There are different types of exercises that are good for helping reduce low back pain. Stretching exercises work best for reducing pain, while strengthening is best for improving function. In physical therapy, a licensed therapist will work with...
80 percent of adults experience back pain at some point in their lives, according to the American Chiropractic Association. If your back has been aching, your doctor may consider referring you to a physical therapist. Understanding the exercises...
SpineUniverse.com states that 80 percent of the population will experience an episode of low-back pain during their lifetimes. Most patients do not know what causes their back pain. Usually it can be determined that pain is caused by poor posture...
Back extension therapy uses exercises to stabilize the spine and reduce pressure on certain parts of the back experiencing pain. Back extension exercises can be as simple and informal as rotating your hips forward as you arch your back. More...
Lumbar, or spinal, fusion is a corrective surgery to repair sections of your spine that are damaged due to degenerative conditions. During the surgery, the bones in your spine will be fused, or glued together. Post-surgery, you'll participate in...
Although regular exercise will not eliminate arthritis in your spine and pelvis, it may help alleviate the pain and stiffness associated with the condition and improve your range of motion. Vert Mooney, a doctor and contributor to the Spine-Heath...
Spondylosis is a degenerative condition in which the supportive disks in your spine begin to deteriorate. This generally occurs as you age and can lead to painful symptoms. However, through the use of a proper physical therapy program, these...
If you experience pain, numbness or tingling in the lower back and/or legs, the sciatic nerve may be to blame. The sciatic nerve begins in the lumbar -- lower -- portion of the back and extends down each leg. Pressure on the sciatic nerve can be a...
Acupuncture and acupressure points are the same, but acupressure doesn't use needles, just pressure from fingers, hands or a massage instrument. Acupressure, massage and other manual therapies are often used to help manage back problems. Pressing...
Home care physical therapists play an important role in treating home-bound patients who are unable to get to an outpatient clinic during their recovery from an injury or illness. Patients benefit from being in the comfort and security of their...
The spinal column is made up of vertebrae separated by soft spongy discs. These discs aid in movement and absorb shock. The two parts of a spinal disc include a tough outer layer, called the annulus, which contains the soft jelly-like inner...
Exercise trends come and go, but the Pilates method has withstood the test of time and geography. Joseph Pilates developed the technique in Germany during the early 20th century. "Pilates Style" magazine cites statistics from the Sporting Goods...
Your back consists of bones and muscles that must handle stress on a daily basis. Strain from lifting or exercising, or long periods of sitting or lying down can affect your back flexibility. This causes you to feel cramped, tense or...
Back injuries can run the entire gamut from a relatively uncomplicated herniated disc to a complicated break. Because your spine is responsible for the stability, structure, flexibility and protection for your entire body, even a mild back injury...
Inversion tables are used in fitness and physical therapy to relieve back pain by decompressing your spine while hanging upside down. Some proponents of these products also suggest that inversion therapy can reduce stress, improve circulation and...
If you experience persistent lower back stiffness or pain, see your doctor. You could have an underlying medical condition that requires treatment. If you are recovering from an injury, a physical therapist can help you put together a stretching...
Lower back pain is one of the most problematic issues for highly active people. The degree of severity can range from minor pain after a workout to harsh, chronic pain due to an auto accident, a sports injury, a slip and fall accident or more....
A herniated disc is a painful injury that can occur as a result of an automobile accident, a sports injury, a household fall or through the aging process. A herniated disc is often associated with pain in the lower leg. Physicians call this...
Following back surgery or a back injury, it's important to slowly build up a regular strength building routine to experience a full recovery. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you'll better be able to return to your normal...
Back injuries can debilitate and cause pain. Automobile accidents, household falls, sports injuries and the aging process cause back injury. Pain and lack of mobility are significant factors with a back injury, but the pain can also radiate down...
The spinal column is divided into five sections -- the cervical spine, the thoracic spine, the lumbar spine, the sacral area and the coccygeal area, or tailbone. The lumbar spine is made up of five vertebrae. This area supports more weight than...
Stretching and core strengthening exercises are part of physical therapy programs to relieve back pain. Stretching combats muscle spasms and helps achieve and maintain a normal range of motion. Exercises for lengthening the lower back, hips, legs...
Low back pain can be caused by injuries to the lumbar area, disc problems or arthritis. One of the best ways to treat low back pain is through physical therapy and exercises. When low back pain is the issue, some of best therapy and exercise takes...
Back pain is an extremely common problem that most people encounter at some point in their lives. Long hours sitting at a work desk, improper lifting, obesity and wear and tear all are factors that increase the likelihood of back pain. Sprains...
Most people in the United States will suffer from a sore back during their lifetime. The spine and back are a complex combination of muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. As a result, treatment plans and back stretches should be performed under...
Spinal surgeries, such as spinal fusion and microdiscectomy, are used to alleviate the symptoms of degenerative disc disease, which include pain, muscle weakness and bladder and bowel dysfunction. Even though surgery has been found to be...
Lumbar radiculitis is the irritation or inflammation of the nerve root in the lumbar spine and the sacrum that can cause numerous pain in different parts of your body, including your lower back and one side of the hip, leg or foot, according to...
Stress fractures are small cracks in any of your body's bones, including those in your lower spine. Of the several kinds of stress fractures affecting the lower back, some respond to physical therapy. It’s a natural impulse to tackle your...
Active range of motion is best described as any degree of movement accomplished through the use of your muscles, while passive range of motion is the same degree of movement, but accomplished without the use of your muscles. Both forms of movement...
Spondylolysis is a common form of developed back pain. Learn more about what it is and how to treat it in this medical video clip.
Sciatica is an inflammation or damage to the sciatic nerve in the spine. Symptoms include sharp pain shooting from the lower back to the back of the legs.
Separated shoulders are common with football and rugby players. Learn more about what it is and how to treat it in this medical video clip.
