Spine

Spine Physical Therapy in New York

The spine, also known as the vertebral column or backbone, is a complex structure consisting of 24 vertebrae and several other supporting structures. It is a vital part of the body, providing protection to the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spine also plays a crucial role in supporting the head and neck, allowing for trunk motion and dispersing forces to the lower extremities.

Contact the professionals at Lifestyle Physical Therapy today to schedule an appointment for spine physical therapy in New York City.

Anatomy of the Spine

The spine is divided into four distinct regions, each with a unique structure and function. These regions include the cervical (neck), thoracic (mid-back), lumbar (lower back), and sacrum/coccyx (SI joint and tailbone). Each region consists of several vertebrae, with the cervical spine having 7, the thoracic spine having 12, the lumbar spine having 5, and the sacrum/coccyx being a fused structure made up of several bones.

The vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers and allow for flexibility in the spine. The spinal cord runs through the center of the vertebrae, with nerves branching out at each level to communicate with various parts of the body.

What to Expect From Spinal Physical Therapy

Spinal physical therapy is a non-surgical approach to treating pain or dysfunction. A physical therapist in New York will evaluate your condition and develop a custom treatment plan specific to your needs. Treatment may include:

Exercises to improve strength and flexibility
Manual therapy to reduce pain and improve mobility
Education on proper posture

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Function of the Spine

The spine serves several important functions, including:

Protecting the spinal cord: The spine encases and protects the spinal cord, which is responsible for transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body.
Supporting the head and neck: The cervical spine supports the weight of the head and allows for neck motion.
Allowing for trunk motion: The thoracic and lumbar spine allow for forward and backward bending, twisting, and side-to-side movement.
Dispersing forces to the lower extremities: The spine distributes the weight of the body to the hips and lower extremities.

Common Spinal Injuries

While the spine is a strong and resilient structure, it can become compromised and result in pain and dysfunction. Some of the most common spinal injuries include:

Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition in which the intervertebral discs break down over time, leading to pain and decreased mobility.
Disc herniation: A disc herniation occurs when the soft center of an intervertebral disc pushes through the outer layer, causing pain and nerve irritation.
Spinal stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
Spondylolisthesis: This is a condition in which one vertebra slips forward on another, causing pain and nerve irritation.
Myelopathy: This is a condition in which the spinal cord is compressed, leading to weakness, numbness, and tingling.
Radiculopathy: This is a condition in which a nerve root is compressed, leading to pain and numbness in the affected area.
Sciatica: This is a condition in which the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down to the legs, is compressed or irritated, leading to pain and numbness in the affected area.
Osteophytes/bone spurs: These are bony growths that can develop on the vertebrae, leading to pain and decreased mobility.
Compression fracture: This is a type of fracture that occurs when a vertebra collapses, leading to pain and decreased mobility.
Scoliosis: This is a condition in which the spine curves to the side, leading to pain and also decreased mobility.

Benefits of Spine Physical Therapy

Pain reduction: Spine physical therapy can help alleviate pain associated with spinal conditions.
Improved mobility: Our therapists use targeted exercises to enhance range of motion and flexibility.
Strengthened muscles: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the spine can provide stability and support.
Improved posture: Poor posture can contribute to spinal pain. Physical therapy can help correct postural imbalances.
Reduced dependence on medication: Many patients find that physical therapy can reduce their reliance on pain medication.

Lifestyle Physical Therapy: Your Partner in Spinal Health

Lifestyle Physical Therapy is dedicated to providing top-notch spine physical therapy services to residents of New York. Our experienced therapists utilize evidence-based techniques to address a wide range of spinal conditions, helping patients achieve optimal function and pain relief.

At Lifestyle Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing personalized care to help you achieve your optimal spinal health. Our experienced therapists are dedicated to helping you regain your quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does spinal physical therapy take to show results?

Every patient's journey is unique, and the duration of spinal physical therapy varies depending on factors such as the severity of your condition, your adherence to the treatment plan, and your body's response to therapy. Our team will work with you to establish realistic expectations and milestones along the way.

Is spinal physical therapy painful?

While some discomfort may be experienced during certain exercises or manual techniques, spinal physical therapy should not be excessively painful. Our therapists prioritize your comfort and safety throughout the treatment process, and we will adjust our approach as needed to ensure a positive experience.

Contact our team at Lifestyle Physical Therapy in New York for more information about treating any conditions affecting your spine by calling (212) 577-9313.

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Hear From Our Happy Patients

At Lifestyle Physical Therapy, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our patients have to say about working with us.

"Nice & Knowledgeable"
I came to see him with a knee and both shoulders at the beginning of 2022. He is also a very great and nice person, so the PT hour flies very fast.

- RK.
"Encouraging & Confidence!"
Matt worked with me three times a week with enthusiasm, confidence, and skill. His attitude and energy was key motivator to my success in reaching my goal.

- Daniel K.
"Amazing Experience"
He has really helped me with my back pain and overall I have had a great experience. He is very knowledgeable, friendly, and really cares about his patients.

- Luiza K.
"Friendly Staff"
He pays attention to everything you tell him and provides a therapy schedule that gets you back up and running as well as new.

- Andrew W.
"Customized Experience"
If you are not comfortable with some exercises, he will update them to your needs, I really like that. The physical therapy place is very clean and if you are lucky you will get to meet his adorable dog.

- Danny K.
"Highly Recommend"
In my opinion, what really sets Matthew apart is his ability to pay attention to the individual and understand each person's idiosyncratic needs. I cannot recommend him highly enough.

- Azi E.
"Truly Cares"
Time goes by so fast during every appointment! He also has his therapy pup in the office sometimes, and he's an absolute lovebug! Highly recommended!

- Jessica Y.
"Very Honest"
He was also the first one to say maybe it's time to decrease the sessions to once a week and then every other week once he felt that I was really on the mend. I cannot say anything other than anyone who is in pain and/or needs physical therapy should see D

- Nick A.

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