Spine Care Program
The Spine Care Program is our most popular program for most complex cases of acute low back, thoracic or neck pain or flare up of chronic low back, thoracic or neck pain.
The Spine Care program has been successful for many spinal injuries and conditions including herniated discs, lumbar radiculopathy and sciatica pain. Our program follows the most current back pain clinical guidelines including the Towards Optimized Practice (TOP) Evidence-Informed Primary Care Management of Low Back Pain, European Low Back Pain Series of Guidelines and the Neck Task Force Guidelines for neck pain.
We pride ourselves for our focus on self-management and rehabilitation.
For those who seek a more comprehensive approach for their spine condition, please see our Advanced Spine Care program.
Program Duration:
Program length can vary depending on each case and spine pain condition, however the average severe pain case (severe disc herniations/sciatic leg pain or radiculopathy) typically requires 16 sessions over 8 weeks, followed by a consult at one month and at three months post discharge. Sessions are typically booked 2x per week for 8 weeks, followed by a consult at one month and three month post discharge. Less severe cases may resolve with less treatment. Treatments are paid as you go. No bulk payment is required.
Backgrounder on our Spine Care Program
The human spine is a remarkable structure. Your spine is designed to give you support and protection. At the same time, the spine provides strength, coordination and flexibility for walking, running, jumping, bending, stretching and twisting. It is essential that your spine and its structures are healthy and pain free in order to have an optimal quality of life.
Muscle and joint sprain/strain or what is known as mechanical pain is the most common cause of spinal pain. Fortunately, most episodes of mechanical spine pain are uncomplicated and will require minimal therapy and can be resolved through regular chiropractic or physiotherapy. However, more complex spinal conditions involving herniated discs, degenerative discs, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, ankylosing spondylitis, failed back surgery syndrome, osteoporosis, de-conditioning or serious whiplash require a more comprehensive clinical management strategy. Our program is divided into 3 components designed to meet the unique needs of adolescents, seniors and adults. To learn more about the spine see our Spine Resource Section.
Our Spine Care Program is designed for the adult and utilizes an innovative approach to the management of complex spinal conditions. Cases of complex spinal pain involve multiple sources of pain mechanisms including injury and dysfunction of various spinal structures (ligaments, disc, muscle, tendon, bone and joints), neurological compromise, metabolic and hormonal alterations as well as psychological involvement.
For each patient, we will develop a 3-pronged progressive treatment approach to address your specific spinal condition. Specialized modalities is used over and above our regular chiropractic and physiotherapy care. These included, shockwave therapy, laser tx, specialized rehabilitation and professional, safe and comfortable spinal decompression tx on our Chattanoga Table. The 3 program phases include:
- Education and Reassurance
- Regeneration and Repair
- Spinal Rehabilitation
In addition to our Spine Care Program we offer Spine Care programs specific to the populations/conditions below:
- Senior Spine Care
- Adolescent Spine Care
- Osteoporosis Care
Spine Care for Seniors
Spinal disorders and pain is highly prevalent in seniors and is associated with higher risks for falls, functional impairment, immobility and cognitive impairments. Our Senior Spine Care Program is an extension of our clinic based Spine Care Program adapted to fit the unique needs of the senior patient.
Cases of complex spinal pain involve multiple sources of pain mechanisms including injury and dysfunction of various spinal structures (ligaments, disc, muscle, tendon, bone and joints), neurological compromise, metabolic and hormonal alterations as well as psychological involvement. We recognize that chronic diseases, including spinal (back) conditions, heart disease, depression, diabetes and asthma share common risk factors and “co-morbidities”.
Modifiable health habits and risk factors such as physical inactivity, poor diet, smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and being overweight account for a substantial proportion of all chronic diseases including painful back conditions. Rehabilitation is concentrated on balance, proprioceptive training, increasing muscle strength and coordination. Over the 8 week program some “hands on” therapies, i.e. mobilization, modalities as indicated will be performed to quicken recovery time. Overall the program supports facilitating self –management of the spinal condition and/or pain through education, reassurance and lifestyle modification. Patients will be discharged with a home rehab plan designed to be fun, interesting and progressively challenging and easily incorporated in the patient’s routine for greater adherence and effectiveness.
First, we will screen and evaluate your risk factors and design an individual plan around personal goals. Second, we provide a comprehensive exam and medical file review to ensure a proper diagnosis for your pain condition. Finally, we utilize cost-effective clinical management to implement a course of treatment based on pain reduction and functional rehabilitation.
Criteria for Inclusion:
Candidates for this program are 65 years of age or older. Our clinical team will screen the patient prior to admission to the program.
Adolescent Spine Care
The adolescent spine program is designed to meet the needs of adolescents and teens. Postural dysfunction, scoliosis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, back pain due to menstrual irregularities and depression are some of the most common causes of spinal pain among teens. Our team of clinicians are committed to diagnosing and managing these conditions through evidence-based protocols.
Osteoporosis Care
The objective of our Osteoporosis Program is to assist patients at risk or diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis to acquire increased bone mass and muscle strength. The program focuses on physical rehabilitation and balance training with the use of our specialized modalities (including rehab with vibration therapy). Patients will be instructed on self-management techniques, including weight bearing activities, balance and proper nutrition/supplementation to increase bone density and continue to support bone health. Click here to read about the benefits of vibration therapy.
