James River PT: Don't Ignore Your Back Pain

James River PT: Don't Ignore Your Back Pain

THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY NEWSLETTER

TREATING YOUR LOW BACK PAIN

Low back pain is one of the most common conditions seen by physicians across the country. It is said that over 80% of people will suffer some sort of low back pain during their lifetime. Low back pain can occur for a variety of reasons, but typically all have one or more of the following factors: · Poor motion and mobility · Spinal, abdominal or hip weakness · Poor coordination of the spinal, abdominal and pelvic muscles While there are many items to mask low back pain, such as medication, it is important to address the true causes of low back pain. Most low back pain is caused by the 3 factors above. When your spinal joints and muscles don’t move properly, tremendous strain occurs in your low back. This causes irritation and inflammation, which build up over time. Typically, low back pain suffers will have more pain after sitting or lying down for prolonged periods, such as getting up from a chair or first thing in the morning after sleeping. With severe pain, reaching or bending down for objects can be limited. If pain is felt more with prolonged standing or walking, this can be a result of significant hip or spinal weakness, again causing strain to the low back. With weakness in the spinal, INSIDE : • Don’t Ignore Your Aching Back! • Getting To The Bottom Of Back Pain

abdominal or hip muscles, the amount of force transferred to the back with everyday activities increases. With bending down, the knees are often not used properly, and the muscles of the spine have to do extra work. This sets up the person for injury with lifting or even something as simple as bending down to tie one’s shoes. How physical therapy helps: Physical therapy is one of the best choices to treat low back pain. By addressing the three main issues, your normal back movement and strength can be restored. Our physical therapists focus on your posture, spinal mobility, strength, flexibility and the way you move your body (body mechanics). As we observe and measure these indicators, we can detect weak areas and evaluate where your primary problem is coming from. A thorough plan is then worked out to address your core issues and relieve your low back pain quickly. This allows you to have fast pain relief, improving your spinal range of motion and body strength. We also focus on prevention of future injuries and educate you on proper poster and body mechanic techniques. If you are suffering with low back pain, call us today for fast back pain relief that will get you back to your favorite activities quickly!

Call us when you’re ready to begin working on methods for getting rid of your back pain.

• Exercise Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight

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THE NEWSLETTER ABOUT YOUR HEALTH AND CARING FOR YOUR BODY NEWSLETTER

DON’T IGNORE YOUR ACHING BACK! DO YOU FEEL ACHES AND PAINS THROUGHOUT YOUR DAY?

CONGRATULATIONS FORCOMING IN 1STPLACE (50-54AGEGROUP) IN THE MONUMENT 10KRACE INRICHMOND,VA THISPASTAPRIL! DANCAME INWITHA FINAL TIMEOF38:43! To Owner, Dan List!

INSIDE : • Getting To The Bottom Of Back Pain The back is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. You rely on it so heavily — whether it is to shoulder your emotional stresses or to physically lift something that you need to carry with you. Your back is constantly at risk. It is at risk when you drive, being one of the body parts likely to take the biggest impact in case of an accident. It is at risk when you are safely at home on your couch or at the office, where you are likely scrunched over and not caring one bit about your posture. It is at risk when you run, when you play sports, and even when you find yourself sick and are coughing so heavily that your back begins to hurt. It is no wonder that so many people experience back injuries every year. What is a big wonder is that so many people choose to ignore their back injuries year after year! When you break an arm or get a cut on your leg, you are likely to do something about it right away. The sight of blood leaving your body or the realization that a bone isn’t sitting right is something that not many people are going to deal with for too long before seeking medical attention. Yet when pain begins in the back, it is almost normal to ignore it. Everyone develops back pain, time to time, right? There is no reason to stress about it or overreact, right? Absolutely wrong! Understanding Back Pain Back pain may be common, but it is absolutely not normal. There are actually a lot of serious conditions that can cause your back to begin to hurt, and it is smart to have your back looked at by a physician early on • 4 Simple Ways To Make Hydration A Habit

• Exercise Of The Month • Patient Success Spotlight

so that you know exactly what is going on with your body from the get-go.

Once the cause of your back pain is determined, your physical therapist will be able to identify the best treatment options for your body’s needs. This will likely include the following: • Targeted exercises that are specialized to the region of the back that is experiencing the most pain. These exercises are designed to help build strength and support the surrounding muscles. • Guided stretching designed to improve range of motion and flexibility. This will take into account the health and vivacity of vertebrae and any potential stretches that may support optimal back health. • Support and guidance with an exercise routine and habit formation, especially with cardiovascular activity that can stimulate improved blood circulation to the affected areas of the back, as well as strength- building activities. Attempting to undertake any of these changes on your own after you’ve experienced a back injury is both dangerous and not recommended. Working with a licensed and experienced physical therapist can provide you with the guidance and ongoing support that you need to ensure that you do not experience any further injury as you attempt to heal the cause of your back pain.

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Try this movement if you are experiencing back pain. EXERCISE OF THE MONTH

Getting To The Bottom Of Back Pain

Reduces Back Pain

www.simpleset.net

PRONE PRESS UP Begin by lying on your stomach with you hands beside your shoulders. Execute by pushing up with your arms, making sure to look up to the ceiling and arch your upper back. Return to start and repeat 10 times.

There are a lot of different reasons as to why you may be experiencing back pain, and ignoring any of them is not a good idea. Some of the most common issues that cause back pain to linger include: • Muscle sprain or strain • Slipped vertebrae or disc • Tear or hyperextension to the supporting muscles or tendons • Arthritis These concerns can develop as a result of a myriad of environmental issues, such as having poor posture, prolonged sedentary activity, car crash, sporting accident, stress, heavy lifting, and so on. When it comes to back pain, Don’t Wait! When you experience an injury to your back, or realize that you are experiencing regular pain as a result of an ongoing injury or overuse, it is important to find out the cause of your back pain as quickly as possible. Back pain can quickly become chronic, as a potentially small issue can become complicated when it is not addressed early on. Working with a physical therapist can help you to identify the difference between environmental causes and something more medically based. To get started with putting an end to your back pain, call us today. You will be glad you did!

HEALTHY RECIPE Mexican Cauliflower Rice Skillet INGREDIENTS • 1 lb ground beef • 1/4 medium onion diced

• 1/2 red pepper diced • 3 tbsp taco seasoning • 1 cup diced tomatoes • 12 ounces cauliflower rice • 1/2 cup chicken broth • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until almost cooked through (just a little pink). Add the onion and pepper and continue to cook until no longer pink. Stir in the taco seasoning. Add the tomatoes and cauliflower rice and stir to combine. Stir in the broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the cauliflower rice begins to soften (8 to 10 minutes for frozen). Sprinkle the skillet with the cheese and cover. Let cook until the cheese is melted, 3 or 4 minutes. Remove from heat and top with your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, and chopped cilantro.

CALL US TODAY IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING BACK PAIN

4 SIMPLE WAYS To Make Hydration A Habit Many people are so busy that they barely have time to eat, let alone pause for a water break, and you may find that you often go hours and hours without quenching your thirst. But staying hydrated has real advantages, including helping you maintain your energy and focus. It’s important to give your drinking habits the attention they deserve. Here are some simple ways to stay hydrated this summer. 1. Always carry a water bottle. If you have a bottle within arm’s reach, it’s very likely that you’ll mindlessly sip from it throughout the day, without having to make a conscious effort. 2. When you’re feeling frazzled, grab a glass of cold water. Studies show that people instantly feel more alert after drinking H2O. 3. Sip on a mug of herbal tea every evening. If you make this a habit, you’ll add an extra cup of fluid to your body every single day. 4. Eat a diet rich in whole foods. By eating foods like vegetables, fruits, and yogurt, you’ll automatically up your fluid intake. If you’re an elderly adult, it’s especially important to pay attention to hydration. Aging impairs the body’s natural thirst mechanisms, which makes it easier to become dehydrated. These tips should make hydration a habit in your life. Remember to always keep a water bottle as a physical reminder to drink even if you’re not thirsty.

Patient Success Spotlight

“Dan gave me his full attention, and I felt comfortable...” “I previously attended physical therapy in a larger facility that treated multiple patients at one time. I felt like I was in a gym and I didn’t like the impersonal service. After researching for PT closer to my home, I discovered James River PT. The office is small, and there was not a multitude of patients being seen at one time. Dan gave me his full attention, and I felt comfortable that he was paying attention to me and my issue. He didn’t waste my time, and I was satisfied with his recommended therapy. I also like that the office is open until 7pm a couple of days a week. I didn’t have to miss work. When I need additional PT in the future, I will be going back to see him.” - T.J.

Discover How To Live Pain Free!

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At James River Physical Therapy, receiving help for your back pain is quick and easy...

FREE PAIN CONSULTATION

1. CALL AND SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT WITH ONE OF OUR LICENSED PHYSICAL THERAPISTS. 2. MEET WITH YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST TO HELP DISCOVER THE CAUSE OF YOUR PAIN. 3. GET YOUR CUSTOM RECOVERY PROGRAM TO HELP YOU LIVE PAIN FREE.

(804) 330-0936 CALL TO SCHEDULE TODAY!

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Call to schedule. Expires 6-30-19

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