Back & neck pain
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What is it? Muscle strain/sprain is a common cause of low back pain. A low back sprain may involve injury to the joints of the back called the facet joints. The spinal muscles can be strained from overuse or being over-stretched.
In either case protective muscle spasm, guarding and limited range of movement typically occurs.
Causes • Choreographic demands especially partnering and extreme spinal movements
• An unsupported fall to the floor
• A sudden movement the body is not prepared for
• Poor lumbo-pelvic stability
Treatment In minor non traumatic epidosodes, those methods are usually enough.
1) Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medicine.
2) Use of a back brace.
3) Manual therapy by a medical professional to restore proper myofascial and/or joint mobility.
4) Address postural and/or lifting technique.
Other causes of low back pain • Spondylolysis: A stress fracture to the pars interarticularis (vertebra in the lower back)
• Spondylolisthesis: A stress fracture to the pars interarticularis and anterior slippage of the vertebrae.
Causes and symptoms Causes: • Repeated stress in lumbar spine, particularly hyperextension movements
• Poor lumbo-pelvic stability
• Overly tight hip flexors
• Dancer may have restricted extension in the thoracic spine (mid-back) or hyperextension in low back.
Symptoms: Painful movements such as port de bras, cambre (especially back), and arabesque. It can progress to pain in everyday tasks and may affect sleep.
Treatment 1) Seek medical attention especially with chronic back pain. Early recognition of stress fracture will help in your recovery process.
2) Rest from dance and hyperextension activities.
3) Local and global core stability program.
4) Movement and dance technique re-education to use the entire spine.
5) Manual therapy by a medical professional to restore any postural faults or myofascial restrictions throughout the body.
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London Dance Clinic 30 Cumberland Mansions
Seymour Place - London W1H5TF