by Physical Therapists have gained in popularity among both clinicians and patients with low back pain. The treatment is designed to reduce pain and restore muscle function. Inserting small, monofilament needs into trigger points within painful muscle groups can lead to immediate changes in pain and movement. While the mechanism of...
The majority of people with low back pain will demonstrate altered coordination and communication between the nervous system and muscles. This leads to altered movement patterns which may perpetuate symptoms and lead to more chronic low back pain and muscle imbalances. Primary movers for our movement patterns (example: glutes) may be substituted for weaker, less tolerant...
