Back and Neck Pain
Low back pain is an international health problem with enormous economic and social costs. In America alone, the treatment cost of back pain is estimated to be $86 billion per year or 9% of the country’s total health expenditure. The search for new ways to manage this old problem is critical in order to improve the health and quality of life of individuals who struggle with this condition. One promising treatment strategy is combining traditional physical therapy with motor control exercises guided by a physical therapist. A recent study in the January 2009 issue of Physical Therapy (PTJ) found that physical therapy combined with motor control exercises can significantly reduce pain and disability in patients with persistent low back pain. In addition to feeling less pain, patients were able to be more physically active and experience positive effects over a longer period of time than those who receive other treatments.
Motor control exercise, also known as specific stabilization exercise, is a new form of exercise for back pain that has gained the attention of researchers and health practitioners over the past decade. The exercise focuses on regaining control of the trunk muscles, also known as the transversus abdominis and multifidus, which support and control the spine. Previous studies of patients with low back pain have shown they are unable to properly control these muscles. Through motor control exercise, patients are taught how to isolate and “switch on” these muscles and then incorporate these movements into their normal activities.
“It is important to note that this form of exercise is different from going to the gym or going for a walk,” explained Macedo, author of the research article. “The program relies upon a skilled clinician, such as a physical therapist, identifying the specific trunk muscles that are a problem and then working closely with patients to teach them how to get the muscles working properly again. The patient first learns to control these muscles in simple postures, then later in more challenging activities. The ultimate goal is for the patient to get the muscles to work to control and support the spine in those activities that previously caused pain.”
The report in PTJ systematically reviewed and then summarized 14 randomized, controlled trials, evaluating the effectiveness of motor control exercises for persistent, low back pain. Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility -- without expensive surgery or the side effects of medications. The therapist at Physical Therapy Etc are fully qualified to treat your back pain.
