Physical Therapy

Pain Management Cheat Sheet

Pain management is one of the oldest areas of medicine. And just as there are many different causes of pain, there are many different treatment options. One of the most controversial options is pain-relieving drugs, especially the long-term use of opioids for chronic pain. One thing is for sure – all patients should have access to a variety of pain management options. Pain-relieving drugs may be the right choice in some cases, but they should never be the only option on the table. A recent bill sponsored by Wisconsin congressman Ron Kind serves to highlight this issue. Many veterans receive only drug therapy for their chronic pain. The bill, called the Chiropractic Care Available to All Veterans Act, would make chiropractic care a standard benefit of Veterans Affairs health care, and require chiropractic care and services at every VA medical center by the end of 2016. The bill is also supported by the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Paralyzed Veterans of America, the American Legion, Vietnam Veterans of America, National Chiropractic Leadership Conference, and the American Chiropractic Association. Pain management is a major health care issue in America. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), pain affects more Americans than

April 14, 2015

The Schroth Method for Scoliosis

Last month, The New York Times ran a very interesting article in the Science section, written by a woman living with scoliosis. In “Hope for an S-Shaped Back,” Rachel Rabkin Peachman shares her journey of living with scoliosis. Peachman was diagnosed as a child and her condition’s progression was slowed through bracing, which helped allow her to avoid surgery with a 45-degree curve as a young adult. Over time, however, her curve continued to progress, and at 38 years old she is now living with the pain of a 55-degree upper curve and 33-degree lower curve. In hopes of avoiding corrective surgery, she sought out a lesser-known method of physical therapy called the Schroth method. What is the Schroth method? This physical therapy and exercise regimen is tailored to each individual spinal curve with the goal of halting and reversing progression, reducing pain, and improving strength, lung capacity and posture. A Schroth therapist works with patients to develop individualized stretches and exercises to work towards all of those goals. Once patients learn their exercises and stretches, they are asked to practice them at home. Part of the Schroth method involves postural awareness, which encourages patients to stay conscious of their

June 3, 2014

Sochi Olympic Skier Injured Spine, Now Recovering

The elite athletes representing their countries at the Sochi Olympics are in peak physical shape and are at the top of their sport. However, accidents and injuries still occur, especially in potentially dangerous conditions and courses. On February 15, we saw an unfortunate example of this when Russian skicross racer Maria Komissarova fractured her 12th dorsal vertebra and dislocated her spine during a practice session. Fractures or breaks of vertebrae in the lower back can be very dangerous and possibly lead to paralysis, if improperly handled. Spinal fractures often require a swift course of action from highly trained doctors. Komissarova was carefully moved to a stretcher to be transported off of the mountain to the nearest hospital. In these cases, it’s imperative to immobilize the patient until a doctor can diagnose the problem. Komissarova was rushed to the hospital and underwent a six and a half hour surgery to repair her spine. A team of Russian specialists inserted a metal implant in her spine to stabilize it and hold the bones in place. A metal rod insert is a common surgical option when approaching spinal fractures. Depending on the severity of the fracture and location, sometimes it is necessary to

February 26, 2014

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Pain Management Cheat Sheet

The Schroth Method for Scoliosis

Sochi Olympic Skier Injured Spine, Now Recovering