Problems related to the spine are both common and troublesome.  It has been estimated that 80% of all people in the western world will consult their health care provider for back pain during their adult life.  Most cases of back pain are not serious. Well, they are serious in that it is painful and bothersome to have back pain, but the actual damage to your body’s tissues may not be serious. Your body’s ability to heal back injuries is very powerful and usually the pain and limited mobility will disappear in a few days.

If back pain persists for more than a few days without improvement, action must be taken. At Dynamic Physical Therapy we are expertly trained to develop custom treatment plans to help patients overcome back problems. Our approach incorporates those elements that have the strongest support in medical evidence. Most treatment plans consist of education, specific exercise prescription, manual therapy and various modalities such as traction and electrical stimulation. Our treatment plans are designed after we perform a thorough interview and evaluation. Every patient is different and therefore every treatment plan should be different too. It is this individualized approach that sets us apart from other physical therapy providers in Northwestern Michigan.

More involved back problems include those where nerves are irritated or damaged and problems involving reduced stability of small areas of the lower back. These conditions can often be treated with great success in physical therapy. For these conditions and some others, surgical options exist as well. As conscientious health care providers we advocate non-operative care before surgery. Surgery should be reserved for those individuals who have exhausted all other options and have well-defined spinal problems. In rare circumstances patients should consider surgery immediately; these conditions are recognized by your primary health care provider and they should refer you to the appropriate specialist.

Neck problems are unique. The anatomy and movement patterns of the neck are unlike other parts of the spine. At Dynamic Physical Therapy our physical therapists possess the advanced knowledge and skills to properly assess your neck problem and devise an individualized treatment program. Research has pointed out that manual therapy is highly effective for neck problems, and this is one of the areas where we excel. We also teach our patients with neck injuries proper posture and specific exercises so they can play an integral role in his or her treatment plan.

The neck is a relatively vulnerable area of the human body and it is best entrusted to professionals who posses the skills and knowledge to effectively and safely help you overcome your neck problem.