Spinal Pain Physiotherapy

Spinal Physiotherapy

At The Home Physio, we understand the challenges that individuals face after experiencing a spinal cord injury or dealing with chronic back pain. Our spinal pain physiotherapy services are tailored to address these issues, helping individuals rehabilitate their spine, manage pain, and improve mobility. Through specialised rehabilitation programs, we aim to help spinal cord injury survivors and those suffering from back pain regain independence and enhance their quality of life.

 

Understanding the Causes of Spinal Pain

Spinal pain is a complex condition with various underlying causes. Understanding these causes can help in addressing the pain through effective treatment.

  • Muscle Strain

    Overexertion or improper lifting techniques can strain the muscles and ligaments surrounding the spine, leading to pain.

  • Disc Problems

    Herniated or bulging discs can press on the spinal nerves, causing discomfort and mobility issues.

  • Degenerative Conditions

    Conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis can cause chronic pain due to the gradual wearing down of the spinal structure.

Typical Symptoms That Occur with Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain can manifest in a variety of ways, often affecting your ability to perform daily tasks. Recognizing the symptoms early on can help you seek treatment and prevent further complications.

  • Pain or Stiffness

    Many individuals with lower back pain experience dull or sharp pain, which may worsen after prolonged sitting or standing. Stiffness can limit your range of motion, making it difficult to bend or twist.

  • Radiating Pain

    When the pain spreads from your lower back to your legs, this is often due to nerve irritation or compression, such as in sciatica. This symptom may be accompanied by tingling or numbness.

  • Limited Mobility

    Lower back pain can make it challenging to perform basic movements like bending, lifting, or walking. The severity of mobility restrictions can vary based on the cause of the pain.

Our Spinal Physiotherapy Services

1. Evaluation and Diagnosis:

We begin with a thorough review of your spine health, including a detailed medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging studies such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans. This comprehensive assessment helps us accurately understand the severity and the level of injury at the spine and develop a personalized treatment plan.

2. Neurorehabilitation:

Our neurorehabilitation program focuses on promoting neuroplasticity and facilitating recovery through targeted exercises, functional activities, and repetitive task practice. We use evidence-based practices to address impairments and enhance motor control and coordination.

3. Gait Training:

Many Spinal Cord Injury survivors experience difficulty with walking and mobility due to the lack of coordination, leg paresis, impaired sensation and reduced balance. Our gait training programs are designed to improve walking ability, balance, and gait stability through specialized exercises, walking aids, and gait retraining techniques.

4. Transfers and Bed Mobility training:

For many SCI survivors, a loss in motor and coordination function may prove difficult for them to transfer from bed to wheelchair or even move around on their bed. We offer adaptive transfer strategies for patients with various levels of impairments so that they will be independent in their transfer abilities as well as bed mobility.

5. Psychological and trauma management:

We understand that a sudden loss of function due to a Spinal Cord Injury can be difficult to accept for most survivors. Our compassionate team is tr`ained to notice signs of distress and we may also work closely with psychologists to address any emotional concerns.

Common Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is a common issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age or lifestyle. The causes can range from mild muscle strains to serious spinal conditions. Understanding the underlying factors is essential for effective treatment and prevention.

Muscle Strain and Overuse

One of the most common causes of back pain is muscle strain. Overexertion, lifting heavy objects improperly, or repetitive movements can strain the muscles and ligaments in the back. This type of pain is usually acute and can be alleviated with rest, ice, and physical therapy.

Poor Posture

Poor posture, especially when sitting or standing for prolonged periods, places undue pressure on the spine, particularly the lumbar region. Slouching or sitting hunched over a desk can lead to chronic back pain, as the spine is forced into unnatural positions, causing discomfort and misalignment.

Herniated Discs

Herniated discs occur when the soft material inside a disc in the spine pushes through a crack in the tougher exterior. This condition often affects the lumbar spine and can result in significant pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs. It’s typically caused by wear and tear or sudden injury.

Degenerative Disc Disease

As people age, the discs between the vertebrae in the spine can wear down, leading to degenerative disc disease. This causes the discs to lose their cushioning, making it harder for the spine to absorb shock. The result is persistent pain in the lower back, particularly in the lumbar area.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg, becomes compressed. This often stems from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis in the lumbar spine. The pain can radiate from the lower back down to the legs, causing discomfort and reduced mobility.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which puts pressure on the nerves. It commonly affects the lumbar region and can cause pain, numbness, and muscle weakness. This condition is usually a result of ageing and the gradual deterioration of the spine’s structure.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the spine. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints in the spine breaks down, leading to pain and stiffness, particularly in the lumbar area. Over time, this can cause the spine to lose flexibility and strength.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition in which the spine curves abnormally to one side. While mild scoliosis may not cause any noticeable pain, more severe cases can lead to chronic discomfort, particularly in the lumbar and thoracic regions of the spine.

Traumatic Injuries

Injuries from accidents, falls, or sports activities can cause damage to the spine and its surrounding tissues. Fractures, dislocations, or sprains can lead to acute back pain that may require medical intervention, such as surgery or physical rehabilitation.

Essential Tips to Prevent Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is preventable with proper care and lifestyle habits. Here are some tips to keep your spine healthy:

  • Maintain Good Posture

    Always ensure that your spine is aligned, whether sitting or standing.

  • Exercise Regularly

    Strengthening your core muscles supports the spine and reduces strain.

  • Lift Properly

    When lifting heavy objects, bend at your knees rather than your back to avoid injury.

How Physiotherapy Can Help with Back Pain

Physiotherapy is highly effective for back pain. It addresses both acute and chronic conditions. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and personalised rehabilitation plans, physiotherapists can help strengthen the muscles surrounding the spine, particularly in the lumbar region. This reduces pressure on the spinal discs, improves flexibility, and corrects poor posture. Additionally, physiotherapy can help alleviate pain by promoting better alignment of the spine, improving mobility, and preventing future injuries. With consistent treatment, many individuals experience significant relief and a better quality of life.

Why Choose Us for Lumbar Spine Physiotherapy?

1. Expertise:

Our team of healthcare professionals has specialized training and experience in Spinal Cord Injury Rehab, ensuring that clients receive expert care tailored to their unique needs specific to their injury level.

2. Personalized Care:

Our neurorehabilitation treatment plans are tailored towards specific preferences, goals and values of our clients and their families as we involve them in the decision-making and planning of these treatment plans.

3. Holistic Approach:

We take a holistic approach to stroke rehabilitation, addressing physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of recovery to promote overall well-being.

4. Collaborative Care:

We collaborate closely with other healthcare professionals, including physicians, orthopedic and neurosurgeons, and psychologists, to ensure integrated and multidisciplinary care throughout your treatment journey.

5. Empowerment and Education:

We empower our patients with knowledge and resources to actively participate in their own care and make informed decisions about their spine health.

Types of Exercises for Relieving Spinal Discomfort

If you’re experiencing spinal discomfort, these exercises can be effective in managing pain through lumbar spine physiotherapy and physio spine treatments:

  • Cat-Cow Stretch

    Begin on your hands and knees. Arch your back and lift your head for the “Cow” position, then round your spine for the “Cat” position. This stretch helps improve flexibility in the spine and relieves tension.

  • Pelvic Tilts

    Lie on your back with your knees bent. Gently tilt your pelvis upward, pressing your lower back into the floor, then release. This exercise strengthens the core and lower back muscles, supporting the spine.

  • Child’s Pose

    Kneel and sit back on your heels, stretching your arms forward and lowering your forehead to the floor. This gentle stretch lengthens the spine and releases tension in the lower back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Spinal Cord Injuries

Question 1: What is a spinal cord injury?

A spinal cord injury (SCI) happens when there is damage to the spinal cord or nerve roots, including the cauda equina, resulting in temporary or permanent loss of movement, sensation, and autonomic functions.

An SCI can occur either through traumatic injuries like falls or vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or diving accidents. It can also happen through non-traumatic ways like a disruption to the spinal cord, a tumour or genetic birth defects.

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can vary widely. The location of the injury on the spinal cord determines what part of the body is affected and how severe the symptoms are.

Generally, the higher up the level of the injury is to the spinal cord, the more severe the symptoms. For example, an injury to the neck, the first and second vertebrae in the spinal column (C1, C2), or the mid-cervical vertebrae (C3, C4, and C5) affects the respiratory muscles and the ability to breathe. A lower injury, in the lumbar vertebrae, may affect nerve and muscle control to the bladder, bowel, and legs, and sexual function.

  • Quadriplegia refers to the loss of function in the arms and legs.
  • Paraplegia refers to the loss of function in the legs and lower body.

The extent of the damage to the spinal cord determines whether the injury is complete or incomplete.

  • A complete injury means that there is no movement or feeling below the level of the injury.
  • An incomplete injury means that there is still some degree of feeling or movement below the level of the injury.

The common signs and symptoms of a spinal cord injury include

  • Muscle weakness
  • Loss of voluntary muscle movement in the chest, arms, or legs
  • Breathing problems
  • Loss of feeling in the chest, arms, or legs
  • Loss of bowel and bladder function
  • Muscle spasms
  • Difficulty walking or balancing while standing
  • Lack of strength or coordination
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • Severe back pain or pressure on the spine, head, neck or back
  • Autonomic dysfunctions like heart rate, blood pressure, temperature disruptions, and erectile dysfunction

It is strongly recommended that you consult a doctor immediately if you experience any of the above symptoms so that you can obtain a proper diagnosis.

A spinal cord injury is potentially life changing and rehabilitation after such an event will be a long and difficult process. 

At its core, the purpose of spinal cord injury rehabilitation is to:

  • Maximise the sensory and motor function recovery,
  • Prevent secondary complications and health issues,
  • Help you reintegrate with society.

Contact Us

Ready to take the first step towards optimal spine health and wellness? Contact us today to schedule an appointment or learn more about our Spinal Cord Injury Services. Our compassionate team is here to support you on your rehabilitative journey and improved quality of life.

Mobile Number: +65 8886 1816
Email Address: hello@thehomephysio.sg