Physiotherapists in Taunton treat many different conditions including the issues profiled below.

Spinal Cord Stimulation for Chronic Pain

The use of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of chronic pain syndromes is taking an increasing part in the management of these complex and difficult problems. Scientific work support the usefulness of this therapy in the pain due to poor circulation in the legs, angina and neuropathic pain. SCS is a technological intervention and chronic pain is a multidimensional problem including physical and psychological aspects which bear on the likely success of the treatment. SCS aims to stimulate the large sensory nerves in the spinal cord which interfere with the transmission of pain towards the brain along the small pain nerves and it also has affects on the circulation although the exact mechanisms of action are not known.

When used to treat neuropathic pain the treatment can be given intermittently as then the pain relief may last for some hours afterwards, indicating that the stimulate causes changes in the nerve transmissions which can last for some time. SCS may also alter the behaviour of heart nerves and by various mechanisms reduce the pain of angina. Apart from the effects on circulatory problems there is good evidence for effectiveness in nerve root problems and complex regional pain syndrome.

Damage To The Spine By Bending Forward

Injuries sustained in bending occur when the forces involved exceed the coping capacity of the tissues of the spinal structures. The movements of the lumbar spinal bones in a living person undergoing a rapid forward bend are controlled mostly by the strength and length of the disc and ligamentous tissues. Initial damage occurs to the more superficial ligaments which connect the spines of the individual vertebrae posteriorly and if some side bending or twisting motion is added then the capsules of the facet joints can be stretched to their limits. The rear part of the disc wall may act like a ligament in extreme bend, restricting further bending.

In slower bending where a position is held for a time the resistance of the spinal tissues to bending decreases, allowing greater movements between the vertebrae and a slow change in the internal disc alignment. Due to the mechanical properties of the tissues quick movements have an increased likelihood of damaging the ligaments and discs, while holding the spine in flexion for some time may both reduce the protection activity of the back muscles and the ability of the ligaments to protect the lumbar segments as they move.