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At Back to Health we treat chronic low back or neck pain using medically supervised safe,specific excercise of the spinal muscles. Our treatment program is backed by 17 years of scientific research and clinical studies. These studies were performed using the same "state of the art" medical exercise machines used at Back to Health and show that spinal pain can be eliminated or dramatically reduced through carefully isolated, weight- bearing exercise to increase spinal stability, range of motion, bone density and disc hydration.
Patients who suffer from chronic neck or back pain or who constantly worry about their neck or back "going out" become very good at protecting these areas. They avoid certain activities and restrict others. The problem with this approach--aside from its obvious impact on the quality of life - is that it causes the spinal muscles to deteriorate further and become even MORE susceptible to injury. Thus, even ordinary activities like picking up the morning paper can result in injury.
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....Unhealthy Spinal Muscle
*Due to inactivity and lack of use, the spinal muscles atrophy.
*Atrophy leads to fatty infiltration and dehydration.
*Atrophied muscles lose muscular strength and endurance.
*Atrophied muscles fail to properly support the spine and are more likely to be injured.
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....Healthy Spinal Muscle
*Are strong and more supportive of the discs.
*Do not have fatty infiltration and are properly hydrated.
*Have more resistance to fatigue.
*Are less likely to be injured and recover more efficiently.
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"Protecting the spine" through inactivity also leads to shortening of the spinal tendons and ligaments, restricting our ability to move in a normal range of motion. Without weight-bearing exercise, the bony structures of the spine lose bone mineral density and supporting discs become dehydrated and lose their cushioning function.
Other methods for treating chronic low back or neck pain do not address these physiological changes and do nothing to reverse them. Thus, chiropractic, massage, ultrasound, heat and medications or injections to mask pain, can only offer temporary relief. Even traction will have no long term benefit if it is not supported by strengthening to counteract the effects of gravity.
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