Could Your Back Pain Be Caused By A Herniated Disc?

Health &Wellness

How Physical Therapy Helps Sciatica Pain | Exercise Essentials | Patient Spotlight | Free Analysis | Staff Spotlight

1. The therapist will target a specific region of the spine or pelvis with a series of graded, physical movements. 2. This is then followed by exercises focused to strengthen the A herniated disc can cause a variety of symptoms including radiating pain down the arm o leg, depending if th herniated disc is in your neck or low back. Bulging discs are the beginning phase of herniated discs. Very often people have a bulging disc and don’t even know it. Only when the outside of a bulging disc becomes irritated and affects the surrounding tissue does it begin to cause back ache, generally in the same area and not down the leg. A herniated disc in the neck can be just as painful as a herniated disc in the back. Arm pain from a neck herniated disc is one of the more common neck conditions treated by our spine specialists. Although a neck herniated disc may start from injury to the spine, the symptoms, including arm pain, commonly start from poor posture or muscle strai s. Th arm pain from a neck herniated disc occurs because the herniated disc material “pinches” or presses on a nerve, causing pain to radiate along the nerve down the arm. Our specialized physical therapists are trained to examine your spine and movement to find the root cause of your problem. Then we work with you and your doctor to put together a plan that helps you achieve optimum results. back and upper body, improving overall stability. 3. You will receive a detailed home exercise program in addition to your clinic visit. In many cases, these techniques allow return to full physical function in just a few visits. Depending on circumstances, you may feel symptom relief within hours of treatment. For a location nearest you or to make an appointment, please call 434.200.2102. MyKaywaQR-Code rehab.centrahealth.com BounceBack Program This program is part of Centra’s initiative to improve the way low back pain is treated. Early intervention is key. With direct access, you can come in with or without a physician referral. When back pain happens, think Physical Therapy first. Manual Therapy for Back Pain Manual therapy is a specialized treatment for low back pain that requires a therapist have a detailed understanding of the human anatomy. Evidence shows that hands-on therapy techniques are typically the best intervention for people with low back pain. Your detailed evaluation and follow up treatments will be performed by a licensed therapist. In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease back pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension and joint dysfunction. Following the evaluation of your symptoms and movement screen: Could Your Back Pain Be A HERNIATED DISC? Do you suffer from back or neck pain? At times this pain can radiate indicating a potential problem with the discs. The bones in your spine are called the vertebrae. The vertebrae are held together and in place by ligaments and small discs that act as shock absorbers. These control your spine’s range of movement, flexibility and keep the spinal cord safe from damage. However, when a disc is damaged, the inside can squeeze out of place and either bulge or herniate, leaving the spinal nerves susceptible to damage. When this occurs, the r sult is called a “herniated disc”, “slipp d” or “ruptured isc.” A herniated disc can be incredibly painful and can cause a great deal of limit tions o the body’s movement, thus hindering a person’s move ent and overall ability to perform day-to-day tasks. http://kaywa.me/2JVO9

Scan for website.

Download theKaywaQRCodeReader (AppStore&AndroidMarket) and scan your code!

Rehab.CentraHealth.com f Facebook.com/CentraRehabilitation

Physical Therapy Helps Sciatica Pain

Having our physical therapists evaluate your leg and back pain is critical to finding the cause, so that proper treatment can be started to reduce your pain quickly and get you back to normal activities.

One of the most common mistakes is to assume that all leg pain is sciatica, and must be due to a disc in the back pressing on a nerve. In fact, most leg pain is not pain from the nerve in your spine, and has nothing to do with a herniated disc. There is much confusion about the term sciatica. The term sciatica is defined as pain running down the leg in the path of the sciatic nerve. It is best to understand the difference between referred leg pain, which “refers” from another area and nerve root pain which begins in the spine. Irritation of any of the tissues of the back can cause pain down one or both legs. Seventy percent of patients with back pain have some radiating pain to their legs. This referred pain can come from the tissues, muscles, ligaments, joints, discs or other back structures. It is usually a dull ache that spreads into the buttocks and thighs. In addition, it may affect both legs, however, it usually does not go much below the knee. Referred pain is not due to anything pressing on a nerve. It is not sciatica. Irritation of the nerve root in the spine gives a quite different pain, which is sharp and specific to an area of

your leg. Nerve root pain usually radiates to the foot or toes. Patients often describe the pain with sensations such as pins and needles or numbness. It usually affects one leg only and is greater than the pain one has in the back. Nerve root pain is much less common than referred leg pain. Furthermore, if you have back pain alone and no leg pain or nerve symptoms, a nerve root problem is very unlikely. If you do have leg pain, then your legs should be examined by a physical therapist for signs of nerve irritation or nerve compression. Diagnosing nerve irritation depends on tests that stretch or press on an irritated nerve root to cause pain. Our physical therapists at Centra Rehabilitation perform different tests for nerve irritation. A common test is raising the leg straight in the air and looking for radiating pain with limitation. Discover how our Spine Program transforms your back pain from a pressing problem, to a distant memory, allowing you to live a happy, active and pain-free life.

Healthy Recipe

DARK CHOCOLATE CRANBERRY OATMEAL COOKIES Ingredients: • 1 cup (100g) instant oats • ¾ cup (90g) whole wheat/gluten-free* flour • 1 ½ tsp baking powder • 1 tsp ground cinnamon • ¼ tsp salt • 2 tbsp (28g) coconut oil/unsalted butter • 1 large egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract • ½ cup (120mL) pure maple syrup • ½ cup (55g) fresh cranberries, chopped • 3 tbsp (42g) chopped dark chocolate

Preparation: Whisk together the oats, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together the coconut oil, egg, and vanilla. Stir in the maple syrup. Add in the flour mixture, stirring just until incorporated. Fold in the cranberries and 2 ½ tablespoons of the chopped dark chocolate. Chill the cookie dough for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 325°F, and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Drop the cookie dough into 15 rounded scoops onto the prepared sheet, and flatten to the desired thickness and width using a spatula. Gently press the remaining chopped dark chocolate into the tops. Bake at 325°F for 9-12 minutes. Cool on the pan for 10 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack.

http://amyshealthybaking.com/ blog/2015/11/19/dark-chocolate- cranberry-oatmeal-cookies/

I will forever be grateful! “The Oncology Rehab Program at Centra has been a lifeline for me. I have found it to be absolutely invaluable during my treatment journey. Besides specific exercises for my issues, my physical therapists provided compassion and extremely helpful information aiding in my recovery. The benefits that I have received from this program far exceeded my expectations. I will forever be grateful for the pain relief, strategies and kindnesses that I received during this difficult time.” - Marion “Berkey” Vicks, Lynchburg, VA Patient Spotlights

Staff Spotlights

Wendy Proffitt, PT, DPT, ATC, NDT/C Wendy has over 38 years experience. Her special interests include advanced manual therapy techniques for treatment of the neck, back, hip, knee, and shoulder dysfunctions. Wendy practices at our Nationwide Drive location. Education: • Doctorate in Physical Therapy; Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University

Amanda Anthony, MS, OTR/L, ATP Amandaspecializes incancer rehabilitation and neurological disorders including stroke, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury. Her professional interests include assistive technology, gerontology and power mobility. Amanda practices at our VBH location and serves as Site Coordinator. Education: •Master of Scienc inOccupational Therapy; Virginia Commonwealth University

• Bachelors of Science in Physical Therapy; University of Maryland

Certifications: • Assistive Technology Professional (ATP) • Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES); Bioness & Restorative Therapies

Certifications: • Athletic Trainer, ATC • Neural Development Technique, NDT/C

Do you want a natural solution to your pain? Gain your freedom from pain medication and avoid costly surgery with physical therapy!

CentraOutpatientRehabilitation http://rehab.centrahealth.com/

People who go to physical therapy experience: Natural relief for back pain Less difficulty in reaching or bending More social activity More energy More strength Better days at work

http://kaywa.me/zppG7

Mention or Bring in This Coupon Today For a FREE Back Pain Analysis

Download theKaywaQRCodeReader (AppStore&AndroidMarket) and scan your code!

434.200.2102

rehab.centrahealth.com

Your Tailored Treatment Plan To Help Regain Strength & Mobility How Physical Therapy Effectively Treats Herniated Discs

Anyone suffering from a herniated disk understands that it can be an incredibly uncomfortable and even painful situation, one that can have a serious impact on your lifestyle. Our physical therapists understand your needs, and actively look for ways to help you return to being more active on a daily basis. Your treatment plan will be tailored specifically to your needs based on your evaluation and will also incorporate your personal goals. While all treatment plans are unique, the majority f plans include a combination of exercises designed to help you regain strength and mobility in your back. Reduce Pain and Inflammation Your herni ted disk can cause a variety of problems such as pain and reduced mobility. Ther fore, the first goal of therapy is to reduce your immediate pain through a series of stretching exercises that will help relieve pain on your sensitive and i flamed erves. This early stage treatment includes stretching and exercises in fl xibility that can help assist in restoring mobility to the muscles of your spine, arms and legs. Loosening up areas of tightness can help allow for

a healthy blood flow to the affected area, speeding the relief of healing and soothing sore and aggravated nerves. Bolster Strength and Support Having a reliably strong core benefits the back and many systems throughout the body. The next step our physical therapists often recommend is to maintain a series of exercises that are targeted to increasing the strength in your trunk muscles. Similarly, when you strengthen your arm and leg muscles, you can help take some of the fatigue- causing stress off of the muscles of your ba k -- potentially alleviating pain and inflammation. Aerobic exercise is often employed as a tactic as well, since it can help reduce your weight and thus the overall strai on your muscles and other bodily systems. Small, Positive Changes You physical therapist will also work closely with you to determine additional options that can reduce your pain levels and help promote healthy healing. For instance, manual therapy may be recommended to help reduce stiffness in

joints and muscles. Therapists will often ask you to perform a range of normal movements -- such as sitting, standing, walking, bending and lifting -- in an attempt to make small adjustments to your posture or technique that could make a big difference in your ability to heal. Serious Pain Relief In cases where the pain is still intense, physical therapists may recommend additional elements such as ice, traction and even electrical stimulation. All of these relatively non-invasive options work together with exercise and behavior modification to allow your back the time that it needs to heal. All the exercises, manual therapy and special pain intervention will not help in the long term unless you make changes to your posture and movement habits to keep your back healthy. Find a Centra Rehabilitation location near you to learn more about the ways that we can help you get back to feeling healthy again soon -- and reduce your overall pain from a herniated disk.

BounceBack Program This program is part of Centra’s initiative to improve the way low back pain is treated. Early intervention is key. With direct access, you can come in with or without a physician referral. When back pain happens, think Physical Therapy first. Manual Therapy for Back Pain Manual therapy is a specialized treatment for low back pain that requires a therapist have a detailed understanding of the human anatomy. Evidence shows that hands-on therapy techniques are typically the best intervention for people with low back pain. Your detailed evaluation and follow up treatments will be performed by a licensed therapist. In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease back pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension and joint dysfunction. Following the evaluation of your symptoms and movement screen:

1. The therapist will target a specific region of the spine or pelvis with a series of graded, physical movements. 2. This is then followed by exercises focused to strengthen the

back and upper body, improving overall stability. 3. You will receive a detailed home exercise program in addition to your clinic visit.

Centra Rehab Sends Well Wishes To Everyone This Holiday Season! In many cases, these techniques allow return to full physical fu ction in just a few visits. Depending on circumstances, you may feel symptom relief within hours of treatment. For a location nearest you or to make an appointment, please call 434.200.2102. MyKaywaQR-Code rehab.centrahealth.com

The end of the year is approaching faster than you think. Now is the time to take advantage of unused insurance benefits. Remember, what you don’t use by the end of the year you lose. Not sure if Physical Therapy can help? Call to schedule a Free Consult with a licensed physical therapist now and address those “aches/pains” that are slowing you down.

http://kaywa.me/2JVO9

Scan for website.

Download theKaywaQRCodeReader (AppStore&AndroidMarket) and scan your code!

Rehab.CentraHealth.com f Facebook.com/CentraRehabilitation

Relieve Back Pain In Minutes Without Pain Medication! Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain.

PRONE ON ELBOWS Lying face down, slowly raise up and prop yourself up on your elbows. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 8 times.

Helps With Low Back Pain

Exercises copyright of

www.simpleset.net

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exer- cises you are unsure of doing.

Give The Gift OF HEALTH

What Gift Is Better Than Giving Back? Are you still searching for the perfect holiday gifts? This year, why don’t you give your friends and family the gift of health? Giving the gift of health isn’t just practical; it can actually be a lifesaver. This holiday season, Centra Rehabilitation is excited to announce our “Give the Gift Of Health” event. All you have to do is share your copy of this newsletter with a friend or family member and they can receive a complimentary movement/injury screening. Take advantage of this opportunity to give back to your loved ones in the most healthy way!

Call Today 434.200.2102

LOOK INSIDE LOOK INSIDE COUPON FREE BACK PAIN ANALYSIS COUPON FREE BACK PAIN ANALYSIS

rehab.centrahealth.com 3300 Rivermont Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24503 rehab.centrahealth.com 3300 Rivermont Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24503

Convenient Locations to Serve You Convenient Locations to Serve You

Jamerson Family YMCA 434.237.8160 Jamerson Family YMCA 434.237.8160 Virginia Baptist Hospital 434.200.4668 Virginia Baptist Hospital 434.200.4668 Neuroscience Center 434.200.2900 Neuroscience Center 434.200.2900 Center for Pelvic Health 434.200.6623 Center for Pelvic Health 434.200.6623 Lynchburg Medical Center 434.200.7860 Lynchburg Medical Center 434.200.7860

Bedford 540.587.3246 Bedford 540.587.3246 Danville 434.797.1384 Danville 434.797.1384 Gretna 434.656.4607 Gretna 434.656.4607 Keysville 434.315.5362 Keysville 434.315.5362 Farmville 434.315.5362 Farmville 434.315.5362

We Listen , We Care , We Get Results ! We Listen , We Care , We Get Results !