Back and Neck Therapy
Back pain is one of the most common barriers preventing people from experiencing a whole and happy quality of life.
Our physical therapists are skilled in working with patients who have back pain due to either a traumatic accident or those that surface from the natural ongoing strains of life.
Sciatica is a common ailment characterized by pain in the gluteal region that often radiates into the leg. This condition arises when tension or pressure impacts the sciatic nerve. Causes of sciatica include herniated disk, spinal stenosis, or other spina issues that compress the nerve.
We start by easing irritation around the nerve root using ice, gentle activity modification, and anti-inflammatory strategies. Next, we address muscle tightness and poor posture with targeted stretching and movement retraining. Finally, we strengthen the muscles around the spine and hips to improve stability, reduce stress on the sciatic nerve, and prevent future flare-ups.
Sciatica is a common name for other problems originating at the lower quadrant of the body. Other possibilities causing gluteal and leg pain are arthritis around the nerve root in the back, disc herniation or bulging, slippage of the spinal segments called spondylolisthesis, facet joint inflammation, performs syndrome, and many other muscle or joint limitations that may cause tension or pressure on the sciatic nerve further down the chain.
Sciatica Therapy
Herniated or bulging disks. while alarming to think about, are surprisingly common. They occur when a single forceful stress or repeated smaller stresses compromise the integrity of the spinal disks. This may lead to pain numbness, or weakness due to the affected nerves in your back.
The most common signs and symptoms of a herniated disk are: Arm Pain, Leg Pain, Back Pain, Numbness and Tingling, Extremity Weakness
Seek medical attention if your neck or back pain travels down your arm or leg, or if it’s accompanied by numbness, tingling or weakness.
Seek Immediate medical attention if you experience bowel or bladder changes associated with any of these other symptoms or a recent back injury
Conservative treatment, including exercise, posture correction, and medication, relieves symptoms in 90% of herniated disk cases. Mild to moderate pain may respond to over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen. If ineffective, short-term narcotics (e.g., codeine, oxycodone) may be prescribed, though they carry risks like sedation and nausea. Nerve pain medications such as gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, tramadol, and amitriptyline are often preferred due to fewer side effects. Muscle relaxants can ease spasms but may cause drowsiness. Cortisone injections or oral steroids can reduce inflammation around spinal nerves. Physical therapy includes guided exercises and treatments like heat, ice, traction, ultrasound, and bracing. Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered after 6–12 weeks if symptoms persist or worsen, particularly with severe numbness, weakness, or bladder/bowel issues. Most surgeries remove only the protruding portion of the disk; in rare cases, full disk removal and spinal fusion or artificial disk replacement may be necessary.
Herniated Disk Therapy
Stenosis Therapy
Spinal stenosis involves a narrowing of the spaces within the spine, putting undue pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Found most often in the neck or lower back, spinal stenosis can cause discomfort, numbness, or even difficulty with mobility, though some individuals show no initial symptoms.
Many people have evidence of spinal stenosis on X-rays, but have no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they often start gradually and worsen over time. Symptoms vary, depending on the location of the stenosis:
Neck pain. Narrowing in the upper (cervical) spine can cause numbness, weakness or tingling in a leg, foot, arm or hand. In severe cases, nerves to the bladder or bowel may be affected, leading to incontinence.
Lower back pain. Compressed nerves in your lower (lumbar) spine can cause pain or cramping in your legs when you stand for long periods of time or when you walk. The discomfort usually eases when you bend forward or sit down.
When to see a doctor . Make an appointment with your doctor if you have persistent pain, numbness or weakness in your back, legs or arms.
Treatment for spinal stenosis depends on its location and symptom severity. Common medications include NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen) to reduce pain and inflammation, muscle relaxants (e.g., cyclobenzaprine) for spasms, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) for chronic pain, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin) for nerve pain, and opioids for severe cases—though opioids can be habit-forming. Physical therapy helps build strength, improve flexibility and balance, and support spinal stability. Corticosteroid injections may reduce nerve inflammation and pressure, but frequent use can weaken bones and tissues, so they’re limited to a few per year. Surgery may be considered when conservative treatments fail or if symptoms cause disability. Procedures like laminectomy remove part of a vertebra to relieve pressure; sometimes, spinal fusion is needed for stability. While surgery often improves symptoms, risks include infection, spinal fluid leakage, blood clots, or worsening neurological function. Most patients benefit, but not all achieve full relief.
Back pain during pregnancy is a frequent concern due to weight gain, shifting center of gravity, and hormonal changes that relax pelvic ligaments. Combined with additional pressure on the sciatic nerve or spine, these changes can exacerbate back discomfort during pregnancy.
To relieve pregnancy-related back pain, start with simple strategies. Practice good posture by sit with back support, stand with one foot elevated (alternating sides), and consider using a brace. Wear supportive, low-heeled shoes and try a maternity support belt if helpful. Lift with your legs, not your back, and know your limits. Sleep on your side with bent knees and use pillows for support. Ice packs or pregnancy-specific massage can provide short-term relief. Include safe physical activity like walking or swimming with your provider’s approval. Gentle back stretches on hands and knees may also help. If pain persists, physical therapy can be highly effective through exercise, bracing, and education. Complementary therapies like acupuncture or chiropractic care may be beneficial but should be discussed with your provider. Seek medical attention for severe or persistent pain, especially if accompanied by bleeding, fever, or urinary symptoms, which could signal a more serious condition.
Pregnancy Related Back Pain Therapy
Compression fractures occur when significant force from falls, accidents, or repetitive movements causes the vertebrae to collapse. This condition often affects aging spines or individuals with weakened bone density, leading to localized pain and potential mobility issues.
Treatment for Compression fractures most often includes bracing to stabilize the affected area of the spine, medication to control pain, physical therapy to improve stability and muscle support around the fracture while preserving mobility at adjacent segments and time to allow the fracture to heal. With increasing frequency, some medications that have potential to improve bone density or at least slow or even halt the loss of more bone may be initiated by a physician following a compression factor depending on the cause of the fracture.
Compression Fractures Therapy
Spondylolysis involves degeneration of the pars portion of the spinal segment, often seen in older adults. This condition may also progress to spondylolisthesis if the affected vertebrae shift out of place. Both are associated with bone density loss and may affect younger individuals with a genetic predisposition to thinner bone structures.
Treatment for Spondylolisthesis most often includes medication to control any pain and therapy to improve muscle support and adjacent segment flexibility to diminish stress through the involved segment. In some cases long term bracing for up to 6 months or surgical intervention with hardware fixation may be necessary.