Back and neck discomfort are extremely typical issues that many people have throughout their life.
Unfortunately, determining the exact reason for neck or back discomfort is not always straightforward. Your limbs, legs, and head may also be affected.
People frequently wind up paying for expensive surgery or resorting to addictive drugs, which can have long-term health consequences.
Fortunately, physiotherapy may be able to help. Call The Running Physio in Toronto, ON today to learn more about how physiotherapy could relieve you of your chronic neck and back pain!
Why am I in pain?
A few conditions that could be the root cause of the pain you’re feeling are as follows:
- Strains & sprains: This is a prevalent 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, which can result in pinching a nerve root. It can also result in sciatica pain.
- 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.
Regardless of the cause of your pain, physiotherapy may be able to help identify the cause and remedy your symptoms.
How could physiotherapy help with my back and neck pain?
No matter what age you are, neck and back pain is a total nag to deal with. Pain in these areas can change the entire outlook of your day – the more uncomfortable you are, the less likely you are to have a good attitude or be in a good mood. Nobody wants to deal with this.
The good news is that 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 model 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 does a typical physiotherapy plan look like?
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.
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. After all of this is complete, your comprehensive treatment plan will be created and you and your physiotherapist will set off together on the recovery journey to you feeling your best once again!
Physiotherapy therapeutic methods
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.
Your therapist will determine which of these modalities (if any) would be the best fit for your treatment plan.
Ready to get started?
Back and neck pain is a hassle to deal with alone. If you’re tired of struggling on your own, know that The Running Physio has your back – literally!
When we have the answer right here; there’s no need to suffer from pain any longer. Contact us today at our Toronto, ON clinic to make an appointment.
