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Back Pain and Injuries

The spine is a bony column that is made up of three parts–the upper or cervical spine, the middle or thoracic spine, and the lower or lumbar spine. As a whole, the spine is made up of 24 bones called vertebrae. These vertebrae are connected to one another by small joints called facet joints. The vertebrae are separated from one another by a tough fibrous liner called a disk. These disks act as shock absorbers and provide the spine its flexibility.

In addition to the vertebrae and facet joints, the spine is stabilized by tough, stout ligaments which are assisted by many muscles which surround and support the spine. These muscles contract and relax in order to allow for normal movement.

The spinal cord is a large trunk of nerves that runs from the brain down to the lumbar spine. It passes through a central canal created by the center of each vertebra. At each vertebral level, a smaller nerve branches out from this spinal cord. These nerves travel down to the arms, the torso, and the legs. These nerves are the transmission lines by which the brain sends electrical impulses to the body, telling its parts how to function. The brain also receives information from the body through these nerves.

Shoulder problems are commonly caused by a breakdown of the soft shoulder tissues from participation in sports, overuse in daily activities and as we age. The most common shoulder injuries and conditions include dislocation, separation, and rotator cuff issues.

Treatment Options

Spine braces are used for a variety of reasons, including: controlling pain, lessening the change of further injury, allowing healing to take place, compensating for muscle weakness or preventing or correcting a deformity.

When your back is injured, even small movements can cause pain. All spine braces reduce back pain by supporting the spine and by minimizing spinal column movement. Additionally, a spine braces that provides circumferential compression can also help minimize pain. This increased pressure supports the spinal column and comfortably prevents motion that results in pain.

Braces are used for low back pain, typically caused by degenerative disc disorders, trauma or postural deformities. These braces, also called corsets or belts, are typically made of a variety of materials including cotton, nylon and plastic. They work by reducing the load on the spine by increasing abdominal compression. Rigid stays and inserts can be added to the brace to restrict motion and remind patients to watch their posture.

Rigid braces provide the most support to the area of the spine being treated. A TLSO brace controls motion in all planes. Depending on the goals of the TLSO, design can be modified accordingly. A two piece front and back design is commonly used post operatively for ease of application while a front or back opening single piece design is commonly utilized when treating scoliosis. Hook and loop fastener straps are most commonly used to fasten the closure on all orthoses today.

The type of brace used is dependent upon physician protocols and indications.

To find out more about back bracing, go to Breg Spine Braces.

When your back is injured, even small movements can cause pain. All spine braces reduce back pain by supporting the spine and by minimizing spinal column movement. Additionally, a spine braces that provides circumferential compression can also help minimize pain. This increased pressure supports the spinal column and comfortably prevents motion that results in pain.

 

Other non-surgical options to help manage shoulder problems include cold therapy ranging from simple ice packs to motorized cold therapy (an insulated cooler with a pump and pads that deliver cold to specific joints), your doctor may suggest using cold therapy to reduce pain and swelling of an injured joint. All cold therapy, including ice, can be cold enough to damage your skin, so regardless of what kind of cold therapy you use, follow your doctor’s instructions.

Learn more about Cold Therapy

Enhancing Recovery with Exercise

Breg offers home therapy kits with instructions designed to help you perform the exercises you need to recover from your injury or surgery. Find out about Breg Home Therapy Kits.