Therapy is not “one-size-fits all.”  Therapists and chiropractors are experts at therapy for spinal injuries and are trained to determine the best course of therapy for the patient, depending on the needs. Since individual patients may have several needs, more than one type of therapy may be beneficial in some patients.  Here is a brief look at different types of therapy and when they may be more beneficial than other types:

  • Manual therapy involves the therapist’s use of his hands to manipulate the spine. Manipulation involves traction, twisting, pushing and pulling techniques to restore the normal alignment of the spine.  Whiplash injuries are particularly prone to cause misalignment of the vertebrae of the neck.
  • Core stability therapy involves exercises that resist motion at the lumbar spine by activation of the core muscles. The core muscles are the abdominal muscles and the muscles of the back.  Core stability training is useful when a therapist’s exam reveals that a segment of the back is weakened.  This could be from non-use due to pain or can be from invasive forms of surgery.
  • Core strengthening involves exercises that strengthen the core muscles by using lumbar motion against resistance, usually isolating several core muscle groups at a time. Core strengthening is important in athletes who will return to a high level of physical functioning despite a back injury.  Strong core muscles can help most patients by taking over some of the work of an injured back disc or joint.
  • Mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) is a method by which the therapist evaluates the patient for postures and positions that reduce pain. This is called a directional preference.  The therapist than has the patient perform exercises that conform to the directional preference.  A patient that notes pain primarily with one position or the other, such as extension, may benefit from MDT.
  • Acupuncture therapy involves the use of tiny needles inserted through the skin. Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine that is commonly used to treat pain.
  • Massage therapy involves using pressure, motion or vibration on the body to provide pain relief. Massage may be especially useful in treating muscle spasm.    Massage may be associated with expedited recovery of muscle performance.
  • Exercise therapy involves the use of exercise to enhance physical performance, including cardiovascular capacity and strength. Exercise therapy may take the form of walking, yoga, Pilates, resistance training, weight lifting, swimming or core exercises.  Exercise therapy is useful in returning a patient that has been docile due to pain back to a physical level of functionality.  Exercise therapy is also important in maintaining an athlete’s conditioning during recovery from a spinal injury.