Back and Neck Pain Treatment   

The therapists at Saunders Therapy Centers are experienced in the complexity of the spine and provide effective, case-specific treatment for acute and chronic back and neck problems.

Neck and back pain can be the result of a single event or trauma, or the result of a combination of factors including poor posture; declining physical fitness; and/or repetitive activities, including faulty lifting, bending or twisting. Previous injury and family history may also be a contributing factor.

Our treatment philosophy includes the following:

Musculoskeletal Evaluation: A thorough evaluation will be performed on your initial visit to assess for possible muscle imbalances, myofascial restrictions, joint dysfunction, and nerve involvement that may be contributing to your symptoms. A specific plan of care will then be developed from this evaluation to treat you in the most effective manner.

Manual Therapy: Our therapists all have advanced training in manual therapy which is a hands-on approach that addresses restrictions in the soft tissue, myofascial system, and/or the spinal joints to facilitate a healing environment.

Physical Modalities: Modalities, such as heat, cold, ultrasound, traction, and electrical stimulation, are used to help with pain control in the initial phase of an injury and are then replaced by more mechanical approaches when the treatment focus shifts to correction of the cause and prevention of recurring episodes.

Spinal Stabilization and Exercise: Studies have shown that the deep muscles that control spinal movement are inhibited with your first episode of back pain. These muscles do not automatically return to proper function when the pain subsides, leaving the back vulnerable to further injury. You will be shown specific exercises that can be performed at home to activate these muscles to allow for an improved healing environment and to decrease re-episodes of back pain in the future. Home strengthening and flexibility exercises will also be given to address muscle imbalances identified in the initial evaluation as well as education on cardiovascular exercises that are safe to perform with your particular back problem.

Postural Education and Body Mechanics: There are many stresses that we can experiences through out the day that can stress the healing spine and slow down the healing process. Our therapist will teach you body awareness and give you education on body mechanics and postures that decrease load and stress on the spine, allowing you to return to your activities of daily life sooner, with less pain.