Strengthening the abdominal and "core" muscles is one of the first steps towards improving posture and alleviating lower back pain. If you have a sedentary lifestyle (desk job with little exercise) then you're placing a tremendous strain on the lower back and discs. By strengthening the abdominal muscles we encouraging upright posture; back pain can be reduced to a significant degree. Always consult your physician before beginning an exercise program.

Back pain in the most common reason that adults will seek medical care. The causes of back pain are many and may include herniated discs, patterns of instability such as spondylolisthesis -- where one vertebrae slips forward on another, degeneration of the facet joints, enlargement of these joints producing pressure on the nerve roots that exit the spinal column, or stenosis of the spinal canal. Preoperative studies including electrodiagnostic studies, EMGs, x-rays, CT scans, and MRI's are commonly used to determine which of these factors are contributing to the symptoms. Although most back pain can be managed with non-surgical therapy and exercises, if a clear causative factor can be found, and if it matches the symptoms you're having, then the you may benefit from surgical treatment of the spinal problem.

At NCSRA, the patient is at the center of the decision making process. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide, with a lot of help from your doctor, whether or not spine surgery is right for you. Trying to make a decision about whether or not to have spine surgery can be an overwhelming process. How do you start to make this decision? Our recommendation is that you begin by learning as much as you can about why you need surgery, what kind of surgery you are going to have, and what this will mean to you and your family. Having a complete understanding about the surgical process and what to expect will help to ease some of the anxiety that you will naturally have about this decision. We will help you take a step-by-step process, beginning with education about yourself, your condition and the options available to you. We'll help you make a confident decision, made jointly by you and your doctor, about whether or not to have surgery.

It's estimated that 4 out of 5 Americans will suffer from back pain at some time in their life. Nearly all of these incidents will resolve on their own, given time (usually within six weeks, given rest, medication and exercise). More than 60% of those who have experienced back pain, will have more than one episode. Back pain is actually the most common reason people visit their doctor.

The following factors increase the likelihood of back pain: lack of exercise, poor posture, continuous lifting, bending or sitting, emotional or mental stress, obesity, and smoking. By eliminating these factors, you reduce the risk of back pain.

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. This is a noninvasive diagnostic scanning technique that provides information on the body without the use of x-ray or the injection of radioactive substances.

Physiatrists, or rehabilitation physicians, are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you live. Rehabilitation physicians are medical doctors who have completed training in the medical specialty of physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R). Specifically, rehabilitation physicians: Diagnose and treat pain Restore maximum function lost through injury, illness and disabling conditions - Treat the whole person, not just the problem area Provide non-surgical treatments Explain your medical problems and treatment/prevention plan The job of a rehabilitation physician at NCSRA is to treat any disability resulting from disease or injury affecting your spine, shoulders, knees, hips and so on. The focus is on the development of a comprehensive program for putting the pieces of a person’s life back together after injury or disease – without surgery. Rehabilitation physicians take the time needed to accurately pinpoint the source of an ailment. They then design a treatment plan that can be carried out by the patients themselves or with the help of the rehabilitation physician’s medical team. This medical team might include other physicians and health professionals, such as neurologists, orthopedic surgeons, and physical therapists. By providing an appropriate treatment plan, rehabilitation physicians help patients stay as active as possible at any age.

Rehabilitation physicians are nerve, muscle, and bone experts who treat injuries or illnesses that affect how you move. By taking the whole body into account, they are able to accurately pinpoint problems and enhance performance – without surgery. Consider seeing a rehabilitation physician if: You had an accident or you have an injury or chronic condition that has left you with pain or limited function - You’re contemplating or recovering from surgery. You have an illness or treatment for an illness that has diminished your energy or ability to move easily. You have chronic pain from arthritis, a repetitive stress injury, or back/neck problems. At NCSRA we will thoroughly assess your condition, needs and expectations. In the process we will take a complete medical history to assess for serious medical illnesses that may be a barrier to achieving your goals. Then we will develop a proper rehabilitation program that may include a combination of medicines, procedural interventions, and exercise. As an example a patient may be suffering from chronic neck pain. The rehabilitation physician might prescribe medication, stretching, and massage for short-term pain relief, as well as strengthening exercises to prevent future pain. If surgery is a necessity, rehabilitation physicians work with patients and their surgeons before and after surgery. By directing your treatment team and collaborating with other health care professionals, a rehabilitation physician is able to specially design a treatment program tailored to you. Do you want to strengthen an injured muscle, find relief from chronic pain, or work up the stairs without being winded? A rehabilitation physician can work with you to determine realistic short- and long-term goals. Along the way, he or she will help you to find relief from pain, achieve successes in rehabilitation or exercise programs, overcome your setbacks, and reassess your goals if necessary.