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According to the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (AAPMR), lower back pain is a commonly diagnosed physical ailment, identified in up to 84 percent of adults at some time in their lives. Lower back pain may be acute, i.e. comes on suddenly and lasts no longer than about 4-6 weeks; or chronic, lasting greater than 3-6 months.

What are some effective, non-surgical treatment options for lower back pain?

Physical Therapy

The goal of physical therapy is to decrease back pain while increasing function. Physical therapy exercise for lower back pain includes specific back stretching and strengthening exercise to increase the patient’s rate of recovery. Additionally, the physical therapist will prescribe a specific maintenance program for the patient to prevent future back problems.

Pain Medication

Pain medication is prescribed after an assessment by the medical doctor and may include, an anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or diclofenac; or analgesic such as acetaminophen or codeine; a neuropathic or nerve pain medication; or a muscle relaxant; or vitamins such as Vitamin B complex.

Heat or Ice Application

Applying a heat or cold pack may relieve pain and/or inflammation.

Therapeutic Massage

Therapeutic massages decrease muscle tension. When the muscle relaxes, it becomes more flexible thereby reducing pain intensity and allowing more mobility.

Fluoroscopic-guided (x-ray) intervention spine injection

A medical doctor who specializes in spine treatment such as a Physiatrist (rehabilitation medical doctor) may use x-ray or fluoroscopic-guided tools to identify where the pain originates, isolate that area and then inject therapeutic medications into the specific area. This procedure offers optimal care for patients with acute or chronic back pain because the rehabilitation doctor targets the source of the pain.

Spine Manipulation

Spine manipulation is sometimes used to relieve pain and improve physical function by using the hands or a device to apply controlled force to the spine. The amount of force applied depends on the form of manipulation used.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

For patients with chronic pain, the goals of cognitive behavioural therapy are to modify the patient’s view of their pain, and change the physical and/or psychological response that may contribute to how they perceive the pain. Cognitive behavioural therapy is usually combined with other methods of pain management.

If the pain intensity increases after multidisciplinary medical intervention, surgery may be required.

The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association (AHA/ASA) highly recommends an intensive, multidisciplinary approach to stroke rehabilitation.

This simply means a team effort to rehabilitation which may include physiatrists, neurologists, rehabilitation nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech, language and swallow pathologists and psychologists.

The first step is a detailed examination performed by the physiatrist (a rehabilitation medical doctor) to identify functional deficits caused by the stroke.

Then, the team of medical specialists meet to develop a comprehensive program to ensure the patient is able to regain his/her independence in regular, everyday activities.

What is the role of each medical specialist on a stroke rehab team?

• Physiatrist (Rehabilitation medical doctor)

Manages and coordinates the care and rehabilitation of stroke patients including:

1. Management of current medical conditions to include the cause of the stroke; decrease complications, minimize impairment and maximize function
2. Prevent recurrence of stroke

• Physiotherapist (Physical Therapist)

The Physiotherapist helps to improve muscle strength, coordination, sitting or standing balance, and the ability to walk. He/she also helps patients regain independence and recover from any impairment caused by the stroke that may influence weakness and unsteadiness.

• Occupational Therapist

The occupational therapist provides rehabilitation for stroke patients to improve the ability to care for themselves including: bathing, grooming, toileting, dressing, feeding and other self-care activities with the aim towards independence. Additionally, the occupation therapist facilitates hand function rehabilitation and preparation so that patients are able to return to work or independent living.

• Speech, Language and Swallow Therapist

The speech, language and swallow therapist conducts swallow screening for Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and begins treatment to prevent choking while the patient is eating or drinking.

1. He/she also evaluates and treats the patient’s ability to communicate which includes speech problems such as slurred speech and language problem such as comprehension, expression of words and in some cases memory.

• Neuropsychologist

Patients are given a neuropsychological assessment to establish their current conditions and abilities. Once assessment is done, patients are started on a comprehensive program of cognitive training- coordinated care for changes in thinking, behaviourand emotions, as well as the application of biofeedback techniques for managing some conditions.

• Nutritionist

The nutritionist works along with the swallow therapist to recommend the best ways to prepare food for stroke patients to ensure they are chewing or swallowing without the risk of aspiration (choking) which may occur when food or liquid enters the windpipe to lungs (trachea) instead of stomach.

Do you have other questions about stroke rehabilitation?

Book an appointment today!

You’re possibly reading this article from the comfort of your office desk, bed or couch. And if we’ve guessed right, you’ve probably been sitting for at least two hours. It’s a good time to stand up and walk around the room. Don’t worry about the peering eyes, let them look! You’re doing wonders for your bones when you move!

The Rehabilitation Institute of the Caribbean had it’s Grand Opening on July 4, 2013. It was a wonderful affair with our many special and distinguished guests. The ribbon was cut by Her Excellency Lady Patricia Allen, Javere Bell (National 400 meter Champion 2013) and our Medical Director Dr. Paula Dawson. The evening started with everyone mingling and touring the state of the art facility. Select Brands Jamaica joined us for the evening and featured a few of their wines and spirits for our guests enjoyment.