Spine

Scoliosis is when a curvature of the spine to the side and or a twist is observed. This can result in a “C” shape single curve or a “S” shape double curve that can cancel each other out to appear as a “straighter” spine. It is important to note that Scoliosis is not a disease and generally has no known cause. There are many different types of scoliosis that can develop at various stages of someone’s life from child to adulthood with the most common type being Adolescent Idiopathic (ages between 10-19 with no known cause). Many people are able to lead a pain free life with these changes, while some experience symptoms of back, rib, chest and hip pain. These symptoms vary from person to person and are not linked to the shape or amount of change detected. Physiotherapists can help develop strategies that are important to help manage Scoliosis and at times can prevent further changes. Treatments that might help include hydrotherapy, massage along with exercises that strengthen and stretch your back and stomach muscles. Physiotherapists are also able to identify and work with the health care professionals that may be able to help with ongoing or changing symptoms if indicated.

Around 10-15% of headaches can be linked to neck pain that are called cervicogenic headaches. The neck pain normally starts first then headaches begin from the base of the head and across the side of the head can be experienced. Symptoms that people report are neck stiffness and tightness, pain that increases while in the same position for long periods (sitting at desk or driving) and you may notice a reduced range of neck movement.

These symptoms can start at any age and are commonly seen in people who have a desk-based jobs, those who remain in a forward head posture such as hair stylist, drivers or carpenters and are also seen among weight-lifters.
Physiotherapists are able to assess these headaches and determine if there are treatable in clinic or refer you to a GP if there are not physio related. Evidence suggests a combination of hands on (manual therapy) and exercise based therapy can have good results.

This condition has been shown to benefit from physiotherapy treatment through an individualised management plan and manual therapy when indicated.

Your neck consists of seven bones (vertebrae) with nerves exiting at each level through small tunnels that run down your arm to your hands via different routes. If the small tunnel where the nerve exits the spine is partially obscured or if the nerve is repeatedly aggravated it can lead to symptoms being experienced in your neck, down your arm and at times in your hand. These symptoms are normally experienced in one arm and have been described as pins and needles, numbness, shooting, burning or the sense of freezing cold water being pour down your arm along with many other descriptions. Highly repetitive movements or during sudden movements can irritate the nerve that can begin a cascade of events resulting in symptoms.

During the early stages these symptoms can be highly concerning and interruptive to people’s daily lives. Physiotherapist are able to assess these symptoms and provide a management plan that can involve providing clear information of serious signs and symptoms to be aware of that require urgent care, advice on managing pain, suggest positions of ease, select appropriate exercises and trial manual therapy in attempt to settle the symptoms. Normally with good management symptoms settle over 2-8 weeks (can be longer) and physiotherapists will develop your care at the speed that matches your recovery to full function. If indicated during the initial assessment or if symptoms are not improving within normal healing time frames Physiotherapist are able to refer on for further investigations and different treatment options.

Symptoms can often commence a number of hours up to 1-2 days after the incident. At the time of accident, it is advised to seek medical advice to complete an assessment. Once cleared of any structural injury that relates to the majority of cases, whiplash can be treated with an individualised combination of medication, reassurance and advice on movements. Physiotherapy can support this through hands on therapy and specific exercises to help return you back to normal function and the sports you enjoy.