 What causes neck and Back pain?
Spine pain can come from various causes including the intevertebral discs, spinal ligaments, nerves, muscles, facet joints, etc.
Pain can be caused by trauma (e.g., motor vehicle
accidents, falls, etc.) or may begin insidiously after a simple
task such as bending over to tie shoelaces.
Posture is a major contributing factor to spinal
pain, especially for people in sedentary occupations (e.g.
secretarial work, truck drivers, accountant) Simple measures
can be taken to improve posture, which in turn will decrease
strain on the neck and back and alleviate symptoms.
In conjunction with postural deficits, many people have a strength imbalance in the major muscle groups, leading to increased loading on the spine.
 Where do I feel the pain?
Most commonly pain is experienced close to the spinal column,
either centrally or off to one side. In some cases pain may
travel into the arms or legs, and may be accompanied by muscle
weakness, loss of sensation and or “pins and needles”.
Which Spine Diagnoses can benefit from Physical Therapy?
Many diagnoses of spinal pain are appropriate for physical
therapy, including but not limited to, osteoarthritis, degenerative
disc disease, sprains/strains, herniated discs, spoldylolisthesis,
sciatica, scoliosis and what some call, “pinched nerve”.
What type of treatment will I receive for my Spinal Pain?
The Therapy Network has highly trained spine specialists in
the fields of Manual Therapy and McKenzie Therapy.
- Manual Therapy
Therapists trained in advanced joint mobilizations will
identity joint motion changes in the spinal column. Once
identified, a hypo mobile or “stiff” joint
is stretched to restore joint mobility. If a hyper mobile
or “loose” joint is identified, a therapeutic
exercise program is developed to provide greater support
to the injured spinal segment.
- McKenzie Therapy
Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy is a movement based examination
and treatment program. It requires minimal use of traditional
“modalities” with an emphasis on patient education,
self treatment and prevention of recurrence. This type
of therapy is especially useful for spinal pain that has
referred into the extremities.
Frequently, a combination of the two approaches in conjunction with a strengthening program will be utilized to assist the recovery of spinal function.
Ask your doctor about physical therapy for spine pain. If your doctor would like more information, have them contact The
Therapy Network’s training
department to talk to someone who can get information to them.
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