Low back pain is a common condition that affects many people, and it can be caused by a variety of factors. One phenomenon that is often seen in individuals with low back pain is called “centralization.” What is Centralization? Centralization is the process by which pain and symptoms move from the periphery of the body to the central area, such …
Around the Curve: Physical Therapy for Scoliosis
If you’re like me, you remember scoliosis screenings growing up–and you also probably had no idea what they were looking for. Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine is abnormally curved, often in the shape of an “S” or “C.” Curves are greater than 10 degrees are classified as scoliosis. The cause of scoliosis is unknown. However, as a …
The Body System You Didn’t Know You Had
Growing up, many of you most likely learned about body systems. There is the cardiovascular system, which pumps blood and delivers vital nutrients throughout the body. There is the neurological system, which in a way is like a large computer and electrical system that controls activity of various organs. There is the musculoskeletal system, which allows us to move about …
Research Sheds Light on Early Physical Therapy for Back Pain and Sciatica
Sciatica – a Pain in the Butt! If you have had sciatica, you know how painful it can be. Sciatica is kind of a “catch-all” term used to refer to pain that refers down the leg and is caused by an irritated nerve or neural structure. Most commonly, sciatica is associated with back pain. Despite how common sciatica can be …
How Much Pain is Too Much to Keep Riding?
KIRSTIN WEIBLE, PT, COMT    The Kennedy Stages of Tendinopathy provide a useful gauge on when and how to grade activity in cases of soft tissue pain (muscles, tendons, etc.). It is not always necessary to stop activity completely, but it is not always a good idea to just push through the pain either. The stages suggest the following: Stage …
More is Not Always Better: Study Shows “Cascades of Care” are Harming Patients, Providers.
Have you ever had an x-ray or MRI that led to more tests and appointments? If so, then you may have experienced a “cascade of care,” which was a term used in a new study in JAMA you can find here. The study classified “cascades of care” as decisions, further testing, emergency room visits, etc that occurred following an incidental finding from testing. …
Physical Therapy First for Low Back Pain Reduces Opioid Prescriptions by 85%
Background Low back pain is really common. In fact, almost everyone has low back pain at some point in their life, and about 1 in 4 people you know have had low back pain in the past 3 months. With low back pain being so common, it’s important to have information about the best place to start care when your …
What Everyone With Spinal Stenosis Needs to Know: Mike’s Story
What is Spinal Stenosis? “Stenosis” means “narrowing,” and basically refers to the process of certain holes in your spine getting narrower, usually as we age.  Spinal nerves, which branch and travel down your leg, have to exit from these holes in your spine.  A hole getting narrow simply means the nerve has less space to move, not that the nerve is getting …
The Crazy Thing Research is Telling Us About Spinal Stenosis
Lumbar Stenosis is a radiographic diagnosis. The word “lumbar” refers to the lower back and “stenosis” means “narrowing.” Usually, when an x-ray or MRI finds that you have stenosis, it means that the passageways for nerves in your spine are smaller. However, it is important to keep in mind that this narrowing can happen without pain. It is common to …