If at some point in time, you have seriously injured your back, you may have gone through some type of spinal rehabilitation. Your rehab might have been conducted by a physical therapist, or some other specialist you were referred to.
But if you are still having to deal with back pain or stiffness and you’re not in a position to return to your usual active life, perhaps you need to try a chiropractor to complete your rehabilitation.
Spinal rehabilitation refers to a structured program of exercises and therapies designed to help individuals recover from spine-related conditions, injuries, or surgeries. The primary goals of spinal rehabilitation are to reduce pain, improve function, enhance flexibility, and promote overall well-being.
Where a rehabilitation program might miss
A lot of physical therapy programs are great, they help recovery through the different stages of your injury. Your rehab program will likely include treatment to reduce swelling, manage pain, and restore the range of motion you had before your accident or injury. However, some programs do not go far enough.
They do not help with preventing further injury and you might still have stiffness and pain when the program is done. People also find they still deal with muscle weakness, imbalance, instability, and bad posture. Returning to activities like shoveling sand, moving heavy objects, or playing sports is not yet possible. Therefore it is important to either find a program that does help you beyond the first few weeks or to find an alternative approach. It’s also worth looking at chiropractic treatment or massage therapy Perth.
Rehabilitation programs for spine-related conditions are designed to address a range of issues, including pain management, mobility improvement, and overall functional recovery. However, there are situations where a rehabilitation program might miss the mark or could be improved. Here are some factors to consider:
Here are key components typically included in spinal rehabilitation programs:
Assessment and Evaluation:
- The rehabilitation process begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s condition. This may involve a physical examination, medical history review, and diagnostic imaging to determine the nature and severity of the spine-related issue.
Pain Management:
- Pain relief is a central focus of spinal rehabilitation. Various techniques, such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy, may be employed to manage pain and discomfort.
Exercise Programs:
- Targeted exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and enhance overall spinal stability. These exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and aerobic activities tailored to the individual’s specific needs.
Manual Therapy:
- Hands-on techniques, such as massage, mobilization, and manipulation, may be used to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and address structural imbalances.
Education:
- Patient education is a crucial aspect of spinal rehabilitation. Patients are educated about their condition, proper body mechanics, and strategies for preventing future issues. Understanding the importance of posture, ergonomics, and self-care empowers individuals to take an active role in their recovery.
Posture Training:
- Correcting and maintaining proper posture is often emphasized in spinal rehabilitation. Poor posture can contribute to spine-related issues, and learning proper body mechanics can prevent future problems.
Functional Training:
- Exercises that mimic daily activities or work-related tasks are incorporated to improve functional abilities. This helps patients regain the skills needed for everyday life and work.
Core Strengthening:
- Strengthening the muscles of the core, including the abdominal and back muscles, is a key component. A strong core provides support to the spine and helps prevent future injuries.
Gradual Progression:
- Rehabilitation programs are typically structured to allow for gradual progression. As patients gain strength and flexibility, the intensity and complexity of exercises may be adjusted to challenge them appropriately.
Psychosocial Support:
- Recognizing and addressing psychosocial factors, such as stress or anxiety, is important in spinal rehabilitation. Mental and emotional well-being can impact physical recovery, and support in these areas may be integrated into the rehabilitation plan.
Having a strong core is important
The midsection or core, which is the area below the chest down to below the pelvis, is the basis of most daily movements whether it be exercise or basic activity. Standing upright uses your core. The muscles in your core help stabilize your spine and enable you to move in a coordinated manner.
They also protect the spine. If the muscles deep in your core that help stabilize your spine are weak, then you’re more likely to encounter injury. The other muscles in the core are then working harder trying to adjust because of your lack of stability. Some muscles grow tight and others become weaker, which can also lead to muscle imbalance.
If a person is living with structural abnormalities caused by muscle imbalance, an injured spine, scar tissue, or subluxations, stabilizer muscle function is significantly reduced. With the correct treatment or spinal rehabilitation, you can strengthen the stabilizer muscles, correct misalignment, and in turn, reduce pain and stiffness.
Every person is different
Every person is different because each injury is different. Every person’s medical background is different, and how a person responds to treatments like massage therapy in Perth is different.
How symptoms present, where the symptoms are and preexisting injuries all need to be considered. Age and weight are also big factors. Abnormalities can occur that are specific to that person and a spinal rehabilitation expert will need to take these factors into account when compiling a plan. Whatever the cause, chronic back pain can be reduced.
It’s crucial for healthcare professionals involved in spine rehabilitation to continually assess and adapt the program based on the patient’s progress, feedback, and evolving needs. A multidisciplinary approach that involves collaboration among physical therapists, physicians, psychologists, and other relevant specialists can contribute to a more holistic and effective rehabilitation strategy.
A person suffering from back pain can recover at least some movement and stability with the right program and commitment to their recovery.
