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Back Pain

If you are suffering from back pain, you are not alone. It is estimated that 25% of the people in United States suffers from back pain at any given time. Back pain can be acute, recurring or chronic. Back pain can be caused by degenerative disk disease, lumbar spinal stenosis, fractures, herniated disk, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

Degenerative disk disease

Our spine is made of 33 vertebrae that are stacked up on top of one another. There is a rubbery piece of cartilage between these vertebrae and is called the intervertebral disk. Imagine disk as a tire with gelatin kind of substance on the hole of the tire. The tire (outer part) is called the annulus and the gelatin type of substance is called the nucleus. As we age, or due to some injury, wear and tear occurs and we start to lose gelatin type of substance and hence the volume of the disk decreases. As a result, the space the vertebrae decreases and the disk becomes flatter and less flexible.

back pain

When the rough surface of the vertebral joint rub together, inflammation occurs and may feel pain as the nerves get compressed or irritated. It may occur throughout the spine or may confine to one disk. People who have degenerative disk in the neck usually feel pain in the arm, shoulder or neck region. A degenerative disk in the low back might cause pain in the back, buttocks or legs. Most often back pain gets aggravated by sitting, bending and reaching. The symptoms are at its peak in the morning or it worsens by continuous sitting or standing. In several cases, since the nerve gets compressed, it may lead to numbness, tingling and even weakness in arms and legs.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal occurs when the spinal canal narrows, and as result, the nerve roots/ the spinal cord get compressed. This will result in pinching of nerve root/spinal cord which leads to pain, numbness, weakness and cramping. Depending up on the area where the spinal stenosis occurs, the symptoms can be felt in the lower back and legs, neck, shoulder or arms. Typically, a person with spinal stenosis complains severe pain in legs calves or lowers back while standing or walking .Usually walking up or down a hill aggravates the pain. The pain is often relieved by sitting or leaning forward.

Herniated Disc

As mentioned in the degenerative disk disease the disc becomes flatter and rigid as we age. This make is most susceptible injury. In some case the gelatin type of the substance (nucleus) can push through the rubbery part and can create crack on the rubbery part (annulus).Thus herniation or rupture occurs. When the disc bugle and come out its normal boundaries it may pinch the spinal nerves or spinalcord. Symptoms may include tingling, pain or numbness or combination of any at back, buttocks or legs. You may find standing comfortable than sitting. Certain activities such as bending and reaching can worsen the pain.

Osteoarthritis

Herniated disc causes narrowing of the spine. This will put strain on joints, cartilage and ligaments. The narrowing of the disc may result in the decreased space between the spinal joints(facet joints).Since the shape of the disc has change, it puts more weight bearing forces on the spinal joints. This may result in the wear and tear of the cartilages which covers the joints. Ultimately, the bone comes in to contact with one another which causes enlarged joints, stiffness, pain and inflammation. Our body tries to repair itself by growing new bones and is called bone spur. This results in narrowing of the spine and may result in the symptoms like pain, burning sensation, numbness or tingling.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis occurs when the bones become porous. As result, the bones density decreases, become weaker and deformity of the bones occurs. It is very important as bones become vulnerable to fractures. It can cause spinal compression fracture of upper back or thoracic spine.

If you are diagnosed with any of these conditions, physical therapy can help you. At Maya Physical Therapy, which serves Davie, Cooper city and Hollywood has the most experienced physical therapists’ that are specialized in treating back pain. Give it a try and see the difference.

Sanjaimon Naduparambil,
Physical Therapist

Phone: (954) 252-9619

Sanjay Naduparambil is a Florida State licensed Physical Therapist who graduated from the Dr. MGR Medical University in Chennai, India. Sanjay has over 20 years of experience in a variety of treatment settings including acute care, cardiac rehabilitation, wound care, neurological treatment, home healthcare and outpatient orthopedics. He has spent the last 10 years perfecting his treatment skills in the area of orthopedics and has been described by his patients as a highly competent and compassionate clinician. In early 2012, Sanjay established Maya Physical Therapy, Inc with the goal of providing the community with quality therapy services that go beyond the standards of care.


Sanjay has furthered his education/training by completing continuing education courses in the following areas: kinesiology taping, vestibular rehabilitation, cardiac rehabilitation, and hip/ knee/ankle/ shoulder diagnosis and treatment. He has also completed the first and second phase of the McKenzie post graduate program for cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine mechanical diagnosis and treatment from McKenize Institute USA. In addition to his qualifications as a Physical Therapist, Sanjay has received his certification as a Personal Trainer by the International Sports and Fitness Trainers Association.


Sanjay’s professional interests include expanding his already extensive knowledge base through ongoing clinical education in manual treatment and differential diagnosis.