Low back pain is the single largest musculoskeletal disorder in the world and most professional estimate that 85% of the population will suffer low back pain at some time in their life. Treatment of low back pain is a complex issue that requires a specific, accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. The key to a successful treatment is an individualized program that involves:
- Manual spine care
- Restoring spine mechanics
- Stabilizing the spine through core and functional exercises
- Preventing a recurrence
MANUAL THERAPY
Literature reviews clearly indicate that manual therapy is more effective in the treatment of neck and low back pain when compared to medication, bed rest, or exercise. Two recent studies in the highly reputable journals, Spine and Annals of Internal Medicine, have demonstrated a 92% success rate in treatment of low back pain when certain criteria are met and when a specific manual therapy technique is used. Click here for references and research reports
EXERCISE
A strong core and specifically the transverse abdominals and multifidus, which are the deep muscles of the trunk, can go a long way in preventing a recurrence of back pain. Research shows that a co-contraction of these muscles can decrease shear forces and compressive forces acting on the disc. By eliminating these excessive forces into the lumbar spine and decreasing the disc pressure through contraction of the core, individuals will experience less low back pain and protect the disc from injury. Click here for stabilization and exercise references
DECOMPRESSION THERAPY
Decompression therapy also plays a role in treating spine-related conditions, and research that it is effective for treating pain of disc origin or spinal stenosis. Recent advancements in decompression tables like the one at Streubel Physical Therapy allows the therapist to apply the decompression force specifically and accurately to the pain-generating segments within the spine. Our table uses a gradual and gently ramping up of the decompression force, therefore decreasing muscle guarding and decreasing the load necessary to achieve decompression between the vertebrae. Our table also offers surface EMG’s to monitor muscle activity and apply the decompression only when trunk musculature is relaxed.
Each variable within the decompression treatment can be programmed and gives real time feedback on the force being applied to the vertebral segments. All of these variables can be adjusted and programmed during the treatment to maximize comfort and achieve true decompression at the pain-generating segments.
In the past, traction tables would apply a force at a set parameter and not take into account whether your trunk musculature were relaxed or not. This older equipment is one reason why many patients have experienced more pain after receiving traction. If spinal muscles are fighting the traction devices during the treatment, decompression will not occur and muscular pain will result. Since our table applies a force only when your trunk muscles are fully relaxed, it allows a more gentle force to accomplish decompression at the designated vertebral segments. Click here for decompression references
Decompression therapy in conjunction with core stabilization and stretching exercises, manual mobilization of the spine, and patient education is one of the most effective treatment programs for spine-related conditions.
