VCSST_Don't Let a Herniated Disc Hold You Back

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Don’t Let A Herniated Disc Keep You Down Avoid Surgery and Get Moving Again With VCSST as Your Guide

Newsletter

GET MOVING AGAIN AFTER AN EPISODE OF BACK PAIN

Have you ever had back pain? If you said yes, it’s not surprising because over 85% of people will report having a bout of back pain in their lifetime. If you are one of them, you know that it is usually not the most pleasant experience. Backpaincanmake itdifficult tomove incertaindirectionsand it makes it harder to do the things you need or want to do for work and fun. However, there is also good news. Most of the time, what’s causing your back pain is actually not very serious and will gradually resolve over several weeks with the right treatment. You may have to modify your activities or take over-the-counter anti Inflammatory medication, But you do not need to be prescribed powerful pain medications or see a surgeon at this point. What you do need to do is take it easy for a day or so, and then gradually resume normal activities. Do not stay in bed but instead try to periodically walkormovegently. Ifyoufindthatspecificmovementsorpositionsproduce or worsen your symptoms, you may want to avoid those temporarily or do them in a different way. After a little bit of time, you should be able to begin to do those things again without pain.

However, if after about a week, your symptoms have not significantly improved, or if discomfort is still limiting you from your typical activities of life, then it may be time to seek professional help. The great news is that you can see a physical therapist directly and start treatment right away without having to see a physician first! Doctors of physical therapy are the musculoskeletal and movement experts and can assess and treat your back pain without the use of opioids, injections or surgery, thus saving you time, money and possible complications. If, at any time, your therapist identifies red flags that warrant further testing or procedures, you would be immediately referred to a physician. The Doctors of Physical Therapy at VCSST have over 75years of combined clinical experience and advanced training in assessing and treatingpeoplewithbackpain. Wegetpeopleback to theiractive lives!

Patient Spotlight “I am amazed at how quickly Andrew relieved my back pain”

1. Feel free to call us and ask to speak to your therapist. Has Your Pain ComeBack? 2. Your therapist can discuss with you why your pain is bothering you again and what you might do about it at home. 3. If further assessment is warranted, your therapist might recommend you come in for an appointment. Call To Talk to Your

“I would highly recommend VCSST! The entire staff is friendly, helpful, and professional. I am amazed at how quickly Andrew relieved my back pain so that I was able to get back to my normal routines.” Caroline H.

Therapist Today (804) 249-8277

Refer a friend and if they mention your name while scheduling their initial appointment, you get a $10 gift card! Whodo youknowthat needs our help?

Do You Have Friends or Family Unable to Do The Following? 9 Move without pain 9 Bend and move freely 9 Balance confidently and securely 9 Sit for long periods comfortably 9 Walk for long distances 9 Live an active and healthy lifestyle

CALL TODAY (804)249-8277

“Is That Thigh Pain Really Sciatica?”

PHYSICAL THERAPY HELPS RELIEVE SCIATICA PAIN 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 Virginia Center For Spine & Sports Therapy 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. Call today (804) 249-8277.

Exercise Essential

VeganCrepes Recipe

Helps Low Back Pain

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup soy milk • 1/2 cup water

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

• 1/4 cup melted soy margarine • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar • 2 tablespoons maple syrup • 1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Exercisescopyrightof

Directions In a large mixing bowl, blend soy milk, water, 1/4 cup margarine, sugar, syrup, flour, and salt. Cover and chill the mixture for 2 hours. Lightly grease a 5 to 6 inch skillet with some soy margarine. Heat the skillet until hot. Pour approximately 3 tablespoons batter into the skillet. Swirl to make the batter cover the skillet’s bottom. Cook until golden, flip and cook on opposite side. Garnish with fruit of your choice.

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Always consultyourphysical therapistorphysicianbefore starting exercisesyouareunsureofdoing.