What is effective help for back or cervical spine pain?

Back and cervical spine pain have different causes.

Heavy school bags, under which children's backs bend, also cause the problem.

These are some of the causes causing problems that will manifest sooner or later.

Most of the time these are acquired disorders due to poor movement habits or improper posture.

Furthermore, back pain is caused by injuries and their consequences. These become chronic and people are often desperate. They cannot cope with them.

Acutely, such pains arise, for example, when a fast or uncontrolled movement is poorly executed. During sports or lifting a load. Simply when a person forgets about correct posture.

Wallowing in pain and telling yourself that you can learn to live with it is not the solution.

You need to mobilise and throw your strength into the fight.
There are many physiotherapy techniques that help with back or cervical spine pain. They help when the spine is blocked or you are suffering from another cause of pain. For example, problems with the discs or soft muscle tissues around the spine are common.

If you learn some of these, you can also help yourself by practising them at home.

The key is to see a physiotherapist.

Focusing only on suppressing symptoms with various painkillers and muscle relaxants is not the solution.

You need to work on eliminating the cause so that you don't have to reach for pills in the future.

In many cases, medication only suppresses the symptoms but does not treat the cause.

We know various effective techniques that physiotherapists can certainly help you with:

• soft techniques for deep tissue relaxation
• McKenzie method
• Dorn method
• Bowen massage and therapy
• traction therapy
• Moses Method
• stabilization and mobilization system
• mobilisation techniques

There are many. There is not enough room for all of them. However, before visiting a physiotherapist, it is a good idea to be examined by a competent doctor to find out what the problem is.

See also:
About therapies and techniques for releasing a blocked or stiff back.
How to prevent back and cervical spine pain?

Therapies and techniques for releasing a blocked or stiff back

We will try to roughly outline a few of them.

To master them, you need to spend a lot of time in professional studies.

Many of them, or part of them, can be done at home, without professional supervision. However, it is necessary to visit a physiotherapist beforehand, who will teach the patient everything and explain the correct procedure to him/her in a professional manner. It does not pay to go into self-study. You can do yourself more harm than good.

Soft techniques for deep tissue relaxation

This is a professional massage involving various techniques and strokes. The masseur must master them to effectively remove the problem of the sufferer.

They are used to get rid of problems caused due to sedentary jobs, poor posture or poor lifestyle. They address painful conditions in the back or buttock area.

What are soft techniques?

They are a sequence of movements that apply pressure to specific points. They also involve moving the fascia (muscle envelope) and gently stretching or stretching the skin. They progress from the cervical spine to the coccyx.

Soft techniques work on the principle of reflex action on the muscle. By massaging the subcutaneous tissue, the muscles relax and an analgesic (pain-relieving) and soothing effect sets in. The advantage of this technique is that pain relief comes almost immediately after the movements and pressures are applied.

Due to the constant tension and muscle movement, the muscle sheaths (fascia) stiffen. These cause pain as well as chronic tension. This can also be the cause of stiff muscles and spinal blockages.

What do soft techniques target?

They are used to remove painful blockages in the area:

• the cervical spine
• the interscapular region
• the sacral spine
• lumbar

Their positive effect against shortened tendons is also remarkable. They can therefore also be used by athletes.

Soft techniques have many positive effects.

In particular, they affect blood pressure or heart function. They also have a considerable effect on metabolism.
This contributes to the analgesic effect. This is because oxygenated blood flows to the affected area and at the same time waste substances are removed from the pain.

Contraindications to soft techniques

Even though they try to help relieve pain, there are still conditions where soft techniques should not be used.

We have summarized the indications and contraindications for soft techniques in the following table

McKenzie method

The McKenzie Method was developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie and is used to diagnose and treat back and limb pain.

The active involvement of the sufferer is very important in this method. The sufferer learns and educates himself alongside the exercises. The aim of this method is self-therapy, which also helps as prevention.

What is the McKenzie method?

It is an exercise based on the examination (diagnosis) of the patient. It is aimed at treating musculoskeletal and spinal pain.

During the diagnosis of the patient, the physiotherapist notes several symptoms. Based on these, he recognizes whether the problems are caused by injury or are chronic in nature.

The examination and treatment itself takes place in several steps.

The first step is for the therapist to become familiar with the symptoms and their outward manifestations.
The patient is asked to perform certain movements or to remain in them. The patient must repeat these movements several times in succession. Based on their extent and the changes in symptoms during them, the therapist diagnoses the problem of the sufferer.

The next step is to categorize the problem into a specific group according to the disability.

The third step focuses on specific exercises.
These are prescribed by the therapist based on the previous examinations. Based on this, the therapist not only prescribes the exercises that the patient must do, but also advises which movements to avoid.

The exercises are designed to help the patient learn to perform the exercises independently in the shortest possible time.

After that, it is up to the patient to do the exercises at home, as they will need to be strong-willed, as the exercises will need to be done five to six times a day. The aim of this method is for the patient to learn it on their own, as it is not possible to see a therapist so many times a day.

TheMcKenzie method forces the patient to actively address their problem without taking pain medication unnecessarily.

Who can the McKenzie Method help?

We have summarized the symptoms for which this method is intended. Of course, in any case, a physiotherapist should be consulted.

The McKenzie Method is suitable for you if you suffer from any of the following symptoms:

• sciatica
• pain spreading from the neck to the shoulders or buttocks
• pain in the elbows or knees that can be described as burning
• intermittent tingling in the upper or lower limbs
• problems with bending over
• pain in the lumbar region of the spine
• pain in the shoulders

Dorn's method

This method was developed by Dieter Dorn, a sawmill owner in a German town, who once developed such pain in his back when lifting a load that he could no longer straighten up. A farmer helped him with his method, which proved to be successful even when Dorn himself began to use and develop it.

What is the Dorn method used for?

This method is used to treat the spine, its vertebrae or various joints. Using pressure from the thumb, they are corrected into the correct position. Due to the gentle nature of these procedures, this is done without damaging tendons and other soft tissue.

It also helps in curing or delaying scoliosis or pelvic tilt.

In many cases, it is also effective for secondary difficulties that arise mainly due to displaced vertebrae of the spine.

Some of the problems for which the Dorn method helps are:

• back pain
• hip pain
• tennis elbow
• scoliosis
• headaches
• dizziness
• displaced spinal vertebrae
• balancing of body statics
• oblique pelvic tilt
• cardiac arrhythmias
• intestinal problems
• varicose veins
• misaligned joints

The principle of the Dorn method

The principle is the active cooperation of the patient. Each treatment involves a specific exercise that the patient must learn. This way he actually helps himself.

The treatment uses pressure with the thumb on the designated area. The pain threshold cannot be crossed. However, it cannot be done without it. The patient must be prepared to accept some pain. The therapist warns the patient in advance. If it is unbearable, the treatment must be stopped.

Contraindications to the Dorn method

Like other methods, the Dorn method cannot be used always and in all cases. Its contraindications are:

• advancedosteoporosis
• susceptibility to fractures and the effects of drugs such as cortisol
• acute inflammation
• hip or disc surgery
• fractures that have not yet healed

Other information on possible contraindications will be provided by the physiotherapist.

Bowen massage and therapy

Created by self-taught Australian massage therapist Thomas Bowen.
It is based on very gentle manipulation of the soft tissue of the human body. This means muscles, skin, tendons or tendons.

This method has an effect on the whole organism. It has a positive effect on the physical body, but also on the mental or chemical level.
On the physical level, it releases blocks and helps to correct posture. By passing through the energy pathways, it also affects the function of the internal organs. It stimulates regenerative and purifying processes in the body.

What is Bowen massage?

The principle is based on what is known as the Bowen movement. It is the folding of the skin over a muscle in a specific place. Pressure is then exerted next to the muscle. It is held for a while, and finally the skin folds back. This manoeuvre affects the tension in the muscles.

This movement produces an impulse that stimulates a response in the muscles, limbs and skin.

It spreads to the area directly affected, but also to reflexively connected areas. This has an effect on the chemical changes in the body's internal environment. Tissues are better circulated and nourished. Muscle function improves. The final effect is pain relief, improved muscle function, and even psychological relaxation.

Indications and contraindications for Bowen massage are listed in the table below

Bowen massage has an overall positive effect on the body's fitness and immunity. However, there is significant progress if structural organ changes have not yet occurred. Other positive effects and contraindications should be discussed with the therapist.

Read also our article on the beneficial effects of swimming for joint, knee or back pain.

Traction therapy

In this method, the vertebrae of the spine are gradually released along its entire length. A mechanical force is applied to induce traction in the spinal axis or limb. The force is applied only at the level of the soft tissues. The traction is induced mechanically or manually by another person.

Manual traction

These are part of a range of techniques used in therapy. These include manual traction on the cervical spine or lower limb. They also use what is known as redress positioning. This is when a force is applied directly across the joint whose mobility needs to be released.

Mechanical traction

In cervical spine traction, an inclined traction table is used. The patient's own body weight is pulled while lying upside down on the table. It is also used for lumbar spine problems.

The traction method or spinal decompression helps with scoliosis, overloaded intervertebral discs, acute or chronic pain in the sacral and lumbar region.

The head-down position used in this is also effective on the overall skeletal system, internal organs and the brain.

Effects of traction therapy:

• Relief of the spine from the effects of gravity
• correcting the position of the vertebrae of the spine
• blood supply to the brain
• relief of the cardiovascular system
• overall relaxation of the body and muscles
• increase flexibility of the musculoskeletal system

Contraindications include heart disease, brain disease and conditions after a stroke. In addition, the method is not recommended for use after spinal surgery or fractures in this area, endoprostheses, haemophilia, diabetes, increased thyroid activity, high blood pressure, acute inflammation and other conditions that should be discussed with a physiotherapist.

Stabilization and mobilization system

The Stabilization and Mobilization System is an exercise system that focuses on the human musculoskeletal system. It focuses primarily on exercising the spine.

Its author is a Czech physician and former athlete Richard Smíšek, MD.

The Stabilization and Mobilization System is a set of exercises that combine rehabilitation with prevention, recovery and conditioning training. It includes 11 exercises that are basic. The system is gradually expanded and supplemented with various modifications. This system is often used by top athletes.

For whom is the stabilization and mobilization system designed?

Athletes use the stabilisation and mobilisation system in their training, because it improves overall physical development.
However, it also acts as a prevention against back pain. Alternatively, it helps to resolve pain that has already occurred.

Use of the stabilisation and mobilisation system:

• for back pain
• spinal problems
• incorrect posture
• spinal stenosis
• scoliosis
• disc herniations
• stiff muscles around the cervical spine
• interscapular pain
• flaccidity or extreme strain on the back muscles

The stabilisation and mobilisation system can also be practised at home. There are many instructional videos available. However, it is best to first see a therapist who can explain and teach things professionally. This is because he or she can also explain the mistakes people often make during such exercises.

Interesting article on how to prevent back pain.

Mobilization techniques

They are used in functional disorders of the joints, limbs and spine. They help in restoring their mobility which has been restricted for some reason.

They are performed by non-violent movements in the direction of the movement restriction. By repeating them, they help to move the joint in question. This uses the stimulating or dampening effect of breathing on the muscular system.

They also include stretching, i.e. stretching the muscle followed by relaxation, which causes a better range of movement.

The so-called post-isometric relaxation is often used to release joint blockages.
This is a relaxation technique. In this technique, the muscle is relaxed again after an initial tension. It uses the change between tension and relaxation, with spontaneous lengthening of the exercised muscle.

What are mobilization techniques used for?

These techniques are used to relax and move muscles, their sheaths, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and joints.

They are suitable for people with musculoskeletal problems and pain. For muscle spasms or strains. Their other use is for joint blockages and reduced joint mobility.

Ludmila Mojžíšová method

Ludmila Mojžíšová worked as a rehabilitation nurse. She developed a system of exercises that are effective as a rehabilitation method in the treatment of childhood scoliosis and female sterility.

This method helps comprehensively the whole organism by shifting blockages in the thoracic joints, i.e. in the area of the vertebral-rib and thoraco-thoracic joints.

However, it is especially the shifts and muscular imbalances in the pelvic area that are reflected in the response of a number of organ systems. Once these are mobilised and made functional, the problems disappear.

The Ludmila Mojžíšová method is the most physiological way of treating female infertility.

It is based on reflex action on the neuromuscular system of the pelvic floor. The movement affects the lumbar and sacral spine, the coccyx, the pelvis and the muscles that influence their relative position.

The female genital organs are affected through the autonomic nervous system, which is not controlled by the will of the person. This is due to improved blood circulation and improved muscle and connective tissue in this area.

Use of the Ludmila Mojžíšová method

It has a positive effect on problems with the spine. It can help with scoliosis in children under 15, hip arthrosis, constipation, incontinence or repeated miscarriages. The therapy is therefore suitable for these difficulties, among others:

• back, head or skeletal pain
• pelvic pain
• sterility in men
• female infertility
• painful menstruation
• inability to bear a foetus
• inability to hold urine
• inability to urinate
• painful intercourse
• insufficient hormone production

Read also.