Specialized evaluation and treatment of the spine with the goals of decreasing pain and muscle spasms and improving body mechanics for return to normal activities. Treatment includes Back or Neck School, exercises, instruction in lifting techniques and treatment with ultrasound, light therapy, electrical stimulation and soft tissue mobilization as needed.

Lumbar stabilization exercises teach the patient how to contract their core muscles.  These are the abdominals, paraspinals, gluteals, quadriceps and other large muscles.  By supporting their spine with their core  muscles, the patient protects the spinal discs and vertebrae from injury. 

Patients must also learn to lift correctly, using improved body mechanics which put their core muscles to work.  By using their legs with squatting, lunging, and using the large core muscles instead of the small, weak spinal muscles, the patient protects their spine.  

Patients can usually return to their normal daily activites if they modify the way they move.  They can rake, sweep, mop, etc, using lunges and keeping the abdominals active. Patients can continue to be active and they need to have an aerobic activity such as walking, swimming, nordic-track, bicycling, etc, which keeps the body strong and is a factor in preventing pain.   

Patients can return to work if they learn and practice correct body mechanics in order to prevent re-injury.