Atrophy and Chronic Back Pain

Atrophy (shrinking) of spinal muscles is a common finding associated with back pain. Early studies have reported atrophy and abnormalities of the spinal muscles in up to 80% of people with chronic back pain.  More recently, researchers have discovered that  atrophy starts to occur in as little as 24 hours following a back strain.

When trying to reverse these changes, and restore the strength and function of your spinal muscles to their prior level (or better!), consider the following:

During the initial stages of a resistance training program, gains in strength are almost entirely due to improved communication between your nervous system and your muscles. For muscle hypertrophy (growth) to occur, the duration of resistance training must be AT LEAST a month in length.  Significant improvements in muscle mass have been observed after 2 months of  resistance training. Near maximum improvements in strength may occur in as little as 12 weeks. However, peak improvements in strength and hypertrophy require a much longer duration of training.

Your body’s response to resistance training includes improved strength and endurance, increased muscle mass, bone mass, and connective tissue thickness. In essence, you have improved your body’s ability to tolerate physical stresses. This reduces the likelihood of additional strains, and also reduces the amount of time it takes to recover from a strain.

So… why choose us to help you get your life back on track?

The MedX exercise equipment we use is the only FDA registered Medical Strengthening Devices in the United States for strengthening both the lumbar and cervical areas of the spine.

The superiority of our specific approach here at BMC Neck and Back Clinic has been published in scientific journals; our proprietary protocols have been shown to have superb outcomes and that surgery can often be prevented.

A neurologist will evaluate the patient at the start of the program and remain involved in the patient’s care until discharge. Rehab personnel are specially trained licensed physical therapists.