Anders and Associates PT: Is Back Pain Slowing You Down?

N E W S L E T T E R

I S BACK PA IN SLOWING YOU DOWN?

It’s the end of the day, your head is pounding and your neck is aching. Was it the work you were doing? Was it the stress or the way you were sitting? Your neck is an intricate structure with hundreds of muscles and nerves. The joints in your neck provide movement, while the

I N S I D E IS BACK PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN? HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BACK PATIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

discs in between ... (Read more inside...)

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N E W S L E T T E R

IS BACK PAIN SLOWING YOU DOWN?

INSIDE:

• How To Take Care Of Your Back • Exercise Essentials

• Patient Success Spotlight • Staff Spotlight

What Causes Back Pain? The forward head position puts a strain on the neck muscles, resulting in general muscle tension in the head. A few things cause back pain. The American Physical Therapy Association covers each of these, but the following are leading causes:

(Continued from outside) ...the bones give support and shock absorption. In today’s world of sitting for long periods at work, being on your computer and at home watching TV, your neck muscles, joints and nerves can become strained.

• Spinal & core muscle weaknesses

• Improper lifting form

OVER 80 PERCENT OF THE U.S. POPULATION WILL SUFFER FROM IT AT SOME POINT IN THEIR LIFETIME.

• Limited hip, spine, & thigh muscle flexibility • Bad abdominal, pelvic, & back muscle coordination

• Bad posture

• Spinal muscle & tissue damage

Back pain can hinder your day-to-day activities. Left untreated, it can even lead to long-term joint, spine and nerve damage. As one of the most common physical complaints, over 80 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime. The pain itself can hinder your ability to reach, lean, kneel, lift or bend. It can also hinder your time spent with friends and family. Direct pain aside, minor aches and cramps associated with a back pain problem can make you irritable—ruining your good time.

Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seek treatment when back pain arises. Before they know it, they have a big problem. They might assume nothing—except for medication—can solve their back pain problem. Medication might mask the pain, but it won’t cure the problem’s root cause.

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HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR BACK

You’re in luck: Back pain can be cured! The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke covers a number of back pain remedies. These include the use of strength exercise, physical therapy and medication. Where medication is considered, anti- inflammatory drugs, analgesic medications and counter-irritants are the most popular. Before you can treat your back pain, however, you need to know why it started. Whether you’ve tweaked a muscle or have a deeper injury, a spine specialist can help. Back Pain Prevention A little prevention goes a long way. If you want to avoid future back pain, you can make sure you’re being good to your back. 1. Lift Properly You pick things up constantly. Even if you’re lifting something light, make sure you’re facing the object. Squat, keeping your

spine straight. Lift with your leg muscles, as this will reduce the pressure placed on your spine. 2. Use Good Posture When you’re standing, imagine a string is attached to the top of your head—lifting you up. This will keep your hips, spine, shoulders and neck aligned. If you’re sitting, don’t slouch. 3. Use Strength Training Your body has hundreds of muscles. These muscles protect and control your spine. By lifting weights, running and swimming, you can keep them strong. Train your core muscles. In doing so, you’ll easily control quick, lifting movements.

Sources http://www.apta.org/

https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back-Pain-Facts-and-Statistics https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Low-Back-Pain-Fact-Sheet

E X E R C I S E E S S E N T I A L S

T RY T H I S E X E RC I S E F OR BACK PA I N R E L I E F

SUPPORT E D BR I DG E

Exercisescopyrightof

Lieonyourbackwithkneesbentandfeethipdistance apart. Place your feet close enough so they can be touched by your finger tips. Inhale and lift the hips, placeablockunderthesacrum.Keepthechestopen. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 10 times.

Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing.

OUR SERVICES

WE L LNESS PROGRAMS • Physical therapy • Orthopedic rehabilitation • Sports injuries • Joint rehabilitation • Arthritis • Tendonitis • Cold Laser Therapy • ANDMORE!

“Joe and his folks provided OUTSTANDING professional service. His attention to detail and individualized care to each client is second to none. In my 38 years of military and government service and having multiple sessions with numerous PTs - Anders and Associates is the absolute best!” - V.C Edwards, Lt Col, USAF (Retired), Director of Security, Nevada Test and Training Range “His attention to detail and individualized care to each client is second to none.” PAT I E N T S U C C E S S S P OT L I GH T

Learn how to make lifestyle changes and safely incorporate physical activities into your daily routine, with the help of a healthcare professional. This is a great opportunity to get started on the road to fitness and healthy living, leading to a more fulfilling lifestyle. ABOUT US Anders & Associates is a family owned clinic that is conveniently located off the 215, at the corner of Aliante Parkway & Deer Springs Way. Here, we focus on improving patients’ quality of life, from wellness programs to chronic pain, and post surgical therapy. We focus on treating the patient, not just the diagnosis.

STA F F S P OT L I GH T

Joseph M. Anders DPT

Born and raised right here in Las Vegas, Joe attended Green Valley High School and was very active in sports and general fitness. Joe received a B.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in bio-mechanics and strength and conditioning in 2007 from UNLV. He went on to receive a doctoral degree in physical therapy in 2011 from UNLV. Joe was published in the Journal of Manual and Manipulative Therapy for cervical spine manipulation safety in 2012.

Get Moving Today with Anders & Associates! www.aaaptlv.com