Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain
May 18, 2010
Numerous studies have estimated that approximately 80% of people in Western countries have experienced low back pain at some point in their lives. Most cases resolve within 2-4 weeks without any medical intervention. However, within 1 year following the first episode of low back pain, 60-80% of patients will have recurring pain. In most cases of low back pain, certain muscles of the back that stabilize the spine are reflexively inhibited (shutdown) after injury. These muscles do not spontaneously recover, even if patients are pain free and return to normal activity. Strengthening these specific muscles to support and stabilize the spine is the best approach to help prevent ongoing low back pain.
After an episode of low back pain has lasted between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences of low back pain, it is reasonable to consider back pain exercises and physical therapy for back treatment. If pain is severe, physical therapy may be recommended sooner. In general, the goals of back pain exercises and physical therapy are to decrease back pain, increase function, and provide education on a maintenance program to prevent further recurrences.
Physical therapists use passive and active therapies to treat patients. Passive therapies include heat/cold therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, and joint mobilization. Active therapies include carefully monitored stretching, strengthening and other therapeutic exercise.
Even patients with a very busy schedule should be able to maintain a moderate back pain exercise regimen that encompasses stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning. Here are the types of exercises recommended for back pain relief:
- Stretching: Almost everyone who has suffered from low back pain should stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice daily. It doesn’t take much time, but can be difficult to remember, especially if there is little or no pain present. Developing a daily routine where you do the exercises at the same time and place each day, will help enforce the routine.
- Strengthening: To strengthen the back muscles, 15-20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization or other prescribed exercises should be done every other day.
- Aerobic conditioning: Low impact aerobics (such as walking, bicycling or swimming) should be done for 30-40 minutes three times weekly, on alternate days from the strengthening exercises.
A well designed physical therapy treatment plan, which may also include other modalities such as chiropractic services, massage therapy, and/or spinal decompression, can help speed a spine patient’s recovery more so than one type of therapy alone.
Hudson Spinal Care offers all of these treatments, and designs custom treatment plans for the most effective spinal care under one roof.
To learn more about the services at Hudson Spinal Care, register for a free, in-office evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, call one of the two New Jersey locations. For Bayonne, NJ, call 201-339-8889, and for Scotch Plains, NJ call 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive the complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.
Dr. Chludzinski has been treating neuropathic conditions for the past 5 years. He is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ, graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, Georgia, graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Union and Hudson counties, including Bayonne, Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison, Kearny, Newark, Elizabeth, Westfield, Clark, Fanwood, Plainfield, Watchung, Mountainside, Berkeley Heights and South Plainfield.Neck and Arm Pain – The Herniated Disk?
September 14, 2009
Scotch Plains and Bayonne Chiropractor Comments: Patients that present with neck pain along with arm numbness, pain, and/or weakness, often ask, “…what’s causing this pain down my arm?” The condition is often caused from a bulging or herniated disk pinching a nerve in the neck. The cause of this complaint can include both trauma as well as non-traumatic events. In fact, sometimes, the patient has no idea what started their condition, as they cannot tie any specific event to the onset.
The classic presentation includes neck pain that radiates into the arm in a specific area as each nerve affects different parts of the arm and hand. Describing the exact location of the arm complaint such as, “I have numbness in the arm and hand that makes my 4th and pinky fingers feel half asleep,” tells us that you have a pinched C8 nerve. This nerve can also be pinched at the elbow and make the same two fingers numb. The difference between the two different conditions is when the nerve is pinched in the neck, the pain is located from the neck down the entire arm and into digits 4 & 5 of the hand. When the nerve is pinched at the elbow, the pain/numbness is located from the elbow down to the 4th & 5th digits, but no neck or upper arm pain exists.
Examination findings usually include limitations in certain cervical (neck) ranges of motion (ROMs) – usually in the direction that increases the pinch on the nerve. Another common finding is the arm is often held over the head because there is more stretching on the nerve when the arm is hanging down and pain in the neck and arm increases. Hence, raising the arm over the head reduces the neck/arm pain. To determine where the nerve is pinched, there are a number of different compression tests that can recreate or increase the symptoms. Some compression tests include placing downward pressure on the head with the head pointing straight ahead, bent or rotated to each side. Other compression tests are performed by pressing in areas where the nerve travels such as in the lower front aspect of the neck, in the front of the shoulder where the arm connects to the chest/trunk, at the elbow and at the wrist. If there is a pinched nerve, numbness, tingling and/or pain will be reproduced when pressure is applied to these regions. Other tests include testing reflexes and muscle strength in the arm. When a nerve is pinched, the reflexes will be sluggish or absent and certain movements in the arm are weak when compared to the opposite side. Another very practical test is called the cervical (neck) distraction test where a traction force is applied to the neck. When neck and/or arm pain is reduced, this means there is a pinched nerve. This test is particularly useful because when pain is reduced, the test supports the need for a treatment approach called cervical traction. It has been reported that the use of cervical traction when applied 3x/day for 15 minutes each, at 8-12 pounds, 78% of 81 patients reported a significant improvement in symptoms, which is very effective. Other forms of care that can be highly effective include spinal manipulation, spinal mobilization, certain exercises, physical therapy modalities, and certain medications.
To learn more about Neck and Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services both Hudson County and Union County in New Jersey
Preventing Low Back Pain
September 4, 2009
Scotch Plains and Bayonne Chiropractor Comments: While 80% of us will suffer a severe back pain episode at some point in our lives, most of us at any given time should be more concerned about preventing or aggravating back pain, rather than resolving a set-back. As they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. There are two aspects to prevention of back pain: keeping strong and flexible, and avoiding mistakes during movements.
As far as exercise is concerned, nothing is more beneficial to the spine than walking. Remember that your spine is your “core,” and the core is activated with fast-paced walking. Most of us don’t think of how the spine is affected with walking, instead focusing on the legs. Make walking part of your daily routine. Walk a few blocks or across town to run an errand, rather than getting into a car for these short trips. Park a few blocks away when you have to use the car, so that you can get in a few minutes of walking. Some of us spend five minutes circling in a parking lot just to get a space close to the front door or we get frustrated when we can’t find a space close to the gym! In contrast to sitting, which increases pressure on our disks, walking strengthens muscles and dissipates the pressure on our lower disks.
Keep the back flexible through slow stretching in all of the different ranges. Tight muscles at the back of the thighs-the hamstrings are an often neglected area that affects the lower spine tremendously. To stretch these muscles, stand upright and put on foot on the back of a chair or sofa. Slowly bend forward and hold this position for 30-40 seconds. It should cause a tight burning pain at the back of the leg. It should not cause a shooting pain down your leg, or increase pain in the lower spine. If it does, then see a health care provider immediately. When the hamstrings are flexible, this allows the pelvis to rotate forward when you bend over. If the hamstrings are not flexible, then the lower spine will bend too much to accomplish any lifting task.
The second aspect to preventing back pain is avoiding mistakes, such as lifting with your back, instead of your legs. This is especially true if an object is very heavy. Sometimes the object is light, but we lift in an awkward position, standing with most of our weight on one leg, then bending and twisting, such as getting grocery bags from a back seat, or moving and positioning a child safety seat. Especially avoid twisting motions of the lower spine while bending over. Also, use one of your hands to help brace your spine, which will decrease the pressure on your disks.
To learn more about Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic. Dr. Chludzinski services all of Hudson County and Union County.
What Makes Lower Back Pain So Common?
August 28, 2009
Scotch Plains and Bayonne Chiropractor Comments: Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common types of pain involving the musculoskeletal system. LBP sufferers may sometimes miss work or be unable participate in desired activities, social outings, and the like. It can be so disabling that out of desperation, they visit the ER.
There are many causes of LBP. Some of the obvious include over lifting/carrying, performing a task for too long or with too many repetitions, and sitting or standing in one position for too long. However, frequently LBP seems to occur for no apparent reason, or at least none that can be clearly identified. One of the most basic causes of LBP is simply standing on two, rather than four legs. When comparing a 4-legged to a 2-legged subject, arthritis of the spine and disc degeneration occurs much earlier in those of us with two legs. This is due partially because 2/3rds of our weight is supported by the low back and pelvis. Other less obvious causes of LBP include physical characteristics such as flat feet (fallen arches), a short leg resulting in a tipped pelvis, carrying too much weight, being out of shape/weak muscles, as well as hereditary factors. Non-physical characteristics include diet, exercise participation, lifestyle, stress and other psychological conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and others. Hence, treatment must address the entire person, not just the low back since often, several of the characteristics mentioned here are present and often participating in the cause for LBP.
Because many of these characteristics are not properly attended to, LBP tends to be recurrent, where multiple episodes come and go over time. In years past, health care providers would focus the majority of their attention on the physical characteristics of LBP and when treatment results was ineffective, the blame was placed on the psychological aspects for which little, if any, treatment was offered. However, over the last 20 years, the shift towards treating the whole person or, adopting the biopsychosocial model (bio- = physical, psycho- = mental, and social = how LBP is perceived and affects daily social interaction) has been emphasized as the appropriate approach when managing patients with low back pain. No longer should the psychological aspect be ignored but rather, identified and treated so that this significant barrier to recovery can be properly managed.
To learn more about Lower Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic.
Why am I in Pain After a Minor Car Accident?
August 18, 2009
Scotch Plains and Bayonne Chiropractor Comments: There are many different reasons why injuries sustained in car crashes result in chronic or long term pain. First, there are several types of tissues in the neck that can give rise to pain. The most intense pain comes from the tissues with the greatest density of nerve fibers, such as the joint capsules and the ligaments holding the bones of the neck together. There are many ligaments in the neck that are vulnerable to being over-stretched and injured in a motor vehicle collision. The mechanism of a “whiplash” injury in a rear-end collision is unique. Upon impact, the vehicle rapidly accelerates forward while the head momentarily remains in its original position, resulting in an initial straightening of the neck followed by extension. At the extreme end-range of backward extension motion, the ligaments in the front of the neck are over stretched and can tear. Within milliseconds, the head is then propelled forwards into flexion which can then injure the ligaments in the back of the neck placing a significant amount of force on the joint capsules and ligaments holding the bones in close proximity.
Another reason the neck is injured is the speed at which the head and neck “whip” in the backwards and forwards directions after the impact. This occurs faster than what we can voluntarily contract our neck muscles to resist–within 600 milliseconds! Therefore, even if we brace ourselves in preparation for an impact, we can’t avoid injury to the ligaments and joint capsules.
Not all car accidents occur from behind. In fact, only about 1/3 occur from this direction. One study investigating which direction created greater degrees of injury reported 57% of chronic pain patient group occurred from rear-end collisions. It also found that woman sustained more ligamentous injury compared to men and that frontal and rear end collisions resulting in significantly higher levels of ligament injury compared to side impacts
Another well published reason why neck pain can “hurt so much” after a car crash is that the sensory input from the injured area to the brain can be so extreme that it leaves an “imprint” in the sensory portion of the nervous system and it becomes hypersensitive or sensitized, resulting in a lower pain threshold or being more sensitive to pain. This is similar to the “phantom limb” phenomenon that often occurs after a leg is amputated where the brain still “feels” leg pain after the limb has been removed. This has also been reported to be a reason for the significant constellation of symptoms often accompanying “whiplash” injuries. A partial list of associated symptoms with whiplash injuries includes neck pain, headache, TMJ / jaw pain, dizziness, coordination loss, memory loss, cognitive difficulty in formulating thought, communicating, losing your place during conversation, and more.
To learn more about Back Pain Relief, sign up for a free report, or click here to register for a Free, In- Office Evaluation. If you are looking for faster service, feel free to give us a call at one of our two New Jersey locations. For our Bayonne, NJ location, call 201-339-8889, and for our Scotch Plains, NJ location call us at 908-490-1800. Just tell them that you read this article and you will receive our complimentary in-office evaluation (a $245 Value).
Article by Dr. Eric Chludzinski, DC. Dr. Chludzinski is the founder of Hudson Center for Spinal Care located in Bayonne and Scotch Plains, New Jersey. In preparation for his career, Dr. Chludzinski attended St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, NJ graduating in 1998 with a Bachelor of Science in Natural Science. He continued his studies at Life University School of Chiropractic in Marietta, GA graduating in the class of 2002 as a Doctor of Chiropractic.
What is a Herniated Disc and how can it be treated?
June 24, 2009
A lot of patients come into my office complaining of chronic back pain. On occasion they suffer from a herniated disc (or multiple herniations) and are surprised by the pain that this causes. So, a lot of people ask, what a herniated disc is. Basically, the space between your vertebrae in your spine is filled with a small, spongy disc. This disc, when healthy, acts as a shock absorber for the spine and keeps the vertebrae from rubbing against each other. When the disc is damaged, it can dry out, thus becoming less effective, or even bulge or break open. This is what we refer to when we talk about a herniated disc.
As you can tell, this is a very painful condition. Most medical doctors are taught to treat this with a painful (yet most ineffective) back surgery. At my office, we do what we can to help our patients avoid surgery and recover in a more natural manner. Often times drugs and painful shots are also ineffective. To learn more about whether back surgery is really needed, view my blog post on that here.
Depending on the severity of the disc herniation, chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or spinal decompression may be your best option. We have had a lot of success treating herniated disc patients using the DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression Machine.
One of my patients was nice enough to share her experience here:
“MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED, NOT BEING ABLE TO ESCAPE THE DISABLING PAIN.”
I have been in pain for about 6 years and I have been going to different doctors and therapy. After having an MRI on my back, I was diagnosed with having three herniated discs. The pain was like a knife jabbing me in my buttocks down to my leg. My whole life changed, not being able to escape the disabling pain. Then I found a doctor with the Spinal Decompression. After going through treatments, painless treatments for about a year the pain had gone away 90%. Thank you to Hudson Center for Spinal Care!
Cecilia Pangilinan ~ Hoboken Accountant
Who is a candidate for Spinal Decompression?
June 10, 2009
Often times there is a lot of confusion around patients who come into my office and think that their back pain warrants a treatment like spinal decompression. Many times, spinal decompression is not needed, and a comprehensive adjustment will relieve the pain. However, in cases that are more chronic, spinal decompression may be needed. I have a report that I wrote that clarifies in more depth some of the requirements for candidacy, you can find it at http://www.NewChronicBackPainRelief.com
Most of the patients that we have in our office for spinal decompression have severe lower back pain, pain that radiates from their lower back to their leg (also known as sciatica), extreme numbness or tingling in their legs as well as herniated discs, bulging discs, and believe it or not, a lot of our patients have had back surgery already. Since the failure rate of back surgery is so high, they are amazed at the results that come from the use of the DRX 9000 decompression machine.
You don’t have to take it from me, see what some of my patients say:
“…TREATMENTS HAVE HELPED ME GET BACK TO A PAIN FREE LIFE…”
For the last 4 years I have suffered from a degenerative disc in my lower back. I have been through a gamut of therapy or therapeutic treatment, even 4 rounds of epidural injections. Just before setting up the appointment for round #5 my wife found and add for a new treatment for lower back problems; the DRX 9000. We sent our information for more on this treatment and met Dr. Chludzinski whose treatments have helped me get back to a pain free life, which started after the second week. Before treatment I would work my 8 hr. shift, go home and recoup the entire night just to be able to return to work the next day. Now I have been able to continue my normal activities both at work and with my family. I would recommend this treatment to anyone who suffers from back pain instead of drugs or surgery.
Richard Yuditsky ~ Jersey City Radio Repair Supervisor
Why Should You Find a Chiropractor with a DRX 9000 Spinal Decompression Machine?
June 3, 2009
Spinal Decompression is starting to gain visibility in the medical field as one of the best options for relieving chronic back pain, herniated, bulging, and degenerative discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, and pinched nerves. The fact that patients suffering from these painful conditions can now get relief without the use of pills, shots, or an agonizing surgery really brings a lot of joy to my life when I see the reactions of my patients. While the importance of having a doctor who is well trained and has a great understanding of the spine is important, the equipment that they use for spinal decompression is also important. At my offices in Bayonne and Scotch Plains NJ, we prefer the use of the DRX 9000 by Axiom.
There are several other machines that claim to have the same results as the DRX 9000, however, from my experience and the experiences of my patients, the DRX 9000 provides top notch relief. There are other traction machines out there (traction basically just pulls the entire spine and doesn’t focus on just the problem areas), that do not have the ability to cycle the forces on the spine at the appropriate disc level. These machines just aren’t as effective as using the DRX 9000.
There are also some actual spinal decompression machines that are out there that are more similar to the DRX 9000, however the sophistication and high quality of the DRX 9000 makes a difference that our patients can attest to. Here is what one of our patients has to say about the DRX 9000:
“…INVEST IN YOURSELF – YOU DESERVE IT….”
Stop right now and take your life back! If you suffer from back pain you know it not only affects you at work or simple everyday chores, but it affects your family and the time you spend with them. Dr. Chludzinski can help you with all of this. Not only is the DRX 9000 a state of the art machine, it’s a modern day miracle, and it parallels Dr. Chludzinski’s practice. He uses up to date techniques, (not the same old back cracking style used by other doctors), to treat the pain and strengthen and heal the body. He and his staff give everyone the personal care and attention needed to make your road to recovery a smooth one. They can also accommodate anyone’s schedule.
Now although I was skeptical at first, I weighed my options, it was a no-brainer. Let’s see – a choice of epidurals, maybe surgery, or just more visits to the old school back crackers, which could do more harm than help, or Dr. Chludzinski and the DRX 9000. Well you know what choice I made. So find out if it works for you and invest in yourself – you deserve it. Thank you Dr. Chludzinski and Staff.
Walter Chowanec ~ Jersey City Police Officer
Does Spinal Decompression really work?
May 27, 2009
In my last post, about whether or not back surgery still needed, I discussed the issue of whether or not back surgery was really the most effective solution for chronic back pain issues. Today I want to discuss the effectiveness of spinal decompression as a non surgical alternative for chronic back pain conditions like herniated or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, or even degenerative disc disease.
A lot of times, people come in complaining about back pain, and more often than not, its neither surgery nor spinal decompression that they need to help their back pain. Typically, a lot of the less severe issues can be helped with focused chiropractic adjustments. However, for those who come with those severe conditions that I mentioned above, then spinal decompression is the best options that they can take to help relieve their pain and avoid surgery. For the patients who truly are candidates for spinal decompression, there has been a much greater success rate in relieving their pain than that of spinal surgery without the long recovery period. In some instances, the patient is beyond what we can do to help them and need surgery. But with about 90% of the patients I see, that is not the case and spinal decompression can help them relieve their pain.
The bottom line here is that it really does work in the majority of cases that we accept for the treatment. Don’t just take my word on this, hear what some of our patients have to say about this:
“MY WHOLE LIFE CHANGED, NOT BEING ABLE TO ESCAPE THE DISABLING PAIN.”
I have been in pain for about 6 years and I have been going to different doctors and therapy. After having an MRI on my back, I was diagnosed with having three herniated discs. The pain was like a knife jabbing me in my buttocks down to my leg. My whole life changed, not being able to escape the disabling pain. Then I found a doctor with the Spinal Decompression. After going through treatments, painless treatments for about a year the pain had gone away 90%. Thank you to Hudson Center for Spinal Care!
Cecilia Pangilinan ~ Hoboken Accountant
“…THERE WAS NO GUARANTEE FOR RELIEF WITH EACH SURGERY OR INJECTIONS…”
Over three years ago, I fell and fractured my pelvis in two places, also herniated a disc, needless to say, the fracture healed but the herniated disc gave me constant pain. The orthopedic surgeon told me that there was no guarantee for relief with each surgery or injections. When I heard about the DRX9000 Machine, I came to see Dr. Chuldzinski who examined me and told me that I would get 70-75% relief. I had my 20 treatments and 1 year of maintenance and I must say that I feel 80% better.
Mary Papadeas ~ Springfield Housewife
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