Is Back Pain Slowing you down?
Back pain can hinder your day-to-day activities. Left untreated, it can even lead to long-term joint, spine and nerve damage. As one of the most common physical complaints, over 80 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime.
The pain itself can hinder your ability to reach, lean, kneel, lift or bend. It can also hinder your time spent with friends and family.
Direct pain aside, minor aches and cramps associated with a back pain problem can make you irritable—ruining your good time.
As one of the most common physical complaints, over 80 percent of the U.S. population will suffer from it at some point in their lifetime.
What Causes Back Pain?
A few things cause back pain. The American Physical Therapy Association covers each of these, but the following are leading causes:
• Spinal and core muscle weaknesses
• Bad posture
• Spinal muscle and tissue damage
• Improper lifting form
• Limited hip, spine & thigh muscle flexibility
• Bad abdominal, pelvic and back muscle coordination
Unfortunately, a lot of people don’t seek treatment when back pain arises. Before they know it, they have a big problem. They might assume nothing—except for medication—can solve their back pain problem. Medication might mask the pain, but it won’t cure the problem’s root cause.
Back Pain Solutions. You’re in luck: Back pain can be cured! The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke covers a number of back pain remedies. These include the use of strength exercise, physical therapy and medication. Where medication is considered, anti-inflammatory drugs, analgesic medications and counter-irritants are the most popular.
Before you can treat your back pain, however, you need to know why it started. Whether you’ve tweaked a muscle or have a deeper injury, a spine specialist can help
TIPS TO PREVENT BACK PAIN
A little prevention goes a long way. If you want to avoid future back pain,
you can make sure you’re being good to your back.
• LIFT PROPERLY. You pick things up constantly. Even if you’re lifting something right, make sure you’re facing the object. Squat, keeping your spine straight. Lift with your leg muscles, as this will reduce the pressure placed on your spine.
• USE GOOD POSTURE. When you’re standing, imagine a string is attached to the top of your head—lifting you up. This will keep your hips, spine, shoulders and neck aligned. If you’re sitting, don’t slouch.
• USE STRENGTH TRAINING. Your body has hundreds of muscles. These muscles protect and control your spine. By lifting weights, running and swimming, you can keep them strong. Train your core muscles. In doing so, you’ll easily control quick, lifting movements. It never hurts to visit a physical therapist, either. Get regular check-ups, and make sure your body is in good condition. If you have a history of back injuries, pain or minor aches, don’t hesitate to talk to a professional. You deserve a pain-free life, and your back will thank you!
“ I attended a knee workshop held here at Panetta about 2 months ago, as I was experiencing severe pain in my left knee which was radiating down the legs, literally making it impossible to sleep (worst with laying down). I loved what I heard at the workshop and began therapy almost immediately in December. I worked with Dr. Ilicia Manzi, who is not only a wonderful therapist, but also an absolutely delightful person, constantly encouraging her patients and giving them the tools and home exercises they need to retain the progress achieved in therapy in less than 2 months. I am completely pain free most of the time and if I experience pain, I do my exercises and am soon experiencing relief. Panetta is a wonderful place and in fact, all of the staff are so welcoming and friendly. I am always greeted with caring smiles at the front desk and treatment follows suit! Thank you!” – B.M
CHRISTINA PANETTA,
PT, CEO & FOUNDER
Christina graduated from Stony Brook University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Physical Therapy in 1985. During hertour at the Rehabilitation Center, Christina worked closely with patients that were recovering from extreme physical injuries; these injuries include patients with spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, amputees and burn victims. Christina
eventually went on to open her own Physical Therapy clinic, and never strayed from her calling to help those in need.
After the 2011 earthquake in Haiti, Christina felt compelled to help those that were injured, and went to assist distraught families at the state hospital in Port Au Prince. She went
to Richard Johnson, PT, EdD, Chairperson, Department of Physical Therapy and through his strong leadership and the stellar reputation of Stony Brook University a successful
collaboration between Christina, Stony Brook University and UNIFA ensued. On October 6, 2014 the first University Program in Physical Therapy opened in Haiti. Christina lives in Oakdale, NY with her husband Richard Panetta; Mana and Wolf continue to reside in the Panetta household. Wolf is 10 years old.
Fun Fact: Christina is an avid runner and finds that running daily keeps her feeling young. She also strongly believes that no one should ever tell you to stop doing what you love because of your age.
EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
A SAFE EXERCISE TO RELIEVE BACK PAIN
Supported Bridge
Lie on your back with knees bent and feet hip distance apart. Place your feet close enough so they can be touched by the fingertips. Inhale and lift the hips, place a block under the sacrum. Keep the chest open. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat 6-10 times. Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you
are unsure of doing.
Exercises copyright of
Always consult your physical therapist or physician before starting exercises you
are unsure of doing.
WORK SHOPS
Theses workshops are for people suffering with neck and shoulder pain who are looking to feel normal again and heal naturally without medications, injections and surgery. Don’t delay! Register today! Use the camera app on your smartphone to register and see the next workshop at the location nearest you:
Don’t delay! Register today! Use the camera
app on your smartphone to register and see
the next workshop at the location nearest you:
RONKONKOMA CLINIC
Knee Pain Workshop • April 7th
RONKONKOMA CLINIC
Rotator Cuff Workshop • March 24th
COMPLIMENTARY SIX MONTH CHECK-UP
Panetta PT now offers complimentary six-month check-up for all patients who successfully complete their plan of care!
We will check:
Pelvic symmetry
• Range of motion
• Strength
• Balance
Call your favorite Patient Care Coordinator to book your appointment!