“You got your bell rung” is a common term used in the sporting world. A hit from behind into the boards in hockey or a head-on collision with another player in football are two prime examples of how to get your “bell rung”. The fact of the matter though, is that we do not have a “bell” inside our heads; we have a brain.

Our brain is in charge of telling our body what to do and when. From dribbling a basketball, to your stomach digesting a meal, to the way you feel about puppies, your brain is the main coordinator for everything. This is why it’s important to take a mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), or a concussion, seriously. If not treated properly, a concussion can turn into a life-long struggle.

A strong enough force can cause a brain injury – even if you’re wearing protective gear. Early diagnosis of a concussion is key to the first step of recovery. After injury, a person may appear fine and ready to go back into play. However, the simplest change in mood or the slightest headache can indicate a concussion. In an article written by David T Bernhardt, MD, he lists some important signs and symptoms to look for following a possible concussion. They are as follows:

• Confusion or a dazed expression
• Delayed responses to simple questions and emotional changes
• Pain/headaches and/or dizziness
• Visual disturbances (e.g. seeing stars, blurry vision, or double vision)
• Amnesia or forgetfulness
• Signs of increased intracranial pressure: Vomiting, worsening headache, increasing disorientation, and a changing level of consciousness

(Bernhardt, D.T., 2013)

If you play sports, or you have children who play sports, it’s important for you to know what to look for and to understand your treatment options. You should never return to play if ANY concussion symptoms are present at any time. If a concussion is suspected, you should consult the on-field athletic therapist or physiotherapist for diagnosis. Following the injury, you should be educated by your athletic therapist or physiotherapist on how to treat your symptoms. As a rule, you should not return to activity until you are completely symptom-free (including during strenuous activities like jogging, sprinting, etc.).

The most important tool for recovery is rest, so if you have a suspected concussion, give your brain a break!

What is Spine Decompression Therapy?

Spine decompression therapy uses a gentle ‘pulling’ action through the spine to create an elongating effect. The goal of spine decompression therapy is usually targeted towards the spine’s discs, to create negative intradiscal pressure.

Why?

According to supporters of spinal decompression therapy, creating negative intradiscal pressure has a number of positive effects on compressed discs. Discs are avascular in nature, meaning they don’t have a direct blood supply to bring nutrients and remove waste. Instead, discs rely on the diffusion to bring nutrients in and waste out to blood vessels nearby. If this process is inhibited, it can lead to accelerated disc degeneration and potential pain or loss of function.

Decompression may help discs by bringing in more nutrients as the negative pressure created draws in fluid. In addition, decompression may promote the retraction of bulging or herniated discs.

What the Evidence Says

Research into mechanical spine decompression therapy is still in its infancy. There is not enough evidence to definitively state that decompression therapy is as good or superior to other types of treatments. However, there is some preliminary data to suggest that it may be effective in treating certain types of low back disorders.

A study by Sherry et al. (2001) found that individuals with chronic low back pain who were randomized to receive spine decompression versus TENS experienced better outcomes. Specifically, the decompression group experienced greater decreases in pain and disability than the control TENS group, although the study’s sample was small (40 participants). Another study by Gose et al. (1998) looked at the use of decompression therapy for individuals with herniated or degenerated discs, or facet syndrome. They found a 71% success rate, with success being defined as pain decreasing to a 0 or 1 out of 5. Similarly, Gionis et al. reported in their 2003 study that 92% of participants experienced an improvement in their low back symptoms, although neither Gionis et al. nor Gose et al. had a non-treatment group to compare to.

The Bottom Line

Spinal decompression therapy may be an effective way of treating certain low back disorders, such as chronic low back pain, degenerative or herniated discs, or facet issues. More research will enable us to better understand which patients stand to benefit the most. Spinal decompression therapy is not suitable for everyone. Pregnant women, people who’ve undergone spinal fusion with metallic rods, those with severe osteoporosis, unstable spondylolisthesis, compression fractures or certain bony defects of the spine are not appropriate candidates.

It’s important to speak with your physiotherapist or chiropractor to determine whether or not spinal decompression is right for you. Keep in mind, too, that spinal decompression may be more effective when used in conjunction with other types of therapy, such as a directed active rehabilitation program or hands-on manual treatment.

References:

Gionis, T; Groteke, E. Spinal decompression. Orthopedic Technology Review 2003, 5:36-9.

Gose, E; Naguszewski, W; Naguszewski, R. Vertebral axial decompression therapy for pain associated with herniated or degenerated discs or facet syndrome: An outcome study. J Neuro Research1998, 20(4):186-90.

Sherry, E; Kitchener, P; Smart, R. A prospective randomized controlled study of VAX-D and TENS for the treatment of chronic low back pain. Neural Res 2001, 23:780-84.

May is National Physiotherapy Month in Canada and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the wide-ranging benefits physiotherapists provide to the health and well being of Canadians. Physiotherapists are primary health professionals who treat the root cause of problems, provide individualized treatment plans, and apply preventative techniques that go beyond offering only temporary relief of symptoms.

Registered physiotherapists are university educated in the health sciences, allowing them to understand the body and know what keeps it from moving well. They work in both private and public practice settings across Canada where they treat a variety of conditions and provide valuable education on mobility, body strength and endurance.

This National Physiotherapy Month, Canadian Physiotherapy Association invites all Canadians to learn more about what physiotherapists do. Access to a physiotherapist is easy and does not require a physician referral. Learn more and find a physiotherapist near you at www.physiotherapy.ca.

The resource, which has been developed specifically for people with Parkinson’s, and for those health professionals who treat them, including physiotherapists, provides information on the benefits of aerobic, strengthening, flexibility and balance activities, which are key to improving Parkinson’s symptoms. The resource includes a tracking tool to chart and record physical activity and progress.

“How ironic that the symptoms Parkinson’s is most known for— loss of movement, balance, rigidity— improve with physical activity,” says Parkinson Society Canada CEO Joyce Gordon. People with Parkinson’s want to do everything they can to maintain their quality of life and to remain independent and physically able for as long as possible. This new resource is designed to help them manage their disease through exercise and staying active. “Through our partnership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association in developing the Physical Activity and Parkinson’s Disease resource, we are helping people to take control of their Parkinson’s by taking an important step forward, literally,” she adds.

The “Physical Activity and Parkinson’s Disease” resource, available in English and French, online and in print, is being launched as part of Parkinson’s Awareness Month (April).

“This tool will help physiotherapists work more effectively with their Parkinson’s clients,” says Rob Werstine, PT, MSc, FCAMPT, President of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. “Staying active, improving balance, flexibility and strength are important to everyone’s health, but they are even more important for people with Parkinson’s because rigidity, poor balance and a tendency to fall are common with the condition.”
Parkinson Society Canada, with 10 regional partners and 240 chapters and support groups, provides education, support, and advocacy on behalf of over 100,000 Canadians living with Parkinson’s. Its research program is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Canadians living with Parkinson’s, identifying causes and some day, a cure. To find out more about Parkinson’s disease and services available near you, call 1-800-565-3000 or visit www.parkinson.ca.

The mission of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (http://www.physiotherapy.ca/) is to advance the profession of physiotherapy in order to improve the health of Canadians. Members of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association include registered physiotherapists, physiotherapy assistants, physiotherapy students, and affiliate members who support the mission of the association.