Tag Archives: Robin McKenzie

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Neck Pain and Headaches? Work Your Core?!

You may have heard that if you suffer from low back pain (LBP) that you need to work your “core” muscles, but what if you suffer from neck pain (cervicogenic pain) and/or headaches?  Well then yes, you would need to work the core muscles of the neck.  Like the lumbar spine, the neck also has a group of core muscles that are specifically designed to insure proper cervical segmental stability and to maintain proper head posture.  When weakness and dysfunction are present within this group of muscles, there is often ongoing neck pain that can lead to headaches.

Muscles of the cervical neck “core” include the deep neck flexors and deep neck extensors.  Most people don’t know the names or how to spell these rarely talked about muscles.  For those who like the nitty gritty details, the deep neck flexor muscles include the longus colli and longus capitis.  The deep neck extensor muscles include the multifidus and the semispinalis cervicis.  The sub occipital muscles (including the rectus capitus posterior major and minor) and the obliquus capitus superior and inferior also play a role in cervical stability.  These muscles as a group make up the core muscles for the cervical spine.

When classifying muscles, and especially the cervical muscles, it can be useful to think of them conceptually as global movers and local stabilizers. 

Global movers are involved in the generation of torque and produce movement.  They function more like a light switch, either moving your head or not.  When dysfunctional, there are spasms, pain, and a restricted range of movement.

Local stabilizers are the deeper muscles that control segmental movement and neutral positioning of a joint and the head.  Their activity is tonic (always on).  It’s like a light switch that is always on, but with a dimmer controlling the intensity.  Local stabilizers operate at much lower levels of contraction for long periods of time.  Dysfunction in the local muscles results in the inhibition of muscle function, delayed timing or recruitment of when the muscle is stabilizing which causes loss of segmental control and poor cervical vertebral joint positioning.  This is often associated with chronic neck pain and headaches as well as muscle spasms in some of the larger muscles (such as the upper trapezius) as it attempts to compensate for the underlying muscle inhibition.

The neck presents a unique challenge of both mobility and muscularly speaking.  It requires intricate muscular control to balance the weight of the head in space.  The neck also moves the head through a large range of motion available; all while positioning it accurately to allow us to use our senses (sight, smell, hearing, and taste) most effectively.

Mobility and stability are both vitally important to how the neck functions.  This is why the deep segmental stabilizing muscles are extremely important.  These deep core muscles (also known as the “inner unit”) have been shown to weaken in the presence of neck pain or injury regardless of the cause.  As part of a compensation pattern, one will often find that the prime mover muscles at the front of the neck, called the SCM (sternocleidomastoid muscle), become overactive trying to protect the neck.

Unfortunately, this creates excessive shear and compression forces on the neck which brings the head forward into the poking chin posture.  This dysfunction pattern tends to persist even when the pain subsides unless properly retrained.  This may explain why so many people experience recurrent episodes of neck pain.  Discover why it’s important to insure proper cervical core strength in order to not only alleviate neck pain and headaches, but also to prevent them from reoccurring.

Most of the time neck pain is mechanical in nature.  This means that there is a structural or mechanical issue affecting proper motion in the neck leading to either neck pain or headaches.  Since the trigger is mechanical (starting or worsening with certain movements), it can just as easily be reduced or eliminated if the correct movements can be initiated.  Mechanical neck pain is often experienced as cervical pain, headache pain or other correlated pain patterns in your upper back and down your arms (even to your fingers).

Neck Pain (Cervicogenic Pain) Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the front of your head, behind your eyes or side of your head.
  • Pain which begins from your neck that extends between your shoulder blades and upper shoulders.
  • Pain which is exacerbated or changed by certain neck movements or neck positions.
  • Pain which is triggered by pressure applied to the upper part of the neck near the base of the skull (known as the sub occipital area) or in the upper trapezius area.
  • Pain down one or both arms.  It can be felt as far as your fingers.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Altered or blurred vision as well as nausea, vomiting, and/or dizziness.

Potential Causes for Cervicogenic Headaches

There are plenty of reasons why one might develop neck/cervical derangements or dysfunction.  Examples include: motor vehicle accidents; sports; falls; sleeping on a poorly fitted pillow; poor posture; and carrying items that are too heavy (such as a backpack).  Chronically sustained non-symmetrical postures, stress, and a sedentary lifestyle are also potential causes.

The actual pain generating structures of the neck (listed below) vary wildly and can be difficult to pinpoint.

  • Nerve related injury or pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Trigger points
  • Facet joint dysfunction
  • Cervical mal-alignments
  • Cervical disc issues
  • Postural dysfunction

Cervicogenic pain and headaches tend to be more common in women than men.  In general, women experience this due to minor anatomical differences.  Men tend to have muscular necks. Women tend to have longer more slender necks with less muscle to provide support to the head (meaning that there is less muscle strength for support).

Treatment for Neck Pain (Cervicogenic Pain) and Headache Pain

Research suggests the most effective management of neck pain conditions include both manual therapy (hands-on mobilization) and manipulation with specific exercises.  If you have to choose one or the other, I find that a correctly designed and implemented exercise program to be the most effective over the long term.

The first step to designing a treatment plan is by identifying a pattern to the pain.

Which head motions change or alter your neck or headache pain?  Does the pain get worse or does it improve when you turn your head?  What happens when you look up, look down, slouch or sit up straight?  What happens when you repeat this movement?

Determine how your pain responds.  This is also known as establishing a directional preference.  You might be moving in the wrong direction if the pain spreads away from the spine and down into the upper back or arm.  Stop that particular movement, and try the opposite direction.

In my experience, most episodes of cervical pain and headaches tend to respond better to cervical extension biased movements and improvements in posture.  Gaining extension in the thoracic spine is also critical to treatment.

In order to determine if extension biased (cervical retraction or extension) movements help you, I recommend starting with this exercise (as shown below).  Sit up straight, and retract your chin straight back.  Repeat 10-20 times.

Carefully monitor symptoms for peripheralization or centralization.  The rule of thumb for movement:  If the pain worsens by spreading peripherally down the arm into the hands, fingers, shoulder blade/upper back or the headache gets worse, then the condition is worsening (peripheralizing).  Stop that activity.  If the pain centralizes and returns back toward the cervical spine, and the headache pain improves (even if the pain in the neck worsens slightly), then keep moving as the condition is actually improving.

If you are unable to help or change the pain in any way, then you may need assistance from a medical provider.  For a thorough discussion and an excellent treatment resource, please refer to Treat Your Own Neck  by Robin A. McKenzie.

Once you have determined a directional preference, then you can focus on the deep core and stabilizer muscles.  For my initial neck core strengthening exercises, please refer to Deep Neck Flexion Exercises.

Once you’re able to engage the deep neck flexors, you can next progress into strengthening your scapulothoracic and postural muscles.  Be sure you are engaging the deep neck flexors during these exercises to insure proper stability of the neck.

For the I’s, T’s, and Y’s exercises (as shown below), work up to holding each position for 30 seconds.  Repeat 3 times.  Keeping the correct posture and deep cervical flexor muscles engaged during this exercise is critical to engaging the full core of the neck.

Other Treatments for Neck Pain (Cervicogenic Pain) and Headache Pain:

  • Focus on your posture.  Poor posture is the bane of modern society.  The most common example of poor posture is a forward head with rounded shoulders.  This causes excessive muscular tension throughout the cervical spine, upper trapezius region, and mid-thoracic area.  Over time, this leads to muscle weakness and dysfunction in the cervical spine and upper thoracic area.  Proper posture allows for the optimal alignment of your spine.  Neurologically speaking, this allows for your muscles to down regulate by reducing tension.  Poor posture is almost always associated with muscle knots and trigger points.  My Top 8 Stretches to Eliminate Neck, Upper Back, and Shoulder Pain is a downloadable .pdf file with my recommended stretches using foam roller exercises to address posture.  These simple exercises (with complete instructions and photos) will help you to improve poor posture and can be performed at home.

DOWNLOAD NOW: My Top 8 Stretches to Eliminate Neck, Upper Back, and Shoulder Pain

  • Manual Therapy.  An osteopathic physician, physical therapist or chiropractor can use manual therapy techniques.  This includes joint mobilization and manipulation which can be beneficial in reducing pain and addressing some of the mechanical causes.  However, manual therapy is a passive treatment.  For long term treatment and prevention, an active approach needs to be taken.  I would encourage you to perform proper exercises to insure that you have adequate cervical and upper thoracic strength and mobility.  Also, address any precipitating factors (such as poor posture).
  • Massage.  Although massage can be a form of manual therapy, it can also be thought of as separate intervention.  There are many types of body workers that can utilize many different forms of massage or manual treatments.  Many trigger points and muscle spasms will refer pain into the head (which causes the headache).  It’s important to actively and physically address the muscle tension.  This is the time to contact a massage therapist, body worker, physical therapist, athletic trainer or friend who is skillful in body work or massage to relieve the area in spasm.  The specific massage technique to use will vary according to your preference.  Massage techniques range from a light relaxing massage to a deep tissue massage or utilization of acupressure points.  This can also be an effective prevention strategy.
  • Other self-mobilization tools.  Many times, a friend or massage therapist isn’t available to assist when you need the help the most.  A foam roller cannot effective reach places in the upper back or arms, so other self-mobilization tools may be necessary.  You can get creative and use a tennis ball or golf ball, but I like a specific tool called the Thera Cane Massager.  This tool allows you to apply direct pressure to a spasming muscle.  When held for a long enough period of time, the Thera Cane Massager will usually cause the muscle spasms to release and provide much needed pain relief!
  • Topical agents.  Many topical agents can help to decrease and eliminate muscle spasms.  They can also mediate the pain response helping to reduce neck pain or headache pain.  You can apply a small amount of topical agent directly over the pain area if it’s accessible and not near your eyes.  (Please use common sense).  You may find that one product works better than another.  Some of my favorite products in my medicine cabinet include:  Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel, Arnica Rub (Arnica Montana, an herbal rub), and topical magnesium.
  • Magnesium bath.  The combination of warm water with magnesium is very soothing and relaxing.  Magnesium is known to help decrease muscle pain and soreness.  Options include:  Epsoak Epson Salt and Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes.  I find that the magnesium flakes work better, but they are significantly more expensive than Epson salt.
  • Acupuncture.  I am personally a big fan of acupuncture.  It is very useful in treating all kinds of medical conditions.  It can be particularly effective in treating headaches, muscle trigger points, muscle cramps, spasms, and pain as it addresses the issues on multiple layers.  Acupuncture directly stimulates the muscle by affecting the nervous system response to the muscle while producing a general sense of well-being and relaxation.
  • Medications.  Medications can be an effective short term solution to headache pain, but I strongly encourage you to transition off of medications over time.  In some cases, prescription medications may be used initially to help you tolerate the pain as you work toward prevention.  Please speak to your physician regarding prescription options.
  • Speak with your Physical Therapist (PT) or Physician (MD or DO).  If you are suffering with neck pain and headaches, there are options.  Please speak to your medical provider to determine if other causes are contributing to the problem.  Physical therapy is very effective treatment for those suffering with neck pain and headaches.  The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers wonderful resources to help find a physical therapist in your area.  In most states, you can seek physical therapy advice without a medical doctor’s referral (although it may be a good idea to hear your physician’s opinion as well).

Don’t give up hope!  Neck pain and headaches can be difficult to manage, but with proper care, most of the pain can be cured or effectively managed.  Begin by implementing one or two of these treatment tips, then assess how well they worked for you.  If the technique helped, continue with it then implement another strategy.

If you suffer from neck pain and headaches, which treatments have worked the best for you?  Please share below. 

If you have a question that you would like featured in an upcoming blog post, please comment below or submit your question to contact@thePhysicalTherapyAdvisor.com.  Be sure to join our growing community on Facebook by liking The Physical Therapy Advisor!

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Cervicogenic Headaches: A Real Pain in the Neck (and Head)

Cervicogenic headaches are a certain type of headache in which the head pain is specifically caused by an issue in the cervical spine.  Cervicogenic pain is often a trigger for other types of headaches, such as migraines or tension headaches.  As a physical therapist, I find it more effective to classify cervicogenic headaches separate from tension headaches.  Tension and cervicogenic headaches may be treated similarly, but in many cases, it depends on the actual dysfunction present.

Young man experiencing neck pain against a white background

Cervicogenic headaches are almost always mechanical in nature.  This means that there is a structural or mechanical cause in the neck which is leading to the headache pain.  Since the trigger is mechanical, these headaches can come on very suddenly with certain movements and can also be reduced or eliminated quickly if the correct movements can be initiated.  When the cervical spine is the cause of the pain, you may experience cervical pain, headache pain, and other correlated or referred pain in your upper back or down your arms (even to your fingers).

Cervicogenic Headache Symptoms include:

  • Pain in the front of your head, behind your eyes or side of your head.
  • Pain which begins from your neck and extends to between your shoulder blades or upper shoulders.
  • Pain which is exacerbated or changed by certain neck movements or neck positions.
  • Pain which is triggered by pressure applied to the upper part of the neck near the base of the skull (known as the suboccipital area) or in the upper trapezius area.
  • Pain down one or both arms and can be felt as far as your fingers.
  • Stiff neck.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Nausea, vomiting, and/or dizziness.

Potential Causes for Cervicogenic Headaches

There are plenty of reasons why one might develop cervical derangements or dysfunction.  Examples include:  motor vehicle accidents; sports; falls; sleeping on a poorly fitting pillow; poor posture (especially when texting); and/or carrying items that are too heavy (such as a backpack).  Chronically sustained non-symmetrical postures, stress, and/or a sedentary lifestyle are also potential causes.

The actual pain generating structures of the neck (listed below) also vary wildly and can be difficult to pinpoint.

  • Nerve related injury or pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Trigger points
  • Facet joint dysfunction
  • Cervical mal-alignments
  • Cervical disc issues
  • Postural dysfunction

Cervicogenic pain and headaches tend to be more common in women than men.  In general, women experience this due to an anatomical difference.  Men tend to have more muscular necks while women tend to have more long and slender necks with less muscle to provide support to the head (meaning that there is less muscle strength for support).

Treatment for Cervicogenic Headaches

In cases of mechanical pain, you should be able to alter and change your neck or headache pain within a short period of time.  The first step is to establish a directional preference by identifying a pattern to the pain.

Which head motions change or alter your neck or headache pain?  Does the pain get worse or does it improve when you turn your head?  What happens when you look up, look down, slouch or sit up straight?  What happens when you repeat this movement?

Determine how your pain responds.  If it spreads away from the spine and down into the upper back or arm, beware that you are moving in the wrong direction.  Stop that particular movement, and instead try the opposite direction.

In my experience, most episodes of cervical and headache pain tend to respond better to cervical extension biased movements and improvements in posture.  Often, gaining extension in the thoracic spine is also critical to treatment.

In order to determine if extension biased (cervical retraction or extension) movements help you, I recommend starting with this exercise (as shown below).  Sit up straight, and retract your chin straight back.  Repeat 10-20 times.

cervicalextensionexercise_collage_960pxwide

Carefully monitor symptoms for peripheralization or centralization.  The rule of thumb for movement:  If the pain worsens by spreading peripherally down the arm into the hand, fingers, down into the shoulder blade/upper back or the headache is worsening, then the condition is worsening.  Stop that activity.  If the pain centralizes and returns back toward the cervical spine, and the headache pain improves (even if the pain in the neck worsens slightly), then keep moving as the condition is actually improving.

If you are unable to help or change the pain in any way, then you may need assistance from a medical provider.  For a thorough discussion and an excellent treatment resource, please refer to Treat Your Own Neck by Robin A. McKenzie.

Other Treatments for Cervicogenic Headaches:

  • Exercise.  A primary treatment modality and prevention technique is exercise.  Exercise in general has been shown to be beneficial in treating and preventing cervical pain and headaches.  However, a specific exercise program designed to maintain cervical and thoracic mobility and strength should be the main portion of your treatment.  Focus on your thoracic mobility (particularly, into extension).  Work on cervical stabilization exercises that involve the muscles that support your head and neck.
  • Focus on your posture.  Poor posture is a bane of modern society.  The most common example of poor posture is a forward head with rounded shoulders.  This causes excessive muscular tension throughout the cervical spine, upper trapezius region, and mid-thoracic area.  Over time, this also leads to muscle weakness and/or dysfunction in the cervical spine and upper thoracic area.  Proper posture allows for the optimal alignment of your spine.  Neurologically speaking, this allows for your muscles to down regulate by reducing tension.  Poor posture is almost always associated with muscle knots and trigger points.  My Top 8 Stretches to Eliminate Neck, Upper Back, and Shoulder Pain is a downloadable .pdf file with my recommended stretches and exercises to address posture.  These simple exercises (with complete instructions and photos) will help you to improve poor posture and can be performed at home.

DOWNLOAD NOW: My Top 8 Stretches to Eliminate Neck, Upper Back, and Shoulder Pain

  • Massage.  Many trigger points and muscle spasms will refer pain into the head (which causes the headache).  It’s important to actively and physically address the muscle tension.  This is the time to contact a masseuse, physical therapist, athletic trainer or friend who is skillful in body work and massage to relieve the area in spasm.  The specific massage technique to use will vary according to your preference.  Massage techniques range from a light relaxing massage to a deep tissue massage or utilization of acupressure points.  This can also be an effective prevention strategy.
  • Foam roller.  The foam roller allows you to perform self-massage and tissue mobilization.  The foam roller is a wonderful tool to prevent muscle cramping and spasms.  Please refer to the following posts for more information:  Foam Rolling For Rehabilitation and 5 Ways to Improve Range-Of-Motion.  I highly recommend a foam roller to help aid in your recovery.
  • Other self-mobilization tools.  Many times, a friend or masseuse isn’t available to assist when you need the help the most.  A foam roller cannot effective reach places in the upper back or arms, so other self-mobilization tools may be necessary.  You can get creative and use a tennis ball or golf ball, but I like a specific tool called a Thera Cane Massager.  This tool allows you to apply direct pressure to a spasming muscle.  When held for a long enough period of time, the Thera Cane Massager will usually cause the muscle spasms to release and provide much needed pain relief!
  • Magnesium.  A deficiency in magnesium is often associated with headache symptoms and can also heighten the pain response.  Take magnesium orally (such as Mag Glycinate in pill form) or apply it topically in order to help mediate the pain response.
  • Topical agents.  Many topical agents can help to decrease and eliminate muscle spasms or mediate the pain response which can help to reduce headache pain.  You can apply a small amount of the topical agent directly over the headache pain area if it’s accessible and not near your eyes.  (Please use common sense.)  You may find that one product works better than another.  Some of my favorite products in my medicine cabinet include:  Biofreeze Pain Relieving Gel; Arnica Rub (Arnica Montana, an herbal rub); and topical magnesium.
  • Magnesium bath.  The combination of warm water with magnesium is very soothing and relaxing.  Magnesium is known to help decrease muscle pain and soreness.  Options include: Epsoak Epson Salt or Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes.  I find that the magnesium flakes work better, but they are significantly more expensive than Epson salt.
  • Acupuncture.  I am personally a big fan of acupuncture.  It is very useful in treating all kinds of medical conditions.  It can be particularly effective in treating headaches, muscle trigger points, muscle cramps, spasms, and pain as it addresses the issues on multiple layers.  Acupuncture directly stimulates the muscle by affecting the nervous system response to the muscle while producing a general sense of well-being and relaxation.
  • Manual Therapy.  A physical therapist or chiropractor can use manual therapy techniques which can be beneficial in reducing pain and addressing some of the mechanical causes.  However, manual therapy is a passive treatment.  For long term treatment and prevention, an active approach needs to be taken.  I would encourage you to perform proper exercises to insure that you have adequate cervical and upper thoracic strength and mobility.  Also, address any precipitating factors (such as poor posture).
  • Medications.  Medications can be an effective short term solution to headache pain, but I strongly encourage you to transition off of medications over time.  In some cases, prescription medications may be used initially to help you tolerate the pain as you work toward prevention.  Please speak to your physician regarding prescription options.
  • Speak with your Physical Therapist (PT) or Physician (MD).  If you are suffering with headache and muscle tension/pain, there are options.  Please speak to your medical provider to determine if other causes are contributing to the problem.  Physical therapy is very good at assisting those suffering with these types of headaches.  The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) offers a wonderful resource to help find a physical therapist in your area.  In most states, you can seek physical therapy advice without a medical doctor’s referral (although it may be a good idea to hear your physician’s opinion as well).

Don’t give up hope!  Headache pain is difficult to manage, but with proper care most headache pain can be cured or effectively managed.  Begin by implementing one or two of these treatment tips, and then assess how well they worked for you.  If the technique helped, continue with it and then implement another strategy.

If you suffer from cervicogenic headaches, which treatments have worked the best for you? Please share below. 

If you have a question that you would like featured in an upcoming blog post, please comment below or submit your question to contact@thePhysicalTherapyAdvisor.com. Be sure to join our growing community on Facebook by liking The Physical Therapy Advisor!

Disclaimer:  The Physical Therapy Advisor blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice.  No health care provider/patient relationship is formed.  The use of information on this blog or materials linked from this blog is at your own risk.  The content of this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Do not disregard, or delay in obtaining, medical advice for any medical condition you may have.  Please seek the assistance of your health care professionals for any such conditions.

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Q & A: Do I Need an MRI for Low Back Pain?

Rear view of shirtless man with hand on hip over white background

Q.  I have been dealing with low back pain on and off for the past several months. The pain is severe. I cannot participate in my normal exercise activities. In fact, I struggle just getting in or out of my car. My doctor says my X-ray results are fine, but do I need an MRI? -Brad

A.  Thanks, Brad, for the question! I am often asked if an MRI is necessary when someone is experiencing low back pain (LBP). You state that your X-ray results are fine, so that immediately rules out the possibility of certain types of injuries such as a fracture or more chronic conditions like spinal stenosis. Fortunately, most LBP is mechanical–meaning it is from a physical or structural cause and isn’t related to conditions such as fractures, cancer or infections.

The answer to your question is no. An MRI is not needed in a majority of cases of LBP. It is best to diagnosis the cause and the best treatment strategy through a thorough physical assessment because most LBP is mechanical. There is definitely a time and place for an MRI. There are very clear indications when additional follow up such an MRI is necessary. Your physician will take a thorough history and determine if it’s necessary based on your history and examination. (To learn more about the different types of imaging, including an X-ray, CT Scan, and MRI, please refer to Q & A: Which Type of Imaging to Use?)

To safely self-treat your low back pain, first take a moment to assess your symptoms and pain level. What led to your pain and/or injury? Did the pain come on suddenly or slowly? Evaluate the severity of the injury. If you’re experiencing any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention:

  • Loss of bowel/bladder function.
  • Uncontrollable pain. The pain is so severe you cannot function or move.
  • You are losing muscle function or control. The muscles in the legs will no longer work. (This is different than pain preventing the muscle from working.) This sensation of paralysis occurs when the muscles will not actually function.
  • Significant loss of sensation in the leg or groin area. This is not a tingling sensation, but an actual loss of sensation. For example, you cannot feel the toilet paper when you wipe after using the toilet.
  • Numbness, pins and needles or severe pain in the toes or lower leg.
  • Any history of cancer or tumor. The pain did not have a specific and correlated mechanism for injury.
  • Onset of pain without any known mechanism for the injury. (Thoroughly consider your activity. Many times, a slow onset of pain begins several hours after performing an activity.)
  • A high fever or any other symptoms in relation to your low back pain or you generally start to not feel well.

Most LBP will have a directional preference for extension. A majority of injuries occur when performing a forward biased (flexed movement) like chronic slouching or a spinal flexion biased movement. I will discuss an extension biased program because it is by far the most common directional preference. Flexion biased programs are often found in older adults particularly in cases of spinal stenosis.

LowBackPainIn the case of mechanical LBP, you should be able to alter and change your LBP within a short period of time. First, establish a directional preference by identifying a pattern to the pain. Does the pain get worse when you bend over or does it improve? What happens when you repeat this movement? Determine how your pain responds. If it spreads away from the spine and down into the leg, beware that you are moving in the wrong direction.  Stop that particular movement, and instead try moving in the opposite direction. If you were moving into flexion, try extension. If you had trialed extension biased movements, try flexion.

The rule of thumb for movement: If the pain worsens by spreading peripherally down the buttock and into the leg and/or foot, then the condition is worsening. We must stop that activity. If the pain centralizes and returns back toward the spine (even if the pain worsens slightly), then keep moving as the condition is actually improving. For a thorough discussion and an excellent treatment resource, please refer to Treat Your Own Back by Robin A. McKenzie.

In my experience, most episodes of LBP tend to respond better to extension biased movements. If flexion or extension doesn’t help or change the pain in any way, then you may need assistance from a medical provider. I highly suggest seeking a qualified and competent physical therapist who works with clients suffering from LBP. The American Physical Therapy Association offers a wonderful resource to help find a physical therapist in your area. In most states, you can seek physical therapy advice without a medical doctor’s referral (although it may be a good idea to seek your physician’s opinion as well).

Thanks again for the question, Brad, and good luck with resolving your pain! For more self-treatment strategies for low back pain, including specific exercises and recommendations, please refer to the following posts: How to Safely Treat Low Back Pain, 12 Sure Fire Ways to Injure Your Back, and My Top 7 Tips to Prevent Low Back Pain While Traveling.

Don’t let LBP affect your ability to stay active and keep enjoying your favorite activities! Learn how to prevent, self-treat, and manage LBP so you can get back to your daily life and exercise goals more quickly without additional unnecessary and costly medical bills!

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In my book, Treating Low Back Pain during Exercise and Athletics, you will learn how to address specific causes of LBP as well as the best practices on how to prevent and self-treat when you experience an episode of LBP. In this step-by-step LBP rehabilitation guide (complete with photos and detailed exercise descriptions), you will discover how to implement prevention and rehabilitation strategies to eliminate pain and get back to training and exercise sooner.

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How to Safely Self-Treat Low Back Pain

Did you know that an estimated $50 billion dollars is spent annually on back pain related issues?   Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most prevalent medical conditions treated in the United States and throughout the western world.  It affects nearly 80% of the U.S. population at one time or another.  It’s one of the top reasons for physician visits and one of the most common reasons for missed work days.  The previous post, 12 Sure Fire Ways to Injure Your Back, addressed potential risk factors for low back pain. This follow-up post includes how to safely self-treat your low back pain and helpful methods for a speedy recovery. (Not to mention, possibly saving you time and money by avoiding a physician visit for minor pain!)

To safely self-treat your low back pain, first take a moment to assess your symptoms and pain level. What led to your pain and/or injury?  Did the pain come on suddenly or slowly?  Evaluate the severity of the injury. If you’re experiencing any of the following, please seek immediate medical attention:

  • Loss of bowel/bladder function.
  • Uncontrollable pain. The pain is so severe you cannot function or move.
  • You are losing muscle function or control. The muscles in the legs will no longer work. (This is different than pain preventing the muscle from working.) This sensation of paralysis occurs when the muscles will not actually function.
  • Significant loss of sensation in the leg or groin area. This is not a tingling sensation, but an actual loss of sensation. For example, you cannot feel the toilet paper when you wipe after using the toilet.
  • Onset of pain without any known mechanism for the injury. (Thoroughly consider your activity. Many times, a slow onset of pain begins several hours after performing an activity.)

Fortunately, most LBP is mechanical–meaning it is from a physical or structural cause and isn’t related to conditions such as cancer or infections. Most LBP will have a directional preference for extension.  A majority of injuries occur when performing a forward biased (flexed movement) like chronic slouching or a spinal flexion biased movement.  For discussion purposes, I will be addressing an extension biased program.

You should be able to alter and change your LBP within a short period of time. First, establish a directional preference by identifying a pattern to the pain.   Does the pain get worse when you bend over or does it improve?  What happens when you repeat this movement?  Determine how your pain responds.  If it spreads away from the spine and down into the leg, beware that you are moving in the wrong direction.  Stop that particular movement, and instead try flexion biased movements.  In my experience, most episodes of LBP tend to respond better to extension biased movements.  If flexion or extension doesn’t help or change the pain in any way, then you may need assistance from a medical provider.

The rule of thumb for movement: If the pain worsens by spreading peripherally down the buttock and into the leg and/or foot, then the condition is worsening. We must stop that activity.  If the pain centralizes and returns back toward the spine (even if the pain worsens slightly), then keep moving as the condition is actually improving.  For a thorough discussion and an excellent treatment resource, please refer to Treat Your Own Back by Robin A. McKenzie.

Although most LBP isn’t considered serious, the pain tends to re-occur. One major reason for this is that the deep stabilizing muscles known as the multifidus muscles reflexively shrink, weaken, and lose function. Without proper rehabilitation, the muscles will not fully recover.  This increases the risk of future episodes because the spine no longer has the ability to stabilize itself normally.

How to Safely Self-Treat Low Back Pain:

  • Perform Press-ups – Once you have injured your back, immediately start press-ups. Perform this exercise with high repetitions and frequently throughout the day as long as the pain does not periperalize down the buttock and into the leg and/or foot. Lie on your stomach and perform 10-20 press-ups. Move slow and easy, but work your way up to full motion multiple times a day.

PressUps

  • Perform Standing Back Extensions – After sitting, stand up and perform standing back extensions. Ideally, perform this exercise at least 10 repetitions each time you stand.

StandingBackExtensions

  • Activate the Multifidus – Start exercises to activate the multifidus muscles as soon as possible. Think spine extensor muscle activation. Again, perform this exercise frequently during the day after the initial injury. The Lumbar Extensor Exercises are designed to progressively activate the multifidus muscles (with the final exercise being the most challenging). Once the pain subsides and muscle function improves, more advanced lumbar extension strengthening and stabilizing exercises should be performed to decrease your risk of re-current low back pain.
  • Don’t Sit – Walking is critical to your recovery! It’s the number one way your spine receives nutrients and disposes of metabolic waste products. Walk frequently, and try to avoid any prolonged sitting.
  • If you Sit, Use Good Posture – Use a McKenzie Lumbar Roll to help insure a good lumbar curve. If you can’t sit comfortably, listen to your body and don’t sit! Be sure to stand up and walk every 20-30 minutes. Make sure you stand with good posture as well.
  • Stretch the Muscles of the Legs and Pelvis – Hamstring, Hip Flexor, and Piriformis Stretches for LBP help to reduce muscle spasms and tightness throughout pelvis area when performed daily. Stretch for at least 30 seconds at a time, 2-3 times each session.
  • Reduce Inflammation and Support the Healing Response – I recommend starting a thirty day course of CapraFlex by Mt. Capra.  CapraFlex is an organic glucosamine and chondroitin supplement which also includes an herbal and spice formulation designed to naturally decrease inflammation and support healing.  I recommend it to anyone recovering from an injury or attempting to prevent injury when performing at a very high level. I personally use it, and in my practice, it has helped clients recover faster and prevent injury. It can interfere with some blood thinning medication, so if you are on this type of medication, please check with your physician.
  • Ice as Needed for Pain – The rule for icing is to apply ice no more than twenty minutes per hour. Do not place the ice directly against the skin, especially if you are using a gel pack style. Individuals with poor circulation or impaired sensation should take particular care when icing.
  • Use Topical Analgesics for Pain – There are many topical agents which can be used for pain. My two favorites to help manage pain and stiffness are Arnica Montana (an herbal rub) and Biofreeze.
  • Be as Active as You Can – Don’t stop moving! It’s important that you remain as active as you can. You should taper certain activities that you know will increase your pain. This typically would be activities involving heavy loading of the spine such as squats with weight, deadlifts, and other activities that may cause forward flexion (particularly under a load). As you are able to, continue to work on cardiovascular conditioning and core muscle activation, particularly the lumbar extension exercises. Remember the concept of peripheralization and centralization. If your pain progresses from the area of the injury into your leg, then you need to stop that activity. If the pain remains constant or is progressing out of the leg, then continue with the activity as you are helping the body to heal.
  • Ask for Help – Yes, even physical therapists have to ask for help sometimes! Many useful manual techniques can help to manage LBP. You just can’t perform them on yourself. If your pain is not improving, I highly suggest seeking a qualified and competent physical therapist who works with clients suffering from LBP. The American Physical Therapy Association offers a wonderful resource to help find a physical therapist in your area. In most states, you can seek physical therapy advice without a medical doctor’s referral (although it may be a good idea to seek your physician’s opinion as well).

Low back pain is a serious and debilitating condition. It will either most certainly affect you or someone close to you.  Be pro-active in maintaining a healthy back by incorporating these helpful methods for a speedy recovery.  Don’t let LBP affect your ability to stay active and keep enjoying your favorite activities!

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How to Improve Posture & Eliminate Pain

Imagine how much the average person actually slouches during a day. One may slouch as she sits in a chair for breakfast, then she may hunch over the kitchen sink to wash dishes. She slouches while driving a car, then she slouches while sitting at work or at a school desk. She slouches while texting, watching TV, or using the computer. If she isn’t slouching, she’s bending over to clean or pick up children and/or pets. The list of slouching possibilities is endless!

Our bodies are designed to move both forward and backward. The problem is that we spend most of our times in a slouch, hunched over (flexed) position. Slouching is having a forward head and a rounded shoulders posture. It can also involve a posterior pelvic tilt which causes a reduction in the normal lumbar curve. This position tends to be even worse in people who are taller than average or in teenage girls and women (as many will slouch to modestly hide their chests). Over time, this constant flexed position causes excessive strain on posterior muscles, and it begins to overload the vertebral discs and ligaments which can lead to pain and injury.

PoorSittingPosture

Poor posture causes improper spinal positioning and affects the neck, shoulders, low back, mid back/thoracic, and ultimately, the entire body. This flexed (slouched) posture leads to postural muscle weakness which causes us to slouch more as well as predisposing us to injury. The lumbar spine is the most common area for injury (followed by the neck, mid back, and shoulders). Injuries can include: disc herniation, spinal degeneration, and shoulder impingements.

How to improve posture and eliminate pain? As simple as it sounds, first work on your posture!  Sit and stand up straight.  Initially, it may be difficult because the posterior chain, which includes the hamstrings, glutes, and back extensor muscles, is weak. Correcting your posture may actually cause some pain as the muscles will be utilized in a way that they aren’t used to. Persistence is crucial if you want to eliminate pain and decrease your risk of injury.  The following exercises can help you to develop better posture and strength to eliminate neck, shoulder, and back pain.

  • Increase Your Postural (Extensor) Muscle Strength – Refer to Prone Superman Exercises for instructions and photos of exercises that can be performed while lying on the floor or bed. The purpose of these exercises is to improve your back extensor strength, so it will be easier to maintain good posture. Move slowly and only raise the leg as far as you can without twisting.
  • Perform Foam Roller (Towel Roll) Stretches – A foam roller is the best option, but you could substitute one by tightly rolling up a beach towel or by rolling a beach towel over a water noodle. Make sure to keep your knees bent and your head supported. Subscribe to my e-mail list to gain immediate access to My Top 8 Stretches to Eliminate Neck, Upper Back, and Shoulder Pain for step by step exercise instructions and photos.
  • Start Squatting – The squat is a critical exercise to maintain mobility and function as we age. It is also the most beneficial exercise to develop your posterior chain. Please refer to 7 Reasons Why the Squat is Fundamental to Life.

For a comprehensive look at pain management, I recommend Robin McKenzie’s Treat Your Own Back and Treat Your Own Neck. He offers very easy and practical advice on how to treat and manage back or neck pain.

What are some different ways to raise awareness of your posture? How can you incorporate them into your daily tasks?  Feel free to leave your comments below.

If you have additional questions or comments, please comment below or submit your question to contact@thePhysicalTherapyAdvisor.com. Be sure to join our growing community on Facebook by liking The Physical Therapy Advisor!

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Backpacks = Back Pain?

Now that school is in full swing, a common complaint has arisen: the dreaded back pain! (This could be low to mid back pain, thoracic back pain, or cervical/neck pain.) Are backpacks to blame?  Excessive weight or improper wearing of the backpack could cause pain.  Research is still inconclusive, but it indicates that backpacks contribute to all kinds of back, neck, and shoulder pains.  For children, the real question is: Can permanent damage be avoided in the future by taking the correct action now?  My experience has shown me that injury (even in a young age) causes a higher propensity for injury, degeneration, and pain later in life.

StudentWithBackpack

Taking care of your back is an important habit to develop for all ages. Back pain is the number one cause of orthopaedic disability.  These simple tips for carrying backpacks can keep our spines healthy now and as we age.

Tips to Avoid Backpack Related Pain:

  • Use two straps instead of one. Keeping the load equal and symmetrical is important to avoid excessive rotational and compression forces which can cause undue stress and pain.
  • Use a backpack with wheels. If you have to carry heavy books or supplies, opt for a backpack on wheels. This eliminates carrying a load which is too heavy and could cause you grief.
  • Make sure the weight is appropriate for your child or yourself. If you’re a strong and fit person or an older teenager, a twenty pound backpack may not be an issue for you. However, if your child is in elementary school or has orthopaedic related issues, twenty pounds may be too much for your child’s body to reasonably handle.
  • Remember, loads and compression forces add up. Limit the amount of time you are wearing the backpack. Take it off unless you are actually walking or moving. If you’re standing to visit for a while, then take the backpack off.
  • Use larger shoulder straps and a waist strap. Properly fitting straps can help distribute the load more evenly.
  • Only carry what you have to. Many times, we carry more items than we really need to. Carry only what you need, and be efficient in the way you pack your backpack.
  • Go digital. Many books can now be found in a digital format. Consolidate your larger text books into a smaller, lighter digital book reader like a Nook, Kindle, or iPad.

If you are already experiencing low back pain, please review My Top 7 Tips to Prevent Low Back Pain When Traveling for helpful exercises. For a comprehensive look at back pain management, I recommend Robin McKenzie’s Treat Your Own Back.

If you are experiencing mid back or neck pain, sign up to receive my weekly blog posts via e-mail, and I will share with you My Top 8 Stretches to Eliminate Neck, Upper Back, and Shoulder Pain.

What are your tips and tricks to avoid overloading backpacks? Feel free to leave your comments below.

If you have additional questions or comments, please comment below or submit your question to contact@thePhysicalTherapyAdvisor.com. Be sure to join our growing community on Facebook by liking The Physical Therapy Advisor!