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Thursday, March 4, 2010

CONDITION OF THE MONTH - MARCH

Lower Back Pain

It is important to understand that back pain is a symptom of a medical condition, not a diagnosis itself. Medical problems that can cause back pain include the following:

Mechanical problems: A mechanical problem is due to the way your spine moves or the way you feel when you move your spine in certain ways. Perhaps the most common mechanical cause of back pain is a condition called inter-vertebral disc degeneration, which simply means that the discs located between the vertebrae of the spine are breaking down with age. As they deteriorate, they lose their cushioning ability. This problem can lead to pain if the back is stressed. Other mechanical causes of back pain include spasms, muscle tension, and ruptured discs, which are also called herniated discs.

Injuries: Spine injuries such as sprains and fractures can cause either short-lived or chronic back pain. Sprains are tears in the ligaments that support the spine, and they can occur from twisting or lifting improperly. Fractured vertebrae are often the result of osteoporosis, a condition that causes weak, porous bones. Less commonly, back pain may be caused by more severe injuries that result from accidents and falls.

It is important to see your doctor or one of our physical therapists, if your back pain persists. You can seek treatment from a physical therapist WITHOUT a physician’s prescription. You can usually be seen by one of our physical therapists within 48 hours. If needed, we can refer you to one of the many physicians we work closely with close to your home. Please visit our website www.montcorehab.org or call (610)279-6290 for more information and to schedule your first appointment.

WELCOME

Welcome to the Montgomery County Rehabilitation & Sports Therapy, P.C. blog. Periodically our Physical Therapists as well as Office Staff will be posting stories, articles, and thoughts on Physical Therapy. We encourage feedback and questions. Please visit our website to learn more about us. www.Montcorehab.org. Please feel free to send our blog to all friends and family who may interested in the benefits of Physical Therapy.