Do You Know What’s Causing Your Back Pain?

Do You Know What’s Causing Your Back Pain? Discover How Physical Therapy Can Help You Relieve Herniated Disc Pain Back pain is one of the most common complaints among Americans. Whether you experience occasional pain in your back or deal with recurrent chronic back pain, it can make it extremely difficult to complete your daily tasks. But have you ever wondered if your back pain was a sign of a more serious condition? The spine is made up of a complex series of bones called vertebrae. There are cushioning pads between each of the vertebrae that act as shock absorbers, making bending, walking, and moving around in general every day possible without pain. But if these little cushioning discs are injured, the soft center can actually rupture and cause severe pain. This type of injury is often referred to as a herniated or slipped disc, and while there is no cure for the condition, physical therapy can help manage chronic pain. Our innovative care strategies at Chesterton Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. What does PT for herniated discs look like? When experiencing back pain, it can be tempting to simply visit your general physician in search of a quick solution. However, in many cases, all that a general physician can offer in the way of pain relief is a prescription for painkillers. Alternatively, an experienced physical therapist can offer a variety of treatment options that are designed to target the root cause of your reoccurring back pain. Some of the most common treatment options recommended by our physical therapist for herniated disc pain include: Ultrasound therapy or electrical muscle stimulation for fast pain relief and deep penetration of the targeted area Alternating treatment with ice and heat to reduce inflammation and soothe sore muscles. Therapeutic massage to help ease sore muscles Aerobic exercises like walking or using a stationary bicycle Stretching exercises that help to keep the muscles in the back flexible Why did I develop a herniated disc? The spinal column is formed by a group of bones. The cervical spine consists of seven bones, the lumbar spine has five, and the thoracic spine has twelve. Each disc has a gelatinous inner section and a strong outer ring. If the disc protrudes through the outer ring, it is known as a herniated disc. This can lead to numbness, discomfort and pain. The vertebrae and cushioning discs in the spinal column can become injured in a variety of different ways. However, when dealing with a herniated disc, injuries are most often the result of: Improper lifting resulting in sudden strain Work-related or overuse injuries where the spine has been twisted violently Excessive weight gain and obesity The natural aging process or degeneration The herniated disc can be caused by a variety of causes, including movements such as turning or twisting. Another offender is moving heavy objects. Weight can also cause herniated discs, as it causes the need for discs to bear more weight. According to Healthline, men are also at a higher risk of developing a herniated disc than women. How can I tell if I have a herniated disc? Herniated discs are one of the most common back pain complaints. They typically occur in people aged 35 to 55 years but can affect physical therapy patients of all ages. Herniated disc pain presents itself in a variety of ways depending on a person’s age, body type, and physical condition. In certain cases, a herniated disc may show no outward symptoms at all. Our trained physical therapists are dedicated to help you achieve a pain-free life. But for those dealing with recurring pain from a herniated disc, the following symptoms are also common: Neck spasms affecting the muscles in the neck and shoulder area. Neck pain that stays centered in the back and side areas of the neck. This type of pain can increase in severity when bending or turning the neck. Pain radiating out from the shoulder, arm, and sometimes traveling down to the hands and fingers. Pain in the shoulder blade area. Schedule your appointment today! If you have had recurrent back pain or pain near your neck or shoulder, it may be a sign of a herniated disc.  By using targeted treatments and physical therapy exercises, our physical therapist can help you manage your herniated disc pain and prevent the use of prescription drugs or more invasive treatment options for pain. Please contact us today for more information and to schedule an initial consultation!

Are You Living with Any of These 5 Conditions? If So, Consider PT!

Are You Living with Any of These 5 Conditions? If So, Consider PT! 5 Signs You May be in Need of Physical Therapy! Did you know that PT can be used to manage a variety of different conditions as a natural form of pain relief? Unfortunately, it is usually not only until after attempting more conventional medical approaches such as surgery and prescription painkillers that people realize physical therapy sessions are a fantastic way to relieve their chronic pain and other recurrent symptoms. If you have any of these top five most common aches and pains, you may be a good candidate for physical therapy. Our innovative care strategies at Chesterton Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. Keep reading to learn more about common conditions that can be treated with PT and some of the top natural healing recommendations from our experienced physical therapists! Do any of these sound like you? 1. Traumatic Injury After experiencing a traumatic injury, your body requires plenty of time to heal and recover. But in today’s busy world, many people must get back to work as soon as possible following an injury. Physical therapy can help your body to heal more quickly and efficiently after a traumatic injury or surgery. Physical therapy is an ideal post-surgical healing option and designed to help you reach your rehabilitation goals without the use of prescription pain medications. 2. Joint Pain Arthritis and other forms of joint pain can increase in severity as we age. However, people of all ages are at risk of developing joint pain, especially following another traumatic injury. And for those who are overweight or obese, joint pain can become a chronic health issue that prevents one from enjoying the simple things in life like taking a walk after mealtimes or getting in and out of the car with ease. Joint injuries don’t always happen because of an accident. They can also develop slowly over months or even years. You might notice that the pain also ebbs and flows depending on the time of day. Certain sports, jobs, hobbies can cause you to put excessive stress on certain joints over and over again, which could very well lead to pain. Working with a physical therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan can help to manage your joint pain and other symptoms naturally. 3. Neck Pain It’s common to experience neck pain for a variety of different reasons. You may notice neck pain spring up after an auto accident or as a result of poor posture. Neck pain is often very difficult to cope with and treat with traditional medicine. However, PT and massage can relieve the muscles in the neck, reduce swelling, and help to restore your natural mobility. Physical therapy, regardless of the root cause of pain, has been shown to help with neck pain. For those trying to prevent costly procedures or dangerous drugs, PT is a completely safe, natural, and effective mode of care. 4. Headaches Recurring headaches are no laughing matter and can make getting through the day seem nearly impossible. In many cases, frequent headaches are a sign of injury in the neck or back. Working with a physical therapist to target the cause of your recurring headaches can reduce the severity of your head pain or eventually eliminate them altogether. In fact, as stated by Choose PT, “There is effective treatment for almost every type of headache.” Working with a physical therapist can help you identify tension-reducing exercises and help you find long-term relief from headaches without the need to rely on pain medication. 5. Back Pain Back pain is one of the biggest reasons that Americans visit the doctor each year. Back pain can be the result of a wide variety of different injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions. The World Health Organization estimates that in the United States, 149 million days of work are lost due to low back pain. You may be experiencing back pain due to an overuse injury, a degenerative disease, sports injury, or other common environmental factors. But whatever the cause, there’s a good chance that your back pain is preventing you from completing simple everyday tasks like getting out of bed or climbing the stairs without feeling pain. Physical therapy can help to address the root cause of your pain, increase mobility, reduce inflammation and much more. Contact Our Physical Therapist Today If you or a loved one are struggling with recurrent pain after injury or as a result of a degenerative condition, physical therapy is a great way to help your body to heal naturally. Are you interested in learning more about the benefits of physical therapy for pain management and healing? Please contact our knowledgeable and friendly physical therapist for more information and be sure to schedule your initial consultation today!

Are You Constantly In Pain? It May Be Time To Change Your Diet To reduce Inflammation

Are You Constantly In Pain? It May Be Time To Change Your Diet To reduce Inflammation Inflammation is a natural process the body uses to protect itself and to promote healing. During the inflammation process, your body increases its production of white blood cells. Chronic inflammation, however, can damage the body. Living with continual inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and redness in the affected areas. It can also increase your risk of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke. There are several ways you can improve your nutrition and decrease pain and inflammation, however. Are you ready to say goodbye once and for all to your chronic aches and pains? If you’re nodding your head yes, keep reading to learn more about how physical therapy and attention to nutrition can help! What is inflammation? Inflammation is the body’s natural response when it’s trying to heal or protect itself. This, of course, is usually a good thing! This is why some people choose to feel their pain and ride it out instead of grabbing an over the counter NSAID. However, inflammation is harmful when it becomes a chronic condition. Pain and inflammation are often connected. Your immune system can naturally respond to injury, ailment, or other harm through inflammation. If you have an infection, wound, tissue damage, or buildup of toxins in your body, the immune response is triggered to deal with it. Without inflammation, injuries wouldn’t be able to heal; however, if this process goes on for too long, Harvard Health, states that it can lead to a variety of health ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, and even some kinds of cancer. If you experience persistent pain that is keeping you from living life as you normally would, it is wise to contact a physical therapist as soon as possible, as it may mean that the inflammation has become chronic. The importance of physical therapy and nutrition Traditionally, chronic inflammation has been treated through bed rest and medication. However, a lack of exercise can make inflammation worse, as it constricts joints and causes muscles to stiffen. Although it might be hard to make yourself get up and move when you’re in pain, it’s normally the best option. Additionally, medications come with a whole slew of side effects, some of which can be dangerous and/or habit-forming. Luckily, pain and inflammation can be treated in much easier and healthier ways – such as diet and physical therapy! Why choose physical therapy? Physical therapy, combined with good nutritional habits, can greatly reduce or even eliminate your pain and inflammation. The American Physical Therapy Association states that the connection between pain and nutrition is strong enough that nutritional screening is often recommended. A physical therapist can provide nutritional guidance along with creating an exercise program that targets and reduces the pain and inflammation you’ve been experiencing. A physical therapist might even recommend activities such as swimming or simple stretching to increase joint flexibility and range of motion. Good nutrition along with a physical therapy treatment plan can help you manage or even eliminate chronic pain by increasing the strength in certain muscles and improving joint stability. How can nutrition provide pain relief? A few foods that can cause inflammation and should be avoided or limited include the following: Soda – Drinking water or tea in place of soda will not only help reduce pain and inflammation but may also help you shed a few pounds. Soda can increase levels of uric acid. This often causes an increase in inflammation and even insulin resistance. Fried foods – Eat your veggies raw, steamed, or baked for the most health benefits. Everything from fried chicken to deep-fried veggies can contribute to inflammation. Refined carbohydrates – Pasta, pastries, white bread, and white flour are all refined carbs that should be eliminated or eaten rarely. Refined carbs include grains that have had most of the fiber and nutrients taken out. Red meats – Protein builds muscle and cartilage. Red meat, especially meats that are processed, can lead to increased inflammation. Healthy, lean protein is a crucial component when creating a diet to reduce pain and inflammation. Chicken is often considered neutral, while many types of fish fight pain and inflammation in the body. Just like there are plenty of foods to avoid because they cause inflammation, there are plenty you can start to incorporate into your diet to fight or decrease inflammation! Some of them are: Berries – Strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries are all good choices. Berries have an abundance of antioxidants that can eliminate inflammation. Fatty Fish – Wild-caught salmon, sardines, and mackerel are great sources of Omega-3s, which can fight inflammation. They may even limit stiffness in the joints that is sometimes associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Olive oil – Olive oil is a monounsaturated fat that tastes great on salads and in cooked meals, and it can help reduce inflammation. Make sure to select olive oil that is extra virgin in order to receive the most health benefits. Green Tea – Green tea is rich in polyphenols and antioxidants that can reduce inflammation. When preparing green tea, use water that’s not higher in temperature than 160 degrees since boiling water may destroy many of the antioxidants. Leafy green vegetables – Almost all fruits and vegetables contain what is called phytonutrients that can help fight inflammation, so pick up some kale or spinach to go into a salad the next time you’re in the produce section. It’s time to get your health back on track Instead of relying on surgery or pain medication, consider improving your diet or beginning a healthy physical therapy program customized to meet your specific needs. Put together, these two things can seriously change your life, and help you to live pain-free. Sources: http://www.apta.org/blogs/PTTransforms/2016/11/16/nutrition/ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation

4 Reasons Hip and Knee Pain Doesn’t Have to Control Your Life

4 Reasons Hip and Knee Pain Doesn’t Have to Control Your Life If you have been struggling with hip and knee pain for a while, it may feel like your pain is here to stay. You might even feel like nothing in the world can offer you lasting joint pain relief! Good news is on the horizon though — physical therapy is one of the best ways to achieve freedom from hip and knee pain. With the right physical therapy treatments, you can lessen the pain you experience in your hips and knees – and possibly even eliminate it altogether. Call our office today to learn more. Our innovative care strategies at Chesterton Physical Therapy will help you find quick relief. What is hip and knee pain? Hip and knee pain can be caused by a variety of medical conditions as well as from certain injuries. It often occurs when inflamed tendons from over-exertion or an athletic injury. Tendinitis, dislocation, sprains, and pinched nerves can all contribute to or be the cause of hip pain. Hip pain may also result from repetitive injuries or poor posture. Fractures, tendinitis, and knee bursitis are all common knee injuries. Injuries that include torn cartilage or damaged ligaments can cause knee pain. Medical conditions such as arthritis or gout can cause mild to severe knee pain. You may be experiencing stiffness or swelling in one or both knees, and it might be difficult to stand, walk, or fully straighten your knee. Sometimes knees will make popping or crunching noises. If you’re experiencing hip or knee pain, don’t assume it will just dissipate over time! Chances are that you do need to see a physical therapist for help. What benefits does physical therapy offer? Hip and knee pain can be debilitating – it seems like no matter what you have on your schedule for the day, if you move around too much, you’re going to experience pain. Thankfully there are ways to reduce your pain over the long term. It may take some time and effort on your part, but physical therapy has proven time and again to help reduce hip and knee pain for patients of all ages and backgrounds. You might be wondering, “How does the pain relief I can get from physical therapy last for so long? Well, there are a few reasons! We’ve compiled some of the most obvious ones in a list for you below. Physical therapy will prevent future injuries. One of the big frustrations with joint pain is that it never seems to fully go away. Even if you rest for a while and feel better, when you go out and start moving again the injury can flare up all over again. But with physical therapy exercises, you get much stronger than you were before. The added strength allows your muscles to better support your joints, so you are less likely to experience additional irritation in the joint. A physical therapist can teach you how to move in the proper ways. Many times the pain you are experiencing in your hip and knee is related to unhealthy movement patterns. They may have been learned over time or in response to an initial injury. Those unhealthy movements cause added strain on your joints and lead to further pain and injuries. Your physical therapist will help identify unhealthy movement patterns and provide you with education that will allow you to replace those patterns with ones that will protect your joints from further injury. Physical therapy can help you live a healthy and active life. Chronic hip and knee pain can be significantly improved or eliminated through regular exercise and a healthy lifestyle. Of course, you have to be able to move without significant pain to exercise – something that is made much easier by physical therapy. Your physical therapist can help you improve your hip and knee pain and teach you ways to exercise so that you avoid injuring your joints. Through physical therapy, you can regain strength and mobility so that you can lead a more active lifestyle. It will stop your pain problem at the source. If you just treat the symptoms of a hip and/or knee issue, you are almost guaranteed to see the problem pop up again later on. However, if you can determine the true source of the pain problem, you can actually treat what is causing the pain. Physical therapists have a process to identify the causes of hip and knee pain so that they can give you targeted treatments designed to get to the bottom of what is causing your pain. Common causes of hip and knee pain A great number of problems can cause hip and knee pain. Some of these are related to musculoskeletal misalignment, poor posture, and/or excess weight gain; others occur as the result of natural aging or unhealthy sports/work habits. Your hip or knee pain may stem from: Osteoarthritis Tendinitis Bursitis Traumatic injuries, such as dislocation of the joint Postural/alignment issues that throw your body off balance, straining the knees or hips Runner’s knee, an instability of the kneecap Infections A skilled physical therapist can often tell the cause of your hip or knee pain from its location. For example, pain along the inside of the hip is more likely to be caused by a problem with the bones or cartilage. Pain along the outer side is typically caused by a problem in the muscles, tendons or ligaments. Contact our clinic for an appointment If you are currently struggling with hip and knee pain, we want you to know that we are here to help. Our physical therapy team can help you reduce both acute and chronic pain caused by injuries, disabilities, illnesses, and more. Contact us today or visit us in Chesterton to schedule an appointment with your physical therapy team and get the relief you’ve been longing for!

Dealing With Stress-Related Headaches? Physical Therapy Can Help.

Dealing With Stress- related Headaches? Physical Therapy Can Help. Have you ever seen someone at work or in a difficult situation holding their head? What was your first initial thought? Most of us would assume either that they’re under extreme stress, or that they have a headache. In fact, you may be right on both counts. Both physical and emotional stress can cause tension headaches. They can also trigger cervicogenic and migraine headaches, both of which can leave you effectively disabled for the remainder of your day. You may struggle with chronic or recurring headache pain yourself, and if you do, you’re probably tired of taking pain-relieving medication all the time just to be able to do things you want to do. Maybe it’s time you found a better answer by consulting with a licensed physical therapist about your pain. Physical therapy can ease your headache symptoms by treating their underlying causes, giving you a safer, more sustainable headache management strategy. How does stress cause headaches? Emotional stress and physical stress go hand in hand, with either capable of causing or aggravating the other. Being in stressful situations can cause muscles to tighten up as the body goes into “fight or flight” mode. When tightness affects the small muscles at the base of the skull (such as the RCPM muscle in the neck) those muscles may pull on a pain-sensitive membrane in the head called the dura mater. The dura mater responds by sending out waves of pain, giving you a classic tension headache. Headaches that begin in the neck are referred to as “cervicogenic headaches.” These headaches are often caused by imbalances or alignment problems in the cervical spine. These imbalances place the neck muscles under physical stress, producing both headaches and neck pain. Emotional stress can also play a role in cervicogenic headaches, since the muscle tightness they create can help to pull the neck out of alignment. Migraines are the most dreaded of headaches, and knowing that someone has one is sure to make you wince if you’ve ever experienced one yourself. In fact, a migraine attack may go far beyond the crushing headache it is notorious for producing, causing symptoms such as: Sound and/or light sensitivity Faintness Nausea and vomiting Visual distortions known as “auras” While it’s hard to pin down the underlying causes behind migraines, many of the triggers are well known. Stress, various foods, bright lights, loud sounds, weather changes, and hormonal swings can cause migraines, as well as physical overexertion or emotional strain. How physical therapy can relieve stress-related headaches While pain-relieving drugs such as NSAIDs (Aleve, Tylenol, ibuprofen) can relieve the occasional headache, what they can’t do is address the stresses that lead to chronic headache problems. For that level of relief, you need to see a physical therapist. Our physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes an examination of your neck and cervical spine, discussion of your symptoms, and analysis of lifestyle factors that may be sources of stress. This background allows us to create a headache management program largely rooted in the management of stress and its effects. Your physical therapy treatment program may include: Chiropractic adjustments to correct cervical spinal alignment Ergonomic adjustments such as changing your computer monitor height (to prevent constant neck droop) Mindfulness exercises such as yoga to help you add more serenity to your daily life Suggestions for changing or sleep position or trying a different kind of pillow Dry needling to ease stress-induced tension and pain Massage therapy to relax tight neck muscles Exercises to limber up your neck or strengthen your neck muscles Other causes of stress-related headaches There may be a physical cause behind your stress-related headaches. An accident or injury to the neck or back can contribute to headaches. Poor posture and arthritis are two other potential causes. Depression and anxiety are similar emotions to stress that can also lead to headaches. In general, you can expect stretching and strength training to be part of your treatment. The treatment of your stress-related headaches will depend in part on the diagnosis. For example, one course of treatment that would work for correcting your posture and strengthening the neck muscles might not be appropriate if your headaches are the result of a past injury. Other options that your physical therapist might employ can include: McKenzie therapies Cervical traction Body mobilization Hot and cold compressions Soft tissue mobilization Besides the treatment you will receive during your physical therapy sessions at the clinic, your therapist will also recommend exercises, stretches, and lifestyle changes that you can make at home, which will all contribute to eliminating your headaches. Contact our clinic to schedule a consultation with a physical therapist If you can conquer your stress, you may just conquer your chronic headaches as well! To learn more about this natural, drug-free method for headache relief, get in touch with our physical therapy clinic today!