What is Pain? Different Medical Conditions
Medical Conditions
Back and Neck pain is extremely complex. And dome of the medical term that are used by health professionals. It can often be confusing.
Amongst some of the more common conditions are:
Treating Spondylosis
Conservative treatment is successful 75% of the time. Many patients find their pain and other symptoms can be effectively treated without surgery.
During the acute phase, anti-inflammatory agents, analgesics, and muscle relaxants may be prescribed for a short period of time. The affected area may be immobilized and/or braced. For cervical spondylosis, soft cervical collars may be used to restrict movement and alleviate pain. While for lumbar spondylosis, lumbosacral orthotics may decrease the lumbar load by stabilizing the lumbar spine. In physical therapy, heat, electrical stimulation, and other modalities may be incorporated into the treatment plan to control muscle spasm and pain.
Unfortunately for the long term, science today has yet to find a way to reverse the "wear and tear" effects of ageing. As our joints wears out, it is then imperative for our other spinal structures to take up the load. The key remaining structure that has the capacity and ability to do so are the muscles that surround and support the spine.
Physiotherapy and exercises are often prescribed to strengthen the surrounding muscles to take over the support provided the neck or lumbar braces in the acute phase. It is important that we exercise the right muscles. In this case of spondylosis, the muscles specifically supporting the spine or primary core stability muscles.
In 1997, studies by P. O'Sullivan and G. Allison[2] showed that specific stabilisation exercises reduced pain intensity and functional disability levels in a statistically significant manner, which was maintained at a 3, 6 and 30-month follow-up.
For the low back or lumbar region, the key muscles that support your spine are the deep abdominal core muscles. Your deep core muscles act as a natural abdominal lumbar support that wraps around your abdominal area. Unlike an external lumbar support that provides passive support, core stability training builds strong core to act as an active support throughout the day for all your activities.
For the neck area or cervical region, the deep neck flexor muscles and lower trapezius need to be trained to provide the necessary support and stability to your neck.
References
Back2Sports, a division of Core Concepts,
is the Official Physiotherapist for
Bookmark this page