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How characteristics of swinging mechanics can lead to low back pain for golfers
Golf is a sport that enjoys wide-ranging popularity on an international scale due to its casual nature and mild intensity level. Despite the fact that golf doesn't require much energy exertion and is fairly safe compared to most other sports, injuries still do occur, with lower back pain (LBP) being the most common complaint for both professional and amateur golfers. Consequently, physical therapists have been investigating which characteristics, if any, in a golf swing could contribute to a more likely chance of a golfer experiencing low back pain and why. One study compared golfers with LBP to those without it, and found a number of indicators that may lead to LBP that can be avoided if addressed properly.
Many patients with low back pain fail to follow recommendations for improvement
Low back pain (LBP) is an extremely common condition and major source of discomfort that affects a large percentage of people throughout the world at some point in their lives. When not treated correctly, cases of LBP can go on to turn more extreme and pose future problems that could've been avoided if guidelines were followed properly by patients. Noting this, an Australian study surveyed patients with LBP and found that many of those suffering from the condition didn't seek advice, and of those that did, a significant amount didn't actually follow the recommendations given to them. This figure points out much of what's wrong with the overall face of LBP rehab and should be considered in moving forward.
A close look at hyperkyphosis: how it develops, how to manage it
Age-related hyperkyphosis, which is defined by an exaggerated curvature of the thoracic spine, is a common condition in the elderly population that impairs the ability to function properly and increases the risk of falls and fractures. Though it effects somewhere between 20-40% of senior citizens, the natural history of hyperkyphosis is not completely understood, and it’s thought to come about from a variety of processes. Fortunately, if hyperkyphosis is identified and treated early in its onset, the chances of recovering from it are much more likely. Take a look at what can cause it and the best ways to treat hyperkyphosis if it occurs.
Full-scale evaluation of lumbar spinal stenosis surgery for older adults
Spinal stenosis, a condition in which the narrowing of the spinal cord causes nerve pinching and subsequent pain in the buttocks, is the most common indicator for spine surgery in older adults, which itself is extremely prevalent. Despite the popularity of the surgery, however, a general consensus on the best surgical method has yet to be reached, as many surgeons still take their own individualized approach. To investigate these various methods and to clarify which is the best option, a study was conducted that evaluated Medicare trends to determine the optimal surgical style.
Hip impingement: recognizing, understanding and treating a common cause of hip pain
Based off the recent progress in diagnosing and treating nonarthritic hip injuries, hip impingement has become increasingly recognized as one of the more common causes of hip pain for athletes, adolescents and adults. Caused by a bone in the hip and the thighbone rubbing against each other, hip impingement can lead to the wearing away of cartilage and eventually osteoarthritis if not treated properly. The debilitating disease can have serious implications for both physical and daily life activities, but physical therapy has been strongly recommended as a method to treat it.
Hip arthroscopy for athletes in the long term: a 10-year follow up
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure preferred by some for its shorter recovery time and smaller scar, and it has been a popular method to treat sports-related hip problems for years. Despite the popularity of hip arthroscopy, there is a lack of data on the long-term effects of the surgery, spurring a study in which athletes who underwent the procedure were monitored over the course of 10 years to determine its effectiveness or lack thereof.
Beyond heavy backpacks and computer overuse: Lower back pain in adolescents
Now that lower back pain has become a malady not only experienced by the adult population, but by adolescents as well, concerned parents are interested in the exact causes of so many back-related issues. Though wearing a heavy backpack and spending too much time slouched over in front of the computer screen have taking most of the rap, and with fairly good reason, back problems for most adolescents are rooted much deeper.
Wheeling back to health: Wheeled walkers may relieve pain for Spinal Stenosis patients
Many elders who suffer from Lumbar Spinal Stenosis (LSS), a condition characterized by the narrowing of the spinal canal, have a tendency to lean forward on shopping carts and other similar devices to alleviate pain. A study conducted on elders with LSS determined that the forward leaning motion is actually helpful for the spine, and came to recommend wheeled walkers for the condition as it encourages the walker towards this motion, opening up the spine and relieving pain.