Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is an effective treatment when addressing spinal pathology. This physical therapy treatment offered at Reach Physio Brighton releases muscle tension in deep paraspinal muscles which compress our body’s nerve roots. IMS works to restore the function of the peripheral nervous system that originates from the spine. Furthermore, this approach to musculoskeletal conditions helps to decompress the nerves that originate from the spine and thus helps maintain and restore the health of the spine and all associated structures.
The spinal line is a cylinder-like design that comprises of several nerve endings that reach out from the cerebrum’s base and down to the lower back. Moreover, it conveys messages from the brain to the body. It is situated inside the vertebrae. The spinal cord is partitioned into four regions, any of which can be impacted by spinal disorders. These regions include:
- Cervical
- Lumbar
- Thoracic
- Sacral
Types of Spine Disorders:
There are several types of spine disorders that are listed as follows:
- Arthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Discitis / Osteomyelitis
- Herniated disc
- Radiculopathy
- Spinal stenosis
- Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WAD)
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Spondylolysis and Spondylolisthesis
- Sciatica
Causes of Spine Disorders:
Spine issues have a wide assortment of causes relying upon the specific condition. For certain circumstances, the causes are obscure. Normal causes include:
- Accidents
- Congenital disorders
- Inflammation
- Fluid-filled cavities
- Blockage of blood supply
- Deficiency of vitamins
- Autoimmune diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
- Syphilis
- Infection
- Genetic disorders
- Injuries ranging from minor to traumatic
- The degenerative wearing of the body that comes with aging
Symptoms of Spine Disorders:
Signs rely upon the particular spine problem and frequently influence different pieces of the body, contingent upon the region of the spine or spinal cord that is impacted. Normal side effects include:
- Abnormally rounded shoulders or back.
- Back or neck pain can be sharp and stabbing, dull and aching, or burning.
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Pain radiating in the arms or legs.
- Stiffness.
- Uneven appearance.
- Weakness, tingling, and numbness in the arms or legs.
Risk Factors for Spine Disorders:
Factors that can expand the risk of fostering a spine issue include:
- Obesity.
- Improper lifting techniques.
- Unhealthy nutrition intake and lifestyle habits.
- Osteoarthritis.
- Rheumatoid arthritis.
- Thyroid disease.
- Overuse from exercise.
- Poor body stance.
- Repetitive strenuous activities.
Diagnosis of Spine Disorders:
Diagnosis of spine disorder is a sensitive matter, and detailed examination and an expert’s touch are highly recommended. The spine specialists lead an intensive assessment, including:
- Physical exam.
- Detail personal and family medical history intake.
- Detail intake of symptoms and risk factors.
- Neurological exam.
Contingent upon every patient’s singular case, the specialists could suggest at least one test from the following,
- A magnetic resonance imaging scan
- Computed tomography scan
- X-ray
- Biopsy
- Electromyography
Treatment for Spine Disorders:
Spine experts frequently utilise at least one treatment plan, contingent upon the particular condition or injury. For some purposes, the causes might be irreversible, yet treatment under the course of the medical group will assist with forestalling further entanglements. Treatment includes the following:
- Back support.
- Ice or heat therapy.
A cancer treatment plan includes the following;
- Surgery to remove tumours.
- Radiation therapy.
- Radiosurgery.
- Chemotherapy.
Medications for the spine disorder include the following:
- Injections, such as corticosteroids or nerve blocks.
- Anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or muscle relaxers.
Physiotherapy and surgery for spine disorder:
- Rehabilitation uses physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles.
- IMS offers comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal conditions.
- Surgeries to replace discs, fuse vertebrae, open up the spinal canal, and repair nerves.
Follow up:
After the treatment plan is carried out and the patient is well on the way to recovery, the Doctor should prioritize a follow-up session to ensure no further damage has been caused, and the treatment plans are still in effect.
Various circumstances and wounds can influence the spine, harm the vertebrae, cause pain, and decreases movement. A spinal cord injury frequently causes permanent changes in sensation, strength, and other body functions in the area residing below the injury. A detailed assessment and conscious effort are required to permit the patient to recuperate from a spinal injury. Follow-up care with a physiotherapist and medical specialist who can help and direct a treatment regimen incorporated into the patient’s need.
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References:
Grillo, J. (2017, January 19). Here’s a quick way to identify the most common spine conditions. Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://rothmanortho.com/stories/blog/common-spine-conditions
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2021, October 2). Spinal Cord Injury. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/spinal-cord-injury/doctors-departments/ddc-20377896
Pennmedicine.org. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/spinal-cord-disorder
sSpinal pathology. Spinal Pathology – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/spinal-pathology#:~:text=Lumbosacral%20spinal%20pathologies%20are%20common,of%20bony%20anatomy%20and%20pathology.
Spine disorders: Condition: UT southwestern medical center. Condition | UT Southwestern Medical Center. (n.d.). Retrieved May 30, 2022, from https://utswmed.org/conditions-treatments/spine-disorders/
* Contact Reach Physiotherapy for a list of references used for this blog content.
