Shoulder Pain Treatment In Pottsville, Schuylkill County

April 10, 2010 by 1 Comment
TENDONITIS OR BURSITIS?

In Schuylkill County, shoulder bursitis and rotator cuff tendonitis are different problems but usually occur together.  The pain is also very similar because both are an inflammation.  Additionally shoulder bursa (fluid filled sacs that help lubricate the tendon motion.  Think of bursa as little water ballons.) lie just beneath the rotator cuff tendons.  These inflamed tendons (ends of muscles that attach to the bone)  can also develop into an impingement syndrome.  In an impingement syndrome, a tendon becomes “pinched” between the bones when you lift your arm up, as you do to comb the top of your head.

chiropractor pottsville Shoulder Pain Treatment In Pottsville, Schuylkill County

Treatment for Shoulder Pain

 
WHERE IS THE PROBLEM THAT CAUSES SHOULDER TENDONITIS OR BURSISTS?

The shoulder is a very complex joint where several bones, muscles, and ligaments connect the arm to the chest.  Impingement syndrome occurs when there is inflammation in the tendons between the top of the arm bone and the tip of the shoulder.  Between these bones lie the tendons of the rotator cuff and the bursa that protects these tendons.

Normally, these tendons slide effortlessly within this space.  Because of an injury or chronic muscle imbalance of the shoulder muscles, inflammation develops.  The inflammation leads to thickening and swelling of the tendons and bursa.  The thickening of the tendons and swelling of the bursa usually leads to a narrowing of the joint space for the tendons.  Eventually, this space becomes too narrow to accommodate the enlarged tendons and the bursa. Every time the tendons move between the bones in the narrow joint space, they are pinched–this is why the condition is called impingement syndrome.

chiropractor pottsville Shoulder Pain Treatment In Pottsville, Schuylkill County

Shoulder Bursitis and Shoulder Tendonitis

CAUSES OF SHOULDER BURSITIS

Often an initial injury sets off the process of inflammation.  The injury may be very mild but with time, sometimes months to years, the tendons become inflamed because the muscles of the rotator cuff become unbalanced and an abnormality of motion develops.  As the muscles and tendons dysfunction over time, there is more and more inflammation and swelling.  Eventually the inflammation get so bad there is not enough room for the tendons and bursa to function properly and a pinching starts to occur.  The shoulder dysfunction becomes worse and worse until proper muscle balance is restored to the shoulder muscles.  On the other hand, if left untreated, the shoulder dysfunction can lead to a torn rotator cuff.

SYMPTOMS OF SHOULDER BURSITIS

Common symptoms include:

  • Pain with overhead activities.
  • Pain while sleeping at night.
  • Pain over the outside of the shoulder and arm.

 

WHAT KIND OF SPECIALIST SHOULD I SEE?

A non-surgical specialist, like a chiropractic physician, can usually diagnose a shoulder tendonitis, bursitis, or impingement syndrome with a thorough physical exam.  Making an accurate diagnosis is necessary for proper treatment.  To assess the bone structure of the shoulder X-rays are usually performed.  Sometimes an MRI may be considered to make sure there is not a rotator cuff tear.

Tendonitis, bursitis, impingement syndrome, and a rotator cuff tear are different problems, and although they are related, the treatment is different.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT?

The first step of shoulder bursitis treatment is to decrease the inflammation and swelling.

REST: The rule of thumb is, “If it causes pain, don’t do it!”  Reaching for high objects or reaching behind you are the two movements that should be avoided.

OVER THE COUNTER ANTI-INFAMMATORY MEDS: Inflammation can be treated with Motrin, Advil, Aleve, or one of many others.  These all fall within the category of “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications”.  Taken by mouth, these medications help with the inflammation of the tendons and bursa, and help reduce the discomfort.

ICE APPLICATION: Ice can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate blood flow to the injured shoulder.

The second step is to fix the cause, the underlying problem, the shoulder dysfunction.

SHOULDER EXERCISES AND THERAPY:  To get to the cause of the problem your chiropractic physician will prescribe therapy to help rid the area of the waste products of the inflammation.  Special shoulder stretches and exercise should be given to restore normal muscle balance and proper movement of the shoulder.

MOBILIZATION, MANIPULATION, MASSAGE AND TRIGGER POINT THERAPY:  Hands on therapies such as mobilization, manipulation, massage help restore the flexibility and normal motion to the shoulder joints.

KINESIO TAPPING AND SUPPORT:  Kinesio tapping is a special type of strapping support that “lifts” the skin away from the injured area to allow for better circulation to the area and waste product drainage of the inflammitory toxins.  It can also support weaked muscles and tendons.  You may remember that a few of the girl vollyball players had their shoulder tapped with kinesiotape.

chiropractor pottsville Shoulder Pain Treatment In Pottsville, Schuylkill County 
Kinesiotapping of Right Shoulder

 

If the pain is severe or the problem is slow to respond, a cortisone injection may be necessary.  But a word of caution here:  It is well known the cortisone injections weaken the muscle tendon and ligaments and pit the joint surfaces.  Cortisone may help the pain in the short term but can cause long-term weakness and dysfunction of the shoulder joint.

Severe rotator cuff tears may require surgery if the conservative treatment described above fails.

If you, a family member or a friend require care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

Doctors’ Choice Physical Medicine and Rehab

Dr. David Novatnak

Glee Pascual, Physical Therapist

Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA

http://www.chiropractorpottsville.com

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Sciatica in Frackville: Doc, Do I Have Sciatica?

April 3, 2010 by 2 Comments
Sciatica is the most misused word I hear all day in my chiropractic practice, not only from patients from Frackville but towns like Minersville, Port Carbon, Schuylkill Haven and from the greater Pottsville area.  Sciatica is an inflammation most likely due to compression of the Sciatic Nerve. 

chiropractor pottsville Sciatica in Frackville: Doc, Do I Have Sciatica?

Sciatica Nerve Pain Distribution

 

 The Sciatic Nerve starts right outside your lower spine and runs through your buttock and down your leg.  However, it does not mean that you have sciatica just because you have back, buttock or leg pain.  You can have pains in these areas from other low back conditions.  Sciatica pain is distinctly different because of its symptoms identified below.  Sciatica is not a disorder in and of itself.  Instead, sciatica is a symptom of another problem involving the nerve, such as a herniated disk. 

Symptoms 

Sciatica symptoms include:   

  • Pain is most likely to occur along a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf.
  • Numbness or muscle weakness along the nerve pathway in your leg or foot. In some cases, you may have pain in one part of your leg and numbness in another.
  • Tingling or a pins-and-needles feeling, often in your toes or part of your foot.

Many cases of sciatica there is little to no back or buttock pain.  Sometimes the pain and tingling seems to skip the thigh but is present in the calf.  If you are just having pain without the tingling in your back, buttock and leg, most likely you do not have sciatica. 

Sciatica pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.  Sometimes it may feel like a jolt or electric shock.  It may be worse when you cough or sneeze, and prolonged sitting also can aggravate symptoms.  Usually only one lower extremity is affected.  

Causes 

The most likely cause of sciatica is a herniated or ruptured disc in your back that compresses the Sciatic Nerve. 

Other conditions also can put pressure on your sciatic nerve, including:  

  •  Lumbar spinal stenosis.  This is a narrowing of your spinal canal.   Think of your spinal canal as a pipe.  When it gets older, it corrodes and the inside of the pipe gets a buildup narrowing the center hole.  As the hole gets smaller, there is less room for the nerves.  Eventually this can lead to compression of the nerves.
  •  Spondylolisthesis.  This condition, often the result of degenerative disk disease, occurs when one vertebra slips slightly forward over another vertebra.  The displaced bone may pinch the sciatic nerve where it leaves your spine.
  •  Piriformis syndrome. The Piriformis muscle is a muscle in your buttock and runs from your tailbone to your hip.  It helps to rotate your foot out.  Piriformis syndrome occurs when the muscle becomes tight or goes into spasms, putting pressure on the Sciatic Nerve.  Prolonged sitting, car accidents, and falls also can contribute to Piriformis syndrome.  Typically, there is not much if any back pain.
  •  Spinal tumors and cysts. In the spine, tumors can occur inside the spinal canal, in the space between the spinal cord and the vertebrae.  As it grows, a tumor or cyst can compress the cord itself or the nerve roots.  Tumors are rare but spinal cysts seem to be becoming more common.  Spinal cysts are associated by disc degeneration and cortisone use.
  •  Trauma. A car accident, fall, or blow to your spine can injure the lumbar or sacral nerve roots.
  •  Other causes. In some cases, your doctor may not be able to find a cause for your sciatica.  A number of problems can affect your bones, joints and muscles, all of which could potentially result in sciatic pain.

Frequently, two or three of these causes can occur at the same time. 

Risk Factors 

Major risk factors for sciatica include:  

· Age. Age-related changes in the spine are a common cause of sciatica.  You’re likely to have some deterioration in the discs in your back by the time you’re 30, and most people who develop herniated discs are in their 30s and 40s.  You likely had problems before and they may not have been very painful.  But if your biomechanics (the way you move) are bad, your spine will degenerate faster and lead to these types of problems. 

· Occupation. A job that requires you to twist your back, carry heavy loads, or drive a motor vehicle for long periods makes you more prone to develop sciatica.  

· Prolonged sitting. People who sit for prolonged periods or have a sedentary lifestyle are more likely to develop sciatica than active people are.  I see many long distance truck drivers with Piriformis Syndrome. 

· Diabetes. This condition, which affects the way your body uses blood sugar, increases your risk of nerve damage.  

· Poor nutritional state. Deficiencies, especially nutrients that help relax muscles, can also lead to tightness in the Piriformis Muscle leading to Sciatica. 

Tests and diagnosis 

To help diagnose sciatica and pinpoint which nerves, if any, are affected your non-surgical chiropractic physician specialist will obtain a medical history and perform a thorough physical exam, paying special attention to your spine and legs.  He or she will check your muscle strength and reflexes.  For example, you may be asked to walk on your toes or heels, rise from a squatting position, and, while lying on your back, lift your legs one at a time straight in the air.  Pain that results from sciatica will usually become worse during these activities.  This type of examination is a neurological and orthopedic examination. 

You may have one or more imaging tests to help identity why the Sciatic Nerve is compressed and to rule out other causes for your symptoms.  

These tests include:  

· Spinal X-ray. Because ordinary X-rays can’t detect herniated disc problems or nerve damage, they’re not usually helpful for pinpointing the cause of sciatica.  A spinal X-ray can show most cancers affecting the bony structures of the spine, narrowed discs, and spondylolisthesis, however, and can help rule out other causes of sciatica.  

· Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This is probably the most sensitive imaging test for assessing sciatic nerve pain.  Instead of X-rays, MRI uses a powerful magnet and radio waves to produce cross-sectional images of your back.  The test can detect damage to your discs as well as the presence of tumors. MRI is noninvasive and has no harmful side effects.  But MRIs can reveal many abnormalities that may have no significance on the cause of your sciatica.  For example, the MRI may find herniated discs in your low back. It is well known that about 60% of herniated discs on MRIs produce no symptoms.  MRI findings have to be correlated with the findings of the neurological and orthopedic examination. I have seen many cases of sciatica that were previous treatment failures because the prior doctor assumed the Sciatica was caused by the herniated disc when in fact the herniated disc had nothing to do with the Sciatica.  The Sciatica was due to a Piriformis Muscle shortening.  

· Nerve tests. To confirm that the Sciatic Nerve is functioning abnormally a nerve test is performed.  A neurologist, physiatrist, or a chiropractic physician performs the nerve test.  There are two parts to the nerve test.  A Nerve Conduction Study is performed by passing an electrical current between two points a known distance apart and the speed on the transmission is measured.  The second test is an EMG. During that test very small needles are inserted into specific muscles to determine if there are abnormalities in the electrical signals.  Typically I do not order these tests unless the sciatica is not resolving as expected. 

Treatments and drugs 

If you have a physical cause of your sciatica such as a herniated disc, spondylolisthesis, or Piriformis Syndrome, treatments from a non-surgical spinal specialist, a chiropractic physician or physical therapist can play a vital role in your recovery. Non-surgical spinal decompression is a cornerstone treatment for disc problems. Once acute pain improves, your specialist will design a personalized rehabilitation program to help correct the underlying problems and prevent recurrent injuries. (See: Schuylkill County: LOW BACK PAIN: PATIENTS REPORT WHAT WORKED) 

Rehabilitation typically includes exercises to help correct your posture, strengthen the muscles supporting your back, and improve your flexibility.  The Medx Lumbar Extension has a proven record for helping back pain and weak low back muscles. (See: If You Have Chronic Back Pain, You Have To Read About These Remarkable Treatment Results) Pain relief is important, but it is only the first step in correcting the Sciatica problem. There may be stretches and/or exercises that you will be asked to do at home 

Prescription drugs. In some cases of severe pain, medication may be necessary.  Common medications include anti-inflammatory medication along with a muscle relaxant.  

More aggressive treatments
When conservative measures don’t alleviate your pain within a few months, one of the following may be an option for sciatica treatment:  

· Epidural steroid injections. In some cases, your specialist may recommend a corticosteroid injection into the affected area. Epidural steroid injection is contraindicated as a first line of treatment. This option may be helpful to relive persistent pain and allow rehab to continue. Epidurals without rehab do nothing but temporarily relive pain. (See: Schuylkill County: What You Need to Know About Steroid Shots in the Spine (Epidurals)) 

· Surgery. This is usually reserved for times when the compressed nerve causes significant weakness, bowel, or bladder incontinence, or you have pain that gets progressively worse or doesn’t improve with other therapies.  

If you, a family member or a friend require care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future. 

http://www.chiropractorpottsville.com 

Doctors’ Choice Physical Medicine and Rehab 

Dr. David Novatnak 

Glee Pascual, Physical Therapist 

Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA

Filed Under: Back Pain, Health Tips, Sciatica Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Chiropractic Treatment in Schuylkill County Recommended by Capital Blue Cross

March 19, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Schuylkill County and Pottsville residents: If chiropractic care helps patients get better faster and costs the patient and/or insurance company less, shouldn’t EVERY low back pain patient FIRST see a chiropractic physician before any other type of doctor?  That is in fact, what should be done, based on a recent report!

On October 20, 2009, a report was delivered on the impact on population, health, and total health care spending.  It was found the addition of chiropractic care for the treatment of neck and low back pain “…will likely increase value-for-dollar in US employer-sponsored health benefit plans.”  Authored by an MD and an MD/PhD, and commissioned by the Foundation for Chiropractic Progress, the findings are clear; chiropractic care achieves higher satisfaction and superior outcomes for both neck and low back pain in a manner more cost effective than other commonly utilized approaches.

The study reviews the fact that low back and neck pain are extremely common conditions consuming large amounts of health care dollars.  In 2002, 26% of surveyed US adults reported having back pain in the prior 3 months, 14% had neck pain, and the lifetime prevalence of back pain was estimated at 85%. 

Low back pain accounts for 2% of all physician office visits where only routine examinations, hypertension, and diabetes result in more.  Annual national spending is estimated at $85 billion in the US with an inflation-adjusted increase of 65% compared to 1997.  Treatment options are diverse ranging from rest to surgery, including many various types of medications.  chiropractic care, including spinal manipulation and mobilization, is reportedly also widely utilized with almost half of all patients with persisting back pain seeking chiropractic treatment.

In review of the scientific literature, it is noted that:

  1. Chiropractic care is at least as effective as other widely used therapies for low back pain;
  2. Chiropractic care, when combined with other modalities such as exercise, appears to be more effective than other treatments for patients with neck pain. 

Chiropractic Is Effective…According to Insurance Company Data

Other studies reviewed reported patients who had chiropractic coverage included in their insurance benefits found lower costs, reduced imaging studies, less hospitalizations, and surgical procedures compared to those with no chiropractic coverage. 

They then utilized a method to compare medical physician care, chiropractic physician care, physiotherapy-led exercise and, manipulation plus physiotherapy-led exercise for low back pain care.  They found adding chiropractic physician care is associated with better outcomes at “…equivalent to an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $1837 per QALY (Quality-Adjusted Life Year).” 

When combined with exercise, chiropractic physician care was also found to be very cost-effective when compared to exercise alone.  This combined approach would achieve improved health outcomes at a cost of $152 per patient, equivalent to an “incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $4591 per QALY.”   

When comparing the cost effectiveness of chiropractic care with or without exercise even at 5 times the cost of the chiropractic care they utilized in their analysis, it was still found to be “substantially more cost-effective” compared to the other approaches. 

Who wouldn’t want to save that kind of money?

This money saving and cost-effective message is being noticed.  

You should know, Capital Blue Cross’s adopted Adult Low Back Pain Guideline recommends that if your back persists after two weeks of home care, your family doctor should:

“Request a non-surgical spine care specialist who demonstrates competency in providing therapies based on continuing education and effective techniques supported by litera­ture.”

This sounds like a referral to a chiropractic physician to me!

It will be interesting given these findings if insurance companies and future treatment guidelines start to MANDATE the use of chiropractic FIRST – it would be in everyone’s best interest!

If you, a family member or a friend require care, we sincerely appreciate the trust and confidence shown by choosing our services and look forward in serving you and your family presently and, in the future.

http://www.chiropractorpottsville.com

Doctors’ Choice Physical Medicine and Rehab

Dr. David Novatnak

Glee Pascual, Physical Therapist

Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA

Want More?

This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your updated medical history.

Filed Under: Back Pain, Chiropractic News, Health Tips, Neck Pain Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Revolutionary Back Pain Relief Treatment for Schuylkill County

March 5, 2010 by 1 Comment

Pottsville PA:  In this video, we will demonstrate a neuromuscular re-education treatment for back pain relief to help correct a loose or sprained sacroiliac joint.  In a previous post, we showed you a screening procedure for this problem.  The key to the treatment for back pain relief is lock and neutralize the sacroiliac joint into its normal functional position and then perform a previous painful movement, pain free.

The patient in the video has limited motion with low back and buttock pain bending forward.  Once the patient is in the Active Therapeutic Movement equipment, straps are adjusted to neutralize and lock the sacroiliac joints.  Once the sacroiliac joints are locked and neutralized the patient performs bending forward movements pain free.  This treatment starts to “wake-up” or stimulate the brain, nervous system, and muscles to function properly.  When your body is functioning normaly, you experience pain relief.

The treatment is very similar to learning how to ride a bike.  At first, it was very hard to keep your balance, but as you kept practicing it became easier.  Then one day your brain, balance center, nervous system, and muscles all were connected and you were able to balance on your bike and ride it.

Obtaining back pain relief with this treatment is just like the learning that occured when you learned how to ride a bike.  The same type of nerve-muscle learning occurs with this treatment.  Only this time, you can now perform a previous painful movement, pain free.

Not all back and buttock pain patients have this problem, but a great majority do.

If you have any comments or quesitons about this video or treatment and how you may achieve back pain relief, just fill out the comment box below.

 

Doctors’ Choice Physical Medicine and Rehab

Dr. David Novatnak

Glee Pascual, Physical Therapist

Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA

This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice.  Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your medical history.

Filed Under: Back Pain, Health Tips, Work Injury Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Minersville Patient Asks: Hey Doc, The Pain Is In My Butt! (Is it my sacroiliac?)

February 23, 2010 by 2 Comments

Minersville PA:  In this video I am going to show you an exam procedure we do in our office in Pottsville Schuylkill County to determine if your sacroiliac joint(s) are lose or unstable.  This is a very common problem of low back, buttock, and leg pain.  It may be your problem. 

In this video, I have the patient bend forward and backward to stress the sacroiliac joints.  I find out how far he can bend, what he feels, and where he feels it.

The patient has limitation of movement forward with pain and to a lesser extent, limitation of movement going backwards with low back pressure. 

To see if the patient has lose or unstable sacroiliac joints I simply put a belt around the sacroiliac joints, the pelvic ring, and squeeze the sacroiliac joints.  If the sacroiliac joint(s) are unstable, he will be able to perform a previous painful movement “pain free”.  If there is no change in movement or pain then the exam is negative, the sacroiliac joint(s) are not involved.  If he has additional problems that are contributing towards his pain, he will be able to bend with less pain.  Simple.

In this instance, patient tested positive for lose or unstable sacroiliac joint(s) because once the belt was applied and tightened, “squeezing” the sacroiliac joint(s), he was able to bend forward and backward much better with significantly less pain.

The “squeezing” of the sacroiliac joints is something your ligaments and core stabilizing muscles should do if you were functioning properly.

If you would like us to check you out for this problem, give us a call and schedule yourself for a $7.00 screening.  Looking forward to seeing you.

If you would like to know more, check us out at:

 

Doctors’ Choice Physical Medicine and Rehab

Dr. David Novatnak

Glee Pascual, Physical Therapist

Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA

Filed Under: Back Pain, Health Tips Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Chronic Low Back Pain in Pottsville, Remarkable Treatment Results

February 10, 2010 by 1 Comment

Pottsville, Schuylkill County PA: Do you have chronic low back pain?  Were you told that you have weak back muscles?   

 

How do you know if that statement is true? 

 

Has the strength of your back muscles ever been tested?

 

Pointed questions, almost no one can answer these questions affirmatively.

 

Would you like to know what 629 chronic back suffers found out about the strength of their back muscles and the difference it made in their suffering?

 

In this study, of 895 chronic back pain suffers were chosen to participate in a testing and treatment program.  Over 100 never started and others dropped out for a variety of reasons.  629 were still in the program and completed the study at the end of one year.  Our focus will be on them.   

 

The testing and exercises were performed on MedX lumbar extension rehabilitation equipment.  MedX equipment been shown to be valid and reliable.  We have this testing and exercise equipment at our office in Pottsville.  In fact, we have to only machine in the area. 

 

The Chronic Back Pain Sufferers Were Previous Multiple Treatment Failures

 

These patients were tough cases!

  • Average duration of back and/or leg complaints was 26 months (range 3 months to 30 years).
  •  The patients on average had seen three previous providers.
  • 14% had previous surgery for the complaint.
  • The patients had tried an average of 6 different types of treatments.
  • 89% had already failed a “supervised exercise program”.
  • 47% tried and failed chiropractic.
  • The patients low back extensor strength was about 40% to 45% weaker than established norms.
  • Range of motion was about 18 degrees less than normal.

The Treatment

 

The treatment involved progressive, resistive exercises of the isolated lumbar spine on the MedX lumbar extension machine.  The patients also did aerobic exercise and strength training of other muscles at each visit.

 

Treatment was discontinued when either of the following occurred:

 

  • The patient was pain-free or nearly pain-free and objective functional levels were at or near normal.
  • The patient was no longer making objective gains in spinal function.
  • The patient refused to cooperate or give a good effort.

The average number of treatment required to complete the program was 18 but ranged between 4 and 35.

 

A home exercise program was instituted when treatment goals were reached.

 

The Results

 

Static and dynamic strength and range of motion all increased significantly to normal or near normal levels.

  • 64% reported a substantial decrease in low back pain; in some cases, it was dramatic.
  • 12% reported no change and 3% reported worse.
  • Patients with leg pain 62% reported a substantial improvement.
  • 71% reported a substantial improvement in perceived ability to perform the activities of daily living.
  • The diagnosis did not significantly affect results.
  • Psychosocial factors did affect the results, however many patients who originally showed signs of symptom exaggeration no longer showed those signs at the end.

The 13 Month Follow-up

  •  94% with initial treatment results of good to excellent maintained their improvement.
  • Compliance with the home exercise was less than 50%.
  • 70% of patients who completed the program obtained substantial relief for at least 1-year vs. 29% of the control group. 

The Conclusions of the Study

  • The presence or absence of leg pain did not affect the results.
  • The failure of a supervised exercise program does not preclude a patient from a specific lumbar exercise program.  In fact, this study suggests that much of the exercise done without complete pelvic stabilization is worthless for these type of patients.  This includes the use of Nautilus and Cybex exercise equipment, equipment found in a gym.
  • Specific isolated lumbar extension exercises are effective for chronic low back pain regardless of the underlying condition.
  • Many patients, by their own report, were able to avoid surgery.
  • This study supports the use of specific intensive exercise for chronic back pain patients on the MedX lumbar extension machine.

Our Recommendations

If you are a chronic back pain sufferer, do not give up hope.  Odds are you may not have to “live with it”.

 

These results are typical of the results we have seen in our office, both for chronic back and neck pain.  We also have a MedX cervical extension machine for neck problems.  Our office is the only facility that has the MedX equipment in eastern Pennsylvania outside of York, Lancaster, and Philadelphia.

 

If you’re ready to start living again, give us a call.

 

http://www.chiropractorpottsville.com

Doctors’ Choice Physical Medicine and Rehab

Dr. David Novatnak

Glee Pascual, Physical Therapist

Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA

 

Source:

 

If you would like to read the entire article, it is available at: http://medxonline.com/downloads/articles/focusonthespine.pdf

 

Filed Under: Back Pain, Work Injury Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Weird Car Accidents That Were Covered By Auto Insurance In Schuylkill County

February 9, 2010 by 4 Comments

Pottsville, Schuylkill PA: As you know not all car accidents are the same.  Some have multiple cars.  Other accidents involve two cars.  Some accidents are only one car crashes.  Would you believe some car accidents don’t involve a crash?  Weird, right?

During the past year, we treated a few patients that had such non-crash car accidents.  At first, the patients didn’t believe that their car insurance was responsible for their medical bills.  Yep, 100% of their medical bills.  No deductable, no copays.  Insurance rates did not go up.  Here are a few of their stories…

Changing The Car Battery

The non-crash injury occurred when the patient was removing the battery from his car.  He was standing on a stool to pull the battery out.  The stool kicked out from underneath his feet.  His head and upper body went forward slamming on the engine.  He then fell backwards onto the pavement.  Ouch! Yep an auto accident.

The Junk Yard Accident

This occurred when the patient was removing a wheel from a car at a junk yard.  As he lifted the wheel off the hub, he twisted his back.  The interesting thing to note is that he hurt his back not taking the wheel off his car, but a junker.  Another covered auto accident.

Vacuuming The Car

A third non-crash auto accident occurred to a woman while she was cleaning her car.  She was contorted in the front passenger area vacuuming the carpets getting ready for vacation.  As she attempted to move to another position, she twisted and hurt her back.  The back injury canceled her vacation.

The Run-Away Truck

Another involved a father and daughter.  The dad was out in the brush with his two young daughters.  He put both of the kids in the truck and went to load some material in the truck bed.  He believes somehow the youngest daughter moved the truck into neutral and the truck started rolling down the hill in the field.  The one daughter bounced around in the truck most likely hitting the steering wheel with her chin.  The dad chased the runaway truck.  He caught up to the runaway truck, grabbed the handle, and opened the door.  As the door opened, it threw him to the ground-rolling end over end.  The young daughter presented with neck pain and headaches.  The dad presented with injuries to his chest, left back, and left shoulder.  Both the dad’s and daughter’s were covered under thier auto accident policy.

No Tennis Today

Another covered auto accident occurred when a patient reached inside his car to get his tennis racket.  He reached in through the window and as he was withdrawing, he bumped his head on the window frame.  He presented with neck pain and tingling traveling down his arm.

Coverage Denied!

We had another patient that hurt her back taking groceries out of the trunk.  Her car insurance carrier denied this claim.  It seems loading and unloading a motor vehicle is not covered by car insurance.  As far as I know, neither is just getting in or out of the car a covered auto accident.

What To Do

If your injury involves a motor vehicle in any way always tell the doctor.  It is easier to get the accident history and paperwork right the first time.  If you or your doctor submits the medical bills from the car accident to your health insurance company the health insurance typically issues a questionnaire.  They want to know if the injury was related to a work and car accident.  In the instance of a car accident, your health insurance claim will be denied because the car accident injury is not a covered expense under your medical insurance.

In Pennsylvania, the least amount of “medical insurance” coverage in your car insurance policy is $5,000.00, but it may be much more.  It depends upon the policy you bought.  Since Pennsylvania is a “No Fault” state, if you are injured in a car accident, your medical expenses from the injury is paid by your car insurance.  No deductable, no copays.  I have never known a car insurance rate to go up from a no-crash injury.

This article is not written to give medical or legal advice.  You should always consult your medial or legal professional.

Want To Know More?

http://www.chiropractorpottsville.com

Doctors’ Choice Physical Medicine and Rehab comment

Dr. David Novatnak

Glee Pascual, Physical Therapist

Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA

This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice.  Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your medical history.

Filed Under: Back Pain, Car Accidents, Headaches, Neck Pain, Whiplash Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Schuylkill County: Carpal Tunnel Stretches

October 23, 2009 by Leave a Comment

These Carpal Tunnel Syndrome stretches are recommended by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

 This information is solely advisory, and should not be substituted for medical or chiropractic advice. Any and all health care concerns, decisions, and actions must be done through the advice and counsel of a health care professional who is familiar with your medical history.

Doctors’ Choice Physical Medicine and Rehab

Dr. David Novatnak

Glee Pascual, Physical Therapist

Pottsville, Schuylkill, PA

Filed Under: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,