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May
21, 2007
NEW INSIGHT INTO PREVENTING CHRONIC BACK PAIN
Experts Reveal Three Common Mistakes Consumers Make That May Contribute
To Chronic Back Pain and Excessive Healthcare Costs
Nearly 80 percent of Americans will suffer some type of back injury
during their lifetime and estimates of the societal cost of back pain
in the United States range from $30 to $50 billion per year. Due
to varied medical advice and unproven rehabilitation programs in the
healthcare industry, many Americans are left with excessive healthcare
costs and risk for chronic back problems that may have been avoided.
Experts at VibrantCare Rehabilitation reveal three important steps that
could mean the difference between multiple costly surgeries and a full
return to activities of daily living.
(1) Don't Wait – consumers should call their Physician within 24-48
hours after suffering back pain to seek immediate guidance and activity
and treatment recommendations. The 5 -10% of the population
who end-up with chronic low back pain and limitations account for
approximately 60% of the 30-50 billion dollars spent annually.
(2) Get Moving – rather than the old theory of REST immediately
post-injury, research overwhelmingly suggests that early MOVEMENT is
the key to a quick recovery. Further, clinical studies indicate
that higher levels of activity, exercise, and general fitness are the
single most important factors during both your recovery, and everyday
life to prevent further flare-ups.
(3) Get Classified – The traditional physical therapy model treats
based on the specific structure that is assumed to be injured (i.e.
herniated disc). However, clinical research which began in 1989,
and continues through 2007, suggests that a low back pain
rehabilitation program that classifies and treats based on your
specific pattern of symptoms (i.e. I feel better when I stand, my leg
pain goes away when I bend backwards, etc.) produces greater outcomes
than standard programs in which you receive treatment specific to your
assumed injured structure.
“Low back pain treatment is very ambiguous with a wide variety of
unproven treatment options,” explains Todd Benz, Physical Therapist and
Clinical Operations Director. “Knowing what to do immediately
after an injury, and what to look for when entering into a
rehabilitation program, will greatly increase one's chance of a full
recovery.”
Beginning May 21st, 2007, Arizona VibrantCare Rehabilitation Centers
initiated an evidence-based spine treatment program and outcome study
which will include 15 physical therapists and over 225 patient
cases. Vibrantcare Rehabilitation, Inc., consists of 49
outpatient
rehabilitation centers, four on-site locations, two rehab provider
networks and one occupational medicine management agreement in Arizona,
California, Oregon, New Mexico and Washington. Vibrantcare’s
locally-driven healthcare model adjusts and accommodates to the unique
operational and patient care needs of Western America. For
further information, please contact Todd Benz, VibrantCare Clinical
Operations Director.
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