Physical Therapy Page

Thoracic Spinal Stenosis Video

Not as common as lumbar stenosis in the lower back or cervical stenosis in the neck, thoracic spinal stenosis is a rare degenerative condition in which the spinal canal in the upper/middle back is narrowed. Learn more about this type of spinal stenosis, including its symptoms, causes and treatment options, in the following thoracic spinal stenosis video.

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Cervical Vertebrae

The cervical spine is comprised of seven vertebrae – C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6, C7 (often noted as C1-C7) – that begin at the base of the skull and extend down to the thoracic spine. The cervical vertebrae are composed of cylindrical bones (vertebral bodies) that lie in front of the spinal cord, and work with the muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons to provide support, structure and stabilization to the neck.

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Yoga as a Treatment for Back Pain and Neck Pain

September 17, 2009
by: Sylvia Marten

A study in the September issue of Spine indicates the benefits of [url:162,type=|term|,content=|yoga|] as a treatment for sciatica and confirms the importance of staying active when rehabilitating the spine and seeking pain relief, a point that may initially seem counterintuitive to patients but should not be lost.

In the study, 90 sciatica sufferers (aged 23 to 66) were split into two groups, with one group performing 90-minutes of Iyengar yoga twice a week for six months and the other maintaining their regular treatment over that time period.

At both the third and six months, the yoga participants noted significant improvements in both pain and functioning, and were also less likely to be depressed. Pain levels were measured via questionnaires assessing the amount of pain medications being taken, difficulties performing certain tasks, and other metrics.

Previous studies have already noted how extensive yoga programs have resulted in improvements in strength, flexibility and endurance for patients with [url:145,type=|term|,content=|sciatica|] and [url:149,type=|term|,content=|neck pain|], and now this latest research seemingly adds more credence to the effectiveness of yoga and its emphasis on relaxation, flexibility and core strengthening as a treatment for these symptoms.

Sources: HealthDay News; Spine

Types of Yoga for Chronic Pain

A combination of physical exercises, breathing exercises and meditation, yoga may appeal to people as a means to stay fit and relax, but it also has practical applications for treating chronic sciatica and neck pain from a herniated disc, arthritis and other conditions.

Several [url:1348,type=|node|,content=|types of yoga|] exist, with their applications often beneficial to certain types of patients. The following are just some examples of the different types of yoga:

• Iyengar yoga. Used in the aforementioned study, Iyengar yoga stresses proper alignment and precise movements yet incorporates modifications that often benefit sciatica and neck pain patients whose mobility may be limited as a result of their symptoms.
• Ashtanga yoga. Emphasizing powerful flowing movements like push-ups and lunges, Ashtanga yoga is appropriately described as “power yoga” and often appeals to patients who have previously rehabilitated from a back injury.
• Bikram yoga. Performed in a hot room with the goal of stretching the tissues and increasing flexibility, Bikram yoga (also known as “hot yoga”) should not be performed by patients with cardiovascular disease.
• Viniyoga. Linking breathing and movement through flowing exercises, Viniyoga is easily adaptable for each person, making it a good option for many types of sciatica and neck pain patients.

While the principles of yoga may still be foreign to many people, patients should keep an open mind when exploring treatment options. While exercise may prompt initial worries of exacerbating pain, such activities can often have wonderful therapeutic effects, not only physically but spiritually (as emphasized in yoga).

Exercise Treatments for Back Pain and Neck Pain

Even if a patient does not do yoga, they may participate in a program of neck or [url:1183,type=|node|,content=|back exercises|] that incorporates stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobic exercises.

Physical therapists, doctors of [url:166,type=|term|,content=|chiropractic|], physiatrists and many other medical professionals may prescribe such programs, and are good sources to learn more about the benefits of physical activity – as opposed to immobility – for [url:137,type=|term|,content=|chronic pain|] sufferers.

For more information, check out the following resources:

• [url:1349,type=|node|,content=|Yoga for Back Problems|]
• [url:1345,type=|node|,content=|Tai Chi for Posture and Back Pain|]
• [url:1334,type=|node|,content=|Pilates Exercise System to Promote Back Health|]
• [url:1723,type=|node|,content=|Physical Therapy Benefits for Back Pain|]
• [url:1704,type=|node|,content=|Core Body Strength Exercises|]
• [url:1730,type=|node|,content=|Rehabilitation and Exercise for a Healthy Back|].

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