Back Education Program

Original Editors - Hannah Anderson, Dan McCoy, Rebecca Porter and Millie Ware

Top Contributors - Rebecca Porter, Hannah Anderson, Elaine Lonnemann, Laura Ritchie, Millie Deason, Kim Jackson, Daniel McCoy, Admin, Evan Thomas, Shreya Pavaskar, WikiSysop, Vidya Acharya, Lucinda hampton and Kalyani Yajnanarayan

Introduction

Globally, low back pain (along with migraine, age-related and other hearing loss, iron-deficiency anaemia, and major depressive disorder) were the five leading causes of YLDs in 2016, contributing 57·6 million (95% uncertainty interval [UI].

Pain is not always a bad thing! Pain is the body's way to receive messages that there is a threat or something is wrong.

The brain processes this pain message and responds in a way that will reduce the threat. Initially, when tissues are injured, the nerves in the back (which have sensors) send messages of pain to the brain. The brain, very much like a processor in a computer, takes this message or code and decides where it should be stored and which systems should deal with it. Those systems in the brain then send messages back through nerve pathways to the muscles to tell them to move the back gently and carefully so those tissues can heal. It is an amazing system in the brain, influenced by chemicals and the manner in which the pain messages are routed or circuited. Over time tissues heal and the healing process begins immediately. Usually within two weeks any swelling that caused the sensors to light up and send pain messages to the brain has gone away. Most tissues heal completely within four to six weeks.

The brain can be sensitized or desensitized by several things including our beliefs about pain and our understanding of how the body heals. You may have heard stories about how soldiers in war times have stated they felt no pain even with limb amputation. All they remembered feeling was joy, knowing they weren't dead and would get to go home. This is an example of how the brain can interpret pain and desensitize the response It can be sensitized or over-reactive by our emotions, events that occur in our lives that may increase feelings of anxiousness or fear. The amount of pain experienced doesn't always equal the amount of tissue damage. In fact tissues may have healed completely but pain can still be felt..

The good news is that these processes are normal and there are things that can help calm the nerves down that are sensitized or on call.

Clinically Relevant Anatomy.

The spine is wonderfully designed to allow movement. It is also designed to help absorb and distribute forces from everyday activities.

The spine is made up of 33 small bones called vertebrae. Together, they form what is know as the vertebral column. There are 7 vertebrae in the cervical region which is your neck; 12 vertebrae in the thoracic region which is your upper back; 5 vertebrae in the lumbar spine; and 5 sacral vertebrae and 4 coccyx which are located below that.

Between each of the vertebrae is a disc that binds the vertebra together like a very strong ligament. It acts as a cushion and a shock absorber. These intervertebral discs are made up of two parts - the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosis. The nucleus pulposus is in the middle of the disc and is jelly-like due to its large water content; it is composed of up to 80% water! The annulus fibrosis surrounds this nucleus and so forms the outer part of the disc. These discs play an important role in keeping the back healthy!

Other important parts of the spine:

• Facet joint: the joint where the vertebrae connect
• Spinal cord
• Nerves: diverge off of the spinal cord and run to different parts of the body

The spine has three natural curves that begin to develop from the moment a baby lifts his/her head and gravity begins to work on the body. The curves keep the spine from being completely rigid and help the spine to tolerate a little bit more compression. To understand the normal curves of a spine, there are 2 terms you need to know—lordosis and kyphosis. Lordosis is when the spine curves inward and a kyphosis is when the spine curves outward. The cervical portion of the spine is in a lordosis, the thoracic portion is in a kyphosis, and the lumbar spine is in a lordosis. The curves of the back increase the load bearing capacity of the spine.

The spine has 4 main motions—forward bending, backward bending, sidebending, and rotation. These motions can also be coupled. For instance, you can have forward bending with rotation or backward bending with sidebending. Below, we demonstrate these motions and report typical lumbar spine active range of motion.

Forward Bending 60 degrees	Backward Bending 25 degrees	Lateral Flexion 25 degrees	Rotation 30 degrees

Muscles

Many muscles work together to help make these spinal motions possible! These back muscles can be classified into three different layers - superficial, intermediate, and deep.  The muscles produce spinal movements and also help to keep the spine stable. In order to keep these muscles healthy, it is important to stay active.

About Neck Pain

How Common is Neck Pain?

Here are a few statistics on the prevalence of neck pain:

• Neck pain reported to be 2nd most common musculoskeletal disorder that leads to disability and injury claims
• 2002: 13.8% of population > 18 years old in U.S. reported neck pain
• Up to 50% of people with neck pain have ongoing symptoms for > 3 months, therefore are categorised as "Chronic" patients

Anatomy of the Neck

Just as with low back pain, it is important to understand the anatomy behind neck pain! The neck is anatomically separated into the upper cervical spine and the lower cervical spine. There are 7 vertebrae that make up the cervical spine.

The first cervical vertebra (C1) is called the Atlas. It has no vertebral body or spinous process. This vertebra articulates with the Occiput, which is the base of the skull. This articulation is labeled as the OA joint; its primary motion is flexion and extension at the joint. It also performing side-bending with opposite rotation.

The second cervical vertebra (C2) is called the Axis; it has a large spinous process. The articulation between the Atlas and Axis is called the AA(atlantoaxial) joint and its primary motion is rotation.

The following pictures demonstrate the motions of the lower cervical spine (C3-C7) and report the typical active range of motion.

Flexion: 54 degrees	Extension: 77 degrees	Sidebending: 45 degrees	Rotation: 70-80 degrees

Muscles

The muscle mentioned in the section About Back Pain also can play a role in neck pain, especially those muscles of the superficial layer. Also, deep inside the back of the neck are four important muscles called the suboccipital muscles.

There are certain factors that can increase the risk for neck pain

• Working at a desk that is ill fitting to the body
• Working at a computer for long periods of time
• Sitting with bad posture for long periods of time
• Working on above head activities (i.e. painting) for long periods of time

The Cervical Tool Kit to help identify or classify patients based on evidence informed interventions. 

Causes of Back Pain

Back pain is becoming increasingly prevalent in our population. Pain is an indication that the body is working to protect that part of the body. Pain can be a good guide to the best healing behaviors; understanding pain can help to deal with it effectively. Back pain can be caused by a multitude of structures, but the exact structure causing the pain cannot be identified. This is most likely because of the complex interactions of the brain and spinal nerves often times referred to as the Pain Matrix.

Any structure in the back that has a nerve supply can send messages to the brain if it is injured. Back pain can come from the disc, facet joint, spinal nerve root, ligaments, muscles, bones, fascia or neurogenic claudication.

Intervertebral Disc

The natural lordotic posture decreases the pressure on the disc compared to the straight posture which can put pressure on the disc and can push fluid from the nucleus pulposus into the vertebral body (schmorl’s nodes). It is important to differentiate herniated disc (space occupying) which refers into the leg vs other conditions (inflammation reaction, spasms, strains, facet syndrome) which are more localized in pain.

Functional anatomy of the intervertebral disc:

• In forward bending or flexion, the disc bulges anteriorly/forwards and the nucleus pulposus goes posteriorly
• In backward bending or extension, the disc bulges posteriorly/backwards and the nucleus pulposus goes anteriorly
• In sidebending or lateral flexion, the disco bulges towards the side in which in movement is occurring (eg. right sidebending, right disc bulge)
• If the disc looses height, can put pressure on the facet joints, possibly increasing the risk of arthritis, and put pressure the nerve roots by decreasing the foraminal height

Injury to the disc:

• Protrusion: disc bulge posteriorly without rupture of annulus fibrosis
• Prolapse: outermost fibers of the annulus fibrosis contain the nucleus
• Extrusion: annulus fibrosis is perforated and discal material into the epidural space
• Sequestrated: fragments of annulus and nucleus are outside the disc proper
(can lead to pressure on neurological tissues and cause an inflammatory response)

Anterior disc herniation:

• Occurs when someone is in extension, or leaning backward, which puts pressure on the anterior/front of the disc causing it to herniated/prolapse/bulge.
• This can put pressure on nerves in the lower abdomen causing weakness or numbness, anterior longitudinal ligament, vertebral body, and Transverse Abdominus which can all cause pain.

Posterior disc herniation:

• Occurs when some is in flexion, leaning forward, which puts pressure on the posterior/back of the disc causing it to herniate/prolapse/bulge.
• This can put pressure on your spinal cord or nerve root causing pain/weakness/numbness/reduced reflexes and the posterior longitudinal ligament causing pain

For Physical Therapists: What information should you be collecting when treating a patient with low back pain? The TREATMENT BASED CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM has been associated with excellent outcomes

Management of Low Back Pain

Treatment may include;

• Proper posture
• Aerobic conditioning
• Traction
• Manual therapy (mobilizations, stretching)
• Self-stretching
• Exercise

Physical Therapy Management of Low Back Pain

Stanton et al created a treatment based classification based system for low back pain.

Exercise is a significant factor in the rehabilitation process. Studies have found that exercise is more effective at improving function and decreasing pain than seeing a family physician. Goal of exercises: to restore strength and endurance of the Transverse Abdominus and Lumbar Multifidus.

Abdominal bracing

• Abdominal bracing with heel slides

• Abdominal bracing with leg lifts

• Abdominal bracing with bridges

• Abdominal bracing with standing row exercise

• Abdominal bracing with walking/standing

Erector Spinae/Multifidus

• Quadruped arm lifts and bracing

• Quadruped leg lifts and bracing

• Quadruped alternate arms and legs with bracing

Extension Based Exercises

Mckenzie Exercises

Cow Stretch

Prone Press Ups

Flexion Based Exercises

Williams Flexion Exercise - 1) the pelvic tilt 2) the single knee to chest stretch 3) double knee to chest 4) partial sit-up 5) hamstring stretch 6) hip flexor stretch and 7) squatting.

Cat Stretch

Prayer Stretch

Single Knee to Chest

Lumbar Stabilization Exercise

Hamstring stretch

Pelvic Tilts in supine lying or standing close to the wall

Specific Exercise Category

Subjective:

• Symptoms distal to buttocks

Objective:

• Pain centralizes with a specific movement (can be flexion or extension)

Proper Lifting Techniques

Squat lift

1. Plan The Lift: Know how heavy the object is. Clear a path and know where the object is to be placed.
2. Lift Close to the body: This will make the body stronger and more stable. Ensure there is a firm hold on the object and balance it close to the body.
3. Feet shoulder width apart: This allows for a solid base of support.
4. Bend the knees while keeping the back straight: Avoid any twisting motions.
5. Tighten the stomach muscles: This will hold the back in good alignment and prevent excessive force on the spine. Avoid breath holding.
6. Lift with the legs: The leg muscles are stronger than the back so use them.
7. Avoid straining, get help: Get help if the object is too heavy or it is in an awkward position.
   

                    

Squat - Remember to:

• Keep back straight
• Knees behind toes
• Keep knees parallel

Golfer’s Lift

• The Golfer’s lift is another lifting technique that is useful for picking something off the floor
• This works best when using something like a chair or table for support when bending
• Kick out the unsupported leg - This helps to keep the back straight

     

Diagonal Standing

• Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other and distribute the weight evenly between both legs
• This is a preferred position over straight standing
• Avoid putting all of the weight onto one leg while standing.

Aerobic Activity

Types: Walking, jogging, running, cycling, swimming, climbers, steppers, elliptical machines, ski machines, aerobic dance
Warm up/cool down – low to moderate activity

• 5-10 minutes of warm up (adjust to demands placed on the body)
• 5-10 minutes of cool down (recovery of heart rate and BP)
• 10 minutes of stretching AFTER the warm up OR cool down
  

ACSM Guidelines:=

• Frequency: 5 days/week
• Duration: 150 minutes per week (minimum)
• Intensity: 40-60% HRmax (HRmax = 220-age)

Benefits of exercise are improved joint health due to low impact exercises, increase bone density due to weight bearing exercises, improving energy, reducing health risks, improving circulation, and reducing stress and improving your mood. Aerobic activity is equally effective at reconditioning muscles as exercise and can also help in decreasing pain, improving your mood, and improving your functional capabilities. Lack of exercise increases your risk of obesity and other co-morbidities increases; this can lead to increased pressure on the spine and decreased flexibility.

Management of Neck Pain?

There are specific treatments based on each classification of neck pain:

Cervical Hypomobility

• AROM exercises
• Cervical and thoracic mobilization/manipulation isometric or thrust manipulation techniques
• Nonthrust manipulation

Cervical Radiculopathy

• Cervical traction (manual/mechanical)
• Upper Limb Tension Tests AROM
• Thoracic spine manipulation
• Postural exercises

Cervical Instability

• Postural education
• Cervical stabilization exercise program
• Mobilization/manipulation above and below hypermobilities
• Ergonomic corrections

Acute Pain (Whiplash)

• Gentle AROM within patient tolerance
• Activity modification to control pain
• Relative rest
• Physical modalities
• Intermittent use of cervical collar
• Gentle manual therapy and exercises, but avoidance of pain-inducing manual therapy techniques or exercises

Cervicogenic Headache

• Cervical and thoracic mobilization/manipulation
• Strengthening neck and postural muscles
• Postural education

Physical Therapy Management of Neck Pain

Exercise!

Evidence from the literature says that exercise has a significant effect in reducing chronic non-specific neck pain for short term (<1 month) and intermediate term (1-6 months)

Neck Exercises

• OA flexion (chin tuck): A slight nod while keeping your head in neutral

• Flexion with chin tuck: While lying on your back tuck in your chin, lift off until your head clears the table and hold for 3-5 seconds maintaining the chin tuck

• Extension with chin tuck: While laying on your stomach tuck your chin, lift your head off table while maintaining chin tuck and hold 3-5 seconds

• 4-way Isometrics: Lightly press into your hand in flexion, extension, side bending, and rotation

     

Exercises for Scapular Stabilizers (muscles attached to your shoulder blade)

• Middle Trapezius: With band or lying on stomach, Thumb pointing in the direction exercise is moving, Pinch shoulder blades

• Lower Trapezius: Lying down making a half Y bring your shoulder blade back and down

• Seated Row: Upright Sitting Posture, Pull at elbows, Pinch shoulder blades together

• External Rotation: Elbows at sides, Thumbs pointing out, Shoulders back, Rotate outward

     

• Scapular Clock: Turn shoulder blade into a clock, Move shoulder blade to each number, retraction and depression are critical, Numbers 9, 8, 7, 6 are important

Stretches

Trapezius/Sternocleidomastoid

Scalenes

Levator Scapulae

Don't forget the thoracic spine!

A clinical prediction rule was developed to help classify patients with mechanical neck pain that will experience early success from thoracic spine manipulation. Six variables were found:

1. Symptoms < 30 days

2. No symptoms distal to the shoulder

3. Looking up does not aggravate symptoms

4. FABQPA score < 12

5. Diminished upper thoracic spine kyphosis

6. Cervical extension < 30 degrees

If a patient demonstrates 3 of the 6 variables the chance of experiencing a successful outcome improves from 54% to 86%. If a patient has 4 of the 6 variables the chance of a successful outcome rises to 95%.

Resources

Chou, MD Lumbar imaging guidelines

• http://www.lni.wa.gov/claimsins/Files/OMD/MedTreat/Imaging/LBchecklist.pdf
  

APTA Low Back Pain Infographic

• http://www.moveforwardpt.com/LowBackPain/Infographic/Default.aspx
  

Find a PT on the American Physical Therapy Association website

• http://www.apta.org/apta/findapt/index.aspx?navID=10737422525
  

Orthopaedic Section - APTA: Clinical Guidelines for Neck Pain

• http://www.orthopt.org/ICF/Neck%20Pain%20Clinical%20Guideline%20-%20JOSPT%20-%20Sept%202008.pdf
  

Orthopaedic Section - APTA: Clinical Guidelines for Low Back Pain

• http://www.orthopt.org/uploads/content_files/ICF/Updated_Guidelines/Low_Back_Pain_Clinical_Practice_Guidelines___JOSPT_2012.pdf