back Archives

04Feb 2021 by Brigitte B

Seek Physical Therapy Before Lower Back Pain Becomes Chronic

If you're one of the 8 in every 10 people who experience lower back pain severe enough to think you should probably seek treatment, be assured that it's probably not due to a serious problem. You may connect your low back problem to: A lot of sitting, including sitting to drive. Improper stance when bending or lifting. Poor overall physical condition. Aging. As we age, our muscles weaken and we may experience stiff joints. These both can cause pain in the low back area. Easy solutions to lower back pain You may not consider good nutrition an important tool in keeping your back healthy, but eating well benefits your whole body. Specifically, vegetables with anti-inflammatory properties have been shown to ease this pain. Sleep is another general health aid. It…

21Jan 2021 by Brigitte B

Hunchback Starting? 3 Physical Therapy Videos Can Help Set Your Posture Straight

back, Balance, Exercise, Health content, Prevention

Do you have hyperkyphosis? You probably know it as hunchback. If your spine is curving more than it has in the past, you're probably chalking it up to aging. But who wants to look old? Let's tackle that hunchback posture with some physical therapy before it gets worse. Treating and preventing hunchback posture If the mirror tells you that you may be suffering from hyperkyphosis, a trained physical therapist has the tools to evaluate your condition and may refer you to a specialist. Medication can ease pain from the hunchback posture, and in some cases surgery may be recommended. At Heather Lane Physical Therapy, following the evaluation we design and implement either a treatment regimen or a preventative strategy—whichever is appropriate for your specific needs. In the three videos below, Heather…

18Mar 2020 by Brigitte B

Back Surgery to Decrease Pain: 3 Tips to Prepare and What to Expect Afterward

back, Health content, Pain, Treatment

Like many other older adults with chronic back pain, you may decide with your doctor that back surgery is the next step. An astounding 70-95% of adults will experience lower back pain in their lifetime. Even dull aches can affect your quality of life if they're consistent. When your back is sore, you may find that you're limiting activities you love to do, whether that’s tinkering around the house, going on hikes, or exploring a new city on foot while on vacation. If you’ve reached the point that back surgery seems to be your best option, knowing what to expect can help ease fears and make you less apprehensive about the procedure. What to do before surgery for back pain Talk to more than one doctor. Consider getting a…

18Dec 2019 by Brigitte B

Fight Hunchback with 3 Posture Exercises to Help Straighten Your Spine

back, Exercise, Health content

Are you noticing a hump forming on your spine? Is your head a little in front of your shoulders? Hyperkyphosis is the condition that causes the hump and general stooping. Whether you're afraid of developing hyperkyphosis or aging has already begun the progression of the condition, it's time to fight back! When hyperkyphosis is not treated, you may start having trouble performing ordinary tasks like bending, bathing, getting out of a chair or even walking. The spine comprises three regions – cervical, thoracic, and lumbar – and each area has a natural curve. Kyphosis occurs naturally in the thoracic portion of the spine, which is in the middle and includes your ribs and chest plate. Hyperkyphosis exaggerates that curve. Occurring commonly with advanced aging, hyperkyphosis is associated with low bone mass, vertebral…

14Mar 2018 by Patrick Donovan

3 Treatment Videos For Your Hunchback Posture

back, knowledge, Prevention, Treatment

What Is “Kyphosis”? The spine is separated into three different regions – cervical, thoracic, and lumbar. Each region has it’s own natural curve. Kyphosis occurs naturally in the middle portion of the spine – the thoracic – and includes your ribs and chest plate. What Can I do About My Hyperkyphosis? Age-related hyperkyphosis is an exaggerated hunch in the thoracic spine that occurs commonly with advanced age. This causes your head to be set more forward from your shoulders. This condition is associated with other issues such as low bone mass, vertebral compression fractures, and degenerative disc disease. If hyperkyphosis is not treated, people can have difficulty performing normal tasks such as bathing, getting out of a chair, bending, or walking. There are effective treatments including physical therapy, pain medication,…

23Jan 2018 by Patrick Donovan

From A Crick To Chronic: Low Back Pain

back, Health content, Pain

You’re not alone, low pack pain is incredibly common. 8 in 10 people experience low back pain that requires them to seek treatment. Although the pain may be severe, most low back pain is not due to a serious problem. Usually back pain is contained within the lower back and buttocks. Sometimes the nerves get irritated and cause numbness and tingling in the leg or even to the toes. Some common lifestyle factors are: Sitting or driving too much Being in poor physical condition Bending and lifting improperly As we get older, the most common culprits of back pain are weakened muscles and stiffening joints. Nutrition and sleep are also hallmarks of a therapy evaluation. Often times people overlook nutrition as it relates to pain. For instance, turmeric has proven…