I. NON-MECHANICAL PAIN - RESULTING FROM CHEMICAL BY-PRODUCTS OF INJURY OR ILLNESS.

A. Caused By Illness: including growths and infectious diseases. Treatment: Medical

B. Caused by Inflammation: immediate response to injury. Treatment: Rest, ice, heat, positions to reduce stress on injured area. Subsequent evaluation to determine approach after inflammation subsides.

II. MECHANICAL PAIN - RESULTING FROM STRAIN ON MUSCLES, TENDONS, SCAR TISSUE AND OTHER STRUCTURES IN SPINE.

A. Caused By  Postural Syndrome: Poor postural habits straining normal tissue. Treatment: Postural re-education. (Alexander Technique)

B. Caused By  Dysfunction Syndrome: Adaptive shortening of muscIes, joints, ligaments and other soft tissues, secondary to habitual poor postural habits or scarring following injury. Treatment: Physical therapist-prescribed client-administered movements and exercises for stretching. Physical therapist-administered movement (manipulative therapy). Postural re-education. (Alexander Technique)

C. Caused By  Derangement Syndrome: Changes in the intervertebral disc, i.e., disc injury. Treatment: Physical therapist-prescribed client-administered movements and exercises. Physical therapist-administered movements (manipulative therapy). Postural re-education. (Alexander Technique) (A very severe derangement may not respond to these approaches adequately. Symptoms such as loss of bladder and bowel control indicate the need for surgery.)

Important note:
This material is meant for your information and not intended to substitute for evaluation or
treatment by a physician or other health-care professional.

*Copyright Conditions: This material is copyright by Bruce I. Kodish.  However, permission is hereby granted to download, copy and distribute the text to others if (1) the text is not altered, and (2) there is no charge to the
recipient, and (3) this copyright notice and conditions are attached.  It is a copyright violation to distribute this
material in any way for which remuneration is received without the prior permission of Bruce I. Kodish. Contact:
backsolutions@aol.com  Return to Top of Page

Return to Back Pain Solutions Articles