Welcome to the QA Bulletin!

Caring for patients with spinal conditions can be complex. Many times, patients come with chronic symptoms that have been with them for many years. In this bulletin you will find articles on therapy for the spine, helpful education tips and social media entities as well as some common certifications that can help increase the therapist’s knowledge and skills to better treat their patients.

“We’ve Got Your Back”

Orthopaedic Care of the Spine

A review of more than 60 RCT evaluating exercise therapy for adults with low back pain found that such treatment can decrease pain, improve function, and help people return to work. The American College of Physicians states that “non-pharmacologic interventions are considered first line options in patients with chronic low back pain.” http://www.apta.org/PTinMotion/2018/10/Feature/Opioid/

Lower Trapezius Muscle Strength

Individuals with unilateral neck pain exhibit significantly less lower trapezius strength in the side of neck pain as compared to the contralateral side. Progressive resistive exercises and core stabilization exercises may help restore balance of normal strength in the lower trapezius muscle may be in important part of successful rehabilitation of patients with cervical pain. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2011.3503

Combined Effects of Thoracic Thrust Manipulation (TTM) and Cervical Non-Thrust Manipulation (CNTM)

Individuals with mechanical neck pain who received both TTM and CNTM plus exercise demonstrated better overall short-term outcomes compared to those receiving only non-thrust manipulation of the cervical spine plus exercise. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2013.422

Read more from the Spring QA Bulletin here (PDF)

“Non-pharmacologic interventions are considered first line options in patients with chronic low back pain.” The American College of Physicians