Massive Herniated Discs and Low Back Pain, the Good News

Conservatively treated massive prolapsed discs: a 7-year follow-up. Benson RT, Tavares SP, Robertson SC, Sharp R, Marshall RW. Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2010 Mar;92(2):147-53. AbstractINTRODUCTION:The natural history of a lumbar hernia of the nucleus pulposus (HNP) is not fully known and clear indications for operative intervention cannot be established from the literature. Several studies … Read more

Neck Pain Immediately Reduced After Strength and Posture Exercise

Specific therapeutic exercise of the neck induces immediate local hypoalgesia. J Pain. 2007 Nov;8(11):832-9. Epub 2007 Jul 19. O’Leary S, Falla D, Hodges PW, Jull G, Vicenzino B. AbstractThis study compared the effect of 2 specific cervical flexor muscle exercise protocols on immediate pain relief in the cervical spine of people with chronic neck pain. … Read more

Strength Training with Chronic Neck Pain Improves Quality of Life

Effect of neck strength training on health-related quality of life in females with chronic neck pain: a randomized controlled 1-year follow-up study. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2010 May 14;8:48. Salo PK, Häkkinen AH, Kautiainen H, Ylinen JJ. Abstract BACKGROUND: Chronic neck pain is a common condition associated not only with a decrease in neck muscle … Read more

Muscle Spasms and Low Back Pain

This was a pair of studies by the same authors that have some great, real world implications with regards to prevention and physical therapy treatment of low back pain and neck pain. Short rest periods after static lumbar flexion are a risk factor for cumulative low back disorder. J Electromyogr Kinesiol. 2005 Feb;15(1):37-52. Courville A, … Read more

Strength Better than Stretch for Neck Pain AND Range of Motion

This was one of the earlier cervical strength training studies on neck pain that influenced my physical therapy treatments for neck pain. Active neck muscle training in the treatment of chronic neck pain in women: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2003 May 21;289(19):2509-16. Ylinen J1, Takala EP, Nykänen M, Häkkinen A, Mälkiä E, Pohjolainen T, Karppi … Read more