Blog: Physical Therapy & Chiropractic

Degenerative disc disease, despite the name, is not a disease but a deterioration of the discs of the spine. It occurs over a period of time, resulting in neck or back pain and other musculoskeletal and neurological symptoms. It is common in adults in their thirties.

Types of degenerative disc disease

Cervical: affects the neck and is referred to as cervical degenerative disc disease
Lumbar: affects the lower back and is called lumbar degenerative disc disease
The cervical and lumbar regions of the spine are susceptible to damage due to increased movement capabilities. Constant motion over time results in the wear and tear of the discs.

Signs and Symptoms of DDD

Most patients report one or more of the following symptoms.

Pain is triggered by an activity
Pain flares up periodically and then settles to a low-grade pain/discomfort
Sitting or standing for long periods of time worsen the pain
Activities such as walking may alleviate the pain
Relief upon changing body position
Muscle spasms
Tingling sensations in the extremities
Any activity that triggers pain in the neck or lower back should be ceased immediately. If there is no relief with rest, consult with a physical therapist. Early intervention could save you from further damage to the disc, muscles and ligaments.

Management of Degenerative Disc Disease
Physical therapy helps treat the underlying factors such as the instability of the intervertebral joints and the associated inflammation. Your physician may recommend prescription medication to provide relief. Once the pain is reduced, specific exercises and specialized physical therapy techniques are utilized to achieve lasting relief.

Treatment falls into one of the following three categories:

Medical

Pain control with acetaminophen, prescription medications, narcotics, etc.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAID, steroid injection etc.)
Surgical (if required)

Fusion of the discs
Replacement of the damaged disc with an artificial disc
Conservative (Physical therapy)

Exercise: Progressive controlled exercises under supervision. These include stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobics.
Lifestyle modification: Improved posture and movement patterns reduce stress on the spine. Ergonomically designed chairs can also relieve pressure on the spine.
Self-care including weight management, treatment of depression, etc.
A Stronger Spine
Prevention Tips

Poor posture, especially in a sitting position, can cause bone and joint issues over time. If your job is sedentary it is important to:

Perform stretching exercises at regular intervals.
Adjust the height of your desk chair and computer to minimize strain on your neck and lower back. (Come to our office for an evaluation and we will identify the most appropriate height for you).
Invest in footwear to reduce stress on the lower back
Call our office without delay if you are at risk of developing DDD. If you, or someone you know, has been diagnosed with DDD, a physical therapy program, combined with traditional medicine, is critical for recovery.

Physical therapy interventions include:

Strengthening
Postural retraining
Ergonomic intervention
Use of modalities including electrical stimulation for muscle reeducation
Physical therapy will improve blood circulation to the affected region and reduce pain by facilitating the release of endorphin (pain relief chemicals naturally produced by the body). The long-term goal is to reestablish range of motion over time and assist in recovery. Call us today to learn more about what physical therapy can do for you.

Forest Hills Rehabilitation
108-14 72nd Avenue 4th Floor Forest Hills NY 11375
Phone: 718-520-8480

www.ForestHillsRehab.com

Physical Therapy for the Spine

The spinal column supports the body and provides the structural framework for muscles and bones in the trunk region. It is a bony framework that protects the spinal cord, which serves as a channel of communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It serves as an anchor for a network of muscles that surround the trunk and help in movement and stability of the trunk region.

Every time we pull, push, twist, bend and stretch the spine or lift a heavy object, we challenge the muscles surrounding the spinal column. Controlled exercise, under the supervision of a physical therapist, challenges these muscles and helps improve posture and ‘core strength’.

The strength and stability of these muscles is critical to the functioning of vital organs in the trunk region, including the stomach (digestion), lungs (breathing) and liver (detoxification).

Response to Injury
We live in an age in which technology allows individuals to achieve more, while becoming increasingly sedentary. Lack of exercise and poor strength in the abdominal and lower back muscles can lead to a chain reaction of problems over a period of time.

Initial symptoms include aches and pains after long periods of sitting. Poor posture and wrong movement patterns can lead to pain and stiffness in the upper and lower back. A vicious cycle of weakness and pain can increase the possibility of injuries like herniated discs. There are times when individuals experience sharp pain when bending forward, twisting, laughing and sneezing.

When an injury occurs, the first thing to avoid is further motion, since this can increase the severity of the injury. Symptoms such as tingling, numbness and muscle weakness may indicate involvement of the nerves, and medical advice should be sought immediately. The traditional approach of rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) is important during the early stage of injury. A physician may request additional tests to identify the extent of injury, and may recommend prescription medication to reduce pain and inflammation.

An Evaluation is the First Step
An initial assessment by the physical therapist will help identify the cause and extent of injury. Combined with diagnostic testing and medication (as advised by a physician), physical therapy can help with pain relief and increase in range of motion in the acute stage.

As the patient improves, the therapist may decide to use ultrasound wave treatment and mild electric stimulation. As the pain reduces, the therapist prescribes a progressive, supervised exercise program. The entire plan of care promotes healing, reduces pain and improves function.

There are several things that physical therapy can do for you. Decreased pain, improved strength and mobility and a higher quality of life are just a few examples of the benefits of physical therapy. The strength and stability of your spinal muscles is one of the most important aspects of your well being, and we encourage you to schedule an appointment with us. You might be surprised with the things you discover after an initial evaluation.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you, and we look forward to working with you.

www.ForestHillsRehab.com

(888) 595-7282

Physical therapy for Foot Drop

Foot drop syndrome is a neuromuscular disorder characterized by weak muscles in the front of the lower leg. This can result in partial or total loss of control over the foot. This affects the ability to lift the foot at the ankle.

Damage to the nerve fibers that allow the flexing of the ankle and toes can cause several problems. For example, the toes point towards the floor when the foot is lifted up from the ground. When patients attempt to walk, they tend to drag the foot along the ground. They further compensate by lifting the knee higher than usual.

Foot drop can often be the sign of a major underlying complication, rather than a ‘simple’ inability to raise the foot. It can be caused by a nerve injury, spinal or brain disorder or muscle disorder. Foot drop can affect one foot or both feet and can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.

Physical therapy plays an important role in the management of foot drop. It allows patients to experience better mobility, which leads to an improved quality of life.

Exercise Goes a Long Way…
Exercise Therapy

Exercise is the primary treatment for patients with foot drop. Strengthening exercises of the muscles within the foot and the lower limbs help maintain muscle tone. Such exercises will help strengthen and stretch the foot while returning mobility to the ankle.

Stretching exercises are an excellent treatment for foot drop. Physical therapists will advise patients to sit on the floor, place a towel around the foot, hold onto both ends and gently pull the towel towards them. This helps stretch the muscles of the calf and foot.

Other exercises include leg flexes and toe curls. Several sets and repetitions are required to stimulate the muscles sufficiently.

Electrical Stimulation

In some patients with foot drop, physical therapists may advise a treatment regime that includes electrical stimulations of the nerves and muscle fibers. This helps generate electrical impulses within the muscles and can, to an extent, help increase the tone and the contractility.

Gait Training

Gait signifies the way a person walks. A gait abnormality is a deviation from normal walking.

Gait training is recommended for those patients with significant gait problems. This treatment helps a patient walk more efficiently and improve stability by incorporating different strength and balance exercises.

At times, gait training requires the use of walkers, canes and parallel bars to safeguard the patient.

A gait belt is an assistive device used to help a patient maintain balance during training.

Braces and Splints

For individuals with limited control over their foot muscles, an “Ankle-Foot-Orthosis (AFO)” is used to help improve gait. AFO are L-shaped braces designed to support the function of the ankle and foot by keeping them perpendicular (at an angle of 90 degrees). This helps to keep the foot off of the ground while walking.

The Road to Recovery
Foot drop can be rather debilitating for patients and can affect mobility to a great degree. While there are several causes of foot drop, physical therapy is the most effective treatment option.

Long-term outcomes vary but many patients can regain significant function and mobility following a physical therapy plan of care.

As your trusted healthcare professionals with several years of experience treating muscular and neurological conditions, we promise to take good care of you. Together, we will walk the road to recovery.

Don’t hesitate, reach out to us today and give us the opportunity to show you how physical therapy can change your life.

Forest Hills Rehabilitation
(888) 595-7282

http://www.ForestHillsRehab.com