Neck and Back Pain

Lower back and neck pain can be very debilitating injuries that can prevent you from participating and enjoying your normal day to day and recreational activities. The spine is formed by the cervical, thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. The vertebrae form the spinal canal which houses the spinal cord. The nerves that innervate our muscles and organs originate from the spinal cord, so if there is an injury to your back or neck, other parts of your body can be effected.

Common back and neck injuries include herniations, muscle spasms, nerve impingement, or radiculopathies. All of these injuries can cause local pain to the back, but can also cause referred pain to the extremities, usually felt as numbing, burning, or tingling pain. Degenerative diseases such as stenosis or degenerative disc disease can also cause these symptoms.

At Keating Physical Therapy, we will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the cause of your neck or back pain. We can then develop the appropriate treatment and exercise program based on the most current evidence in research. Physical therapy often includes soft tissue and joint mobilization, stretching, trigger point release, ergonomic evaluation and exercises to support healing and prevent re-injury.  Modalities would include electrical stimulation (TENS), cold laser, ultrasound, and traction as appropriate.  Many times physical therapy can help you avoid other surgical procedures.

Below we have listed many common causes of back pain, however, there are many different types of injuries and this is not and inclusive list.  If you have specific questions about your injury please feel free to give us a call at (908) 276-0294.