The cycle of painThe National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that almost 50 million American adults suffer from severe pain (1). Most of us have heard severe pain labeled as chronic pain. Sadly, many people are confused about the formal definition and how it develops. In this article, we will explore the delineation and origins of this condition.…
What is the Best Way to Treat Low Back Pain?
Back pain affects millions of people each year and is the second most common reason for disability. There are many ways to treat back pain, including medications, injections, and surgery. The latest scientific reviews report that the most effective way to treat low back pain is a multidisciplinary approach that combines exercise, mindfulness training, spinal…
Mental Health Awareness Month from a Physical Therapist’s Perspective
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and, as physical therapists, we cannot overlook the role depression, anxiety, addiction and personality disorders can play in the rehabilitation process. In my experience working in the healthcare profession and listening to patients describe their experience in the “system,” a mental health diagnosis comes with a lot of stigma.…