Spine
Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation and is very common. In addition, the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen with bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking. Most adults have pain in the upper, middle, or lower part of the back at least once in their lifetime and it can vary in discomfort or pain. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide.
Injuries, overuse of your back muscles, issues with your spine, and other conditions can cause back pain.
West Park Rehab provides customized care for patients experiencing back pain, including conditions for:
- Head/Neck
- Mid Back
- Low Back
OTHER PAIN AREAS
Our experienced team of therapists will work with you to identify the source of your pain and develop a treatment plan based on the pain and diagnosis to get you on the road to recovery.
PERSONALIZED TREATMENT AREAS
Head and Neck
Neck pain can make daily activities – working, driving, exercising, or simply turning your head – difficult. Your pain could be the result of repetitive motion, poor posture, an accident, sports injury, fall, or a long-term problem in your spine.
The good news is that most neck pain does not require surgery and responds well to physical therapy.
Click below to view more information on how our West Park Rehab team offers expert, compassionate care for patients experiencing pain with:
Disc Problems of the Neck
Spinal disks are rubbery pads between the vertebrae. Vertebrae are the specialized bones that make up the spinal column. In children, they are gel- or fluid-filled sacs, but begin to solidify as part of the normal aging process. By early adulthood, the blood supply to the disk has stopped, the soft inner material has begun to harden, and the disk is less elastic. By middle age, the disks are tough and quite unyielding, with the consistency of a piece of hard rubber. These age-related changes make the outer protective lining weaker and the disks more prone to injury.
Damage to a disc can be caused all at once by a specific injury, or over time with repeated strain or forces placed on the disc due to poor posture or weak core muscles. Disc material can weaken and “bulge” outward and, if the bulge moves far enough, can press on the nerves that exit the spine. This can result in pain near the spine, but it may also radiate down into the extremities.
Initially, a Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform several physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to which disc might be putting pressure on a nerve. While these are good tests, there is another that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or if it is chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery.
Don’t let this kind of physical problem go on without getting the help you need. And in many cases, you do not need a referral to start physical therapy.
Arthritis of the Neck
Arthritis in the spine involves the bones called vertebrae and is often referred to as spondylitis (spon-dill-itis). The points on the vertebrae that connect with other vertebrae are called facet joints, which stick out like arched wings on either side of the rear part of the vertebrae. These facet joints help guide movement, such as bending or twisting. When these joints become damaged or wear down, they can put pressure on nerves that exit the spinal cord and ultimately cause pain, numbness and/or weakness to emerge in the extremities. Breakdown or arthritis of facet joints can be caused all at once by a specific injury, or over time with repeated strain or forces placed on the facet joints due to poor posture or weak core muscles.
A Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform several physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to which disc might be putting pressure on a nerve. While these are good tests, there is another that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery. Click for more information on EMG/NCS testing at West Park Rehab.
Don’t let this kind of physical problem go on without getting the help you need. And in many cases, you do not need a referral to start physical therapy.
Neck Post-Surgical
Surgery on the spine is reserved for conditions that cannot be managed with conservative measures like Physical Therapy, activity modification, medications, or injections. But if surgery of the spine becomes necessary, it is important to have a specialist help you recover. Sometimes, surgery results in a state of ‘deconditioning”, and endurance is greatly impaired. This can make it difficult for some patients to perform necessary tasks, or even care for themselves. In any of these situations, the patient needs help to regain function so they can return to the necessary activities of their daily life or work.
A physical evaluation performed by a skilled Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can help identify post-surgical impairments. The Physical Therapist will work closely with your surgeon to ensure that you can safely recover and return to your highest level of function. Don’t leave your recovery to chance.
Request an appointment for a Physical Therapy evaluation at West Park Rehab and get the help you need.
Neck Nerve Problems
Nerve problems can be caused by injury, inflammation, or pressure from compression. This often results in numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or loss of coordination. Nerves are long structures and travel from the spine to the ends of our hands and feet. In many cases, a nerve problem is a treatable condition. However, you must correctly identify the source of the problem to provide the right treatment.
A Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform a variety of physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to where the pinched nerve might be located. While these are good tests, there is one that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery. Click for more information on EMG/NCS testing at West Park Rehab.
Mid Back
Middle back pain is pain or discomfort in the area between your upper and lower back (also known as the thoracic spine). Middle back pain can be mild or severe, short-lived, or longer-lasting. You may feel it all the time or on and off.
Middle back pain is not as common as lower back pain because the spine is not as mobile in this section.
Click below to view more information on how our West Park Rehab team offers expert, compassionate care for patients experiencing pain with:
Disc Problems of the Middle Back
Spinal disks are rubbery pads between the vertebrae. Vertebrae are the specialized bones that make up the spinal column. In children, they are gel- or fluid-filled sacs, but begin to solidify as part of the normal aging process. By early adulthood, the blood supply to the disk has stopped, the soft inner material has begun to harden, and the disk is less elastic. By middle age, the disks are tough and quite unyielding, with the consistency of a piece of hard rubber. These age-related changes make the outer protective lining weaker and the disks more prone to injury.
Damage to a disc can be caused all at once by a specific injury, or over time with repeated strain or forces placed on the disc due to poor posture or weak core muscles. Disc material can weaken and “bulge” outward and, if the bulge moves far enough, can press on the nerves that exit the spine. This can result in pain near the spine, but it may also radiate down into the extremities.
Initially, a Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform several physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to which disc might be putting pressure on a nerve. While these are good tests, there is another that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or if it is chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery.
Don’t let this kind of physical problem go on without getting the help you need. And in many cases, you do not need a referral to start physical therapy.
Arthritis in the Middle Back
Arthritis in the spine involves the bones called vertebrae and is often referred to as spondylitis (spon-dill-itis). The points on the vertebrae that connect with other vertebrae are called facet joints, which stick out like arched wings on either side of the rear part of the vertebrae. These facet joints help guide movement, such as bending or twisting. When these joints become damaged or wear down, they can put pressure on nerves that exit the spinal cord and ultimately cause pain, numbness and/or weakness to emerge in the extremities. Breakdown or arthritis of facet joints can be caused all at once by a specific injury, or over time with repeated strain or forces placed on the facet joints due to poor posture or weak core muscles.
A Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform several physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to which disc might be putting pressure on a nerve. While these are good tests, there is another that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery. Click for more information on EMG/NCS testing at West Park Rehab.
Don’t let this kind of physical problem go on without getting the help you need. And in many cases, you do not need a referral to start physical therapy.
Mid Back Post-Surgical
Surgery on the spine is reserved for conditions that cannot be managed with conservative measures like Physical Therapy, activity modification, medications, or injections. But if surgery of the spine becomes necessary, it is important to have a specialist help you recover. Sometimes, surgery results in a state of ‘deconditioning”, and endurance is greatly impaired. This can make it difficult for some patients to perform necessary tasks, or even care for themselves. In any of these situations, the patient needs help to regain function so they can return to the necessary activities of their daily life or work.
A physical evaluation performed by a skilled Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can help identify post-surgical impairments. The Physical Therapist will work closely with your surgeon to ensure that you can safely recover and return to your highest level of function. Don’t leave your recovery to chance.
Request an appointment for a Physical Therapy evaluation at West Park Rehab and get the help you need.
Mid Back Nerve Problems
Nerve problems can be caused by injury, inflammation, or pressure from compression. This often results in numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or loss of coordination. Nerves are long structures and travel from the spine to the ends of our hands and feet. In many cases, a nerve problem is a treatable condition. However, you must correctly identify the source of the problem to provide the right treatment.
A Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform a variety of physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to where the pinched nerve might be located. While these are good tests, there is one that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery. Click for more information on EMG/NCS testing at West Park Rehab.
Low Back
The low back, also called the lumbar region, is the area of the back that starts below the rib cage. Almost everyone has low back pain at some point in life. It’s one of the top causes of missed work in the U.S.
These might range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. The pain may make it hard to move or stand up straight. Pain that comes on suddenly is “acute.” It might happen during sports or heavy lifting.
Click below to view more information on how our West Park Rehab team offers expert, compassionate care for patients experiencing pain with:
Disc Problems of the Low Back
Spinal disks are rubbery pads between the vertebrae. Vertebrae are the specialized bones that make up the spinal column. In children, they are gel- or fluid-filled sacs, but begin to solidify as part of the normal aging process. By early adulthood, the blood supply to the disk has stopped, the soft inner material has begun to harden, and the disk is less elastic. By middle age, the disks are tough and quite unyielding, with the consistency of a piece of hard rubber. These age-related changes make the outer protective lining weaker and the disks more prone to injury.
Damage to a disc can be caused all at once by a specific injury, or over time with repeated strain or forces placed on the disc due to poor posture or weak core muscles. Disc material can weaken and “bulge” outward and, if the bulge moves far enough, can press on the nerves that exit the spine. This can result in pain near the spine, but it may also radiate down into the extremities.
When one of these disks bulges or breaks, it can push on a nerve. When it’s the sciatic nerve, pain runs from the buttock down one leg. This is sciatica.
Initially, a Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform several physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to which disc might be putting pressure on a nerve. While these are good tests, there is another that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or if it is chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery.
Don’t let this kind of physical problem go on without getting the help you need. And in many cases, you do not need a referral to start physical therapy.
Arthritis in the Lower Back
Arthritis in the spine involves the bones called vertebrae and is often referred to as spondylitis (spon-dill-itis). The points on the vertebrae that connect with other vertebrae are called facet joints, which stick out like arched wings on either side of the rear part of the vertebrae. These facet joints help guide movement, such as bending or twisting. When these joints become damaged or wear down, they can put pressure on nerves that exit the spinal cord and ultimately cause pain, numbness and/or weakness to emerge in the extremities. Breakdown or arthritis of facet joints can be caused all at once by a specific injury, or over time with repeated strain or forces placed on the facet joints due to poor posture or weak core muscles.
A Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform several physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to which disc might be putting pressure on a nerve. While these are good tests, there is another that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery. Click for more information on EMG/NCS testing at West Park Rehab.
Don’t let this kind of physical problem go on without getting the help you need. And in many cases, you do not need a referral to start physical therapy.
Low Back Post-Surgical
Surgery on the spine is reserved for conditions that cannot be managed with conservative measures like Physical Therapy, activity modification, medications, or injections. But if surgery of the spine becomes necessary, it is important to have a specialist help you recover. Sometimes, surgery results in a state of ‘deconditioning”, and endurance is greatly impaired. This can make it difficult for some patients to perform necessary tasks, or even care for themselves. In any of these situations, the patient needs help to regain function so they can return to the necessary activities of their daily life or work.
A physical evaluation performed by a skilled Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can help identify post-surgical impairments. The Physical Therapist will work closely with your surgeon to ensure that you can safely recover and return to your highest level of function. Don’t leave your recovery to chance.
Request an appointment for a Physical Therapy evaluation at West Park Rehab and get the help you need.
Low Back Nerve Problems
Nerve problems can be caused by injury, inflammation, or pressure from compression. This often results in numbness, tingling, burning, weakness, or loss of coordination. Nerves are long structures and travel from the spine to the ends of our hands and feet. In many cases, a nerve problem is a treatable condition. However, you must correctly identify the source of the problem to provide the right treatment.
A Physical Therapist at West Park Rehab can perform a variety of physical tests during an examination that will give insight as to where the pinched nerve might be located. While these are good tests, there is one that can better identify the exact location of the pressure with nearly 90% accuracy. That test, called an EMG/NCS (electromyography and nerve conduction study), is now being performed at West Park Rehab in Franklin.
An EMG/NCS uses a probe to send an electrical impulse down a nerve, then measures its speed of travel. This is like a police radar gun, which clocks the speed of a moving vehicle. Another probe is used to assess what happens to that electrical impulse once it reaches a muscle. This portion of the test can show if the compressed nerve problem is new/mild or chronic/severe. With this information, your doctor can provide much more specific recommendations for treatment.
Correctly diagnosing where the nerve problem is coming from is important. Knowing the severity of the problem will help in deciding how to best treat it. A mild problem can often be easily fixed with specific stretches and Physical Therapy treatments. More severe problems may require a consultation with another health care specialist. Either way, knowing where the problem is truly coming from will help speed your recovery. Click for more information on EMG/NCS testing at West Park Rehab.