Treating Low Back Pain the Proper Way

Based on the research of the past few years, almost all physical therapy clinics in the US have been retraining the low back the wrong way. Why? In order to stabilize the spine, you must recondition the small muscles close to the spine called the multifidus and the deepest stomach muscle called the tranversus abdominus However, almost all rehab programs for the back have focused on the large muscles on the outside that help extend and bend the back, not the muscles responsible for stability. In addition, these same programs have focused on the large stomach muscles while neglecting the muscle responsible for stabilizing the spine.  
As a result of this incorrect focus, many people have gotten worse with exercise for low back pain. It's become so common, that new medical and psychological terms and diagnoses have been dreamed up to try to explain why so many people do so poorly. However, the segmental approach to low back rehabilitation is based on dozens of medical research studies showing that focusing on the right muscles works! Learn more by clicking here

Christopher J. Centeno, M.D.

Spinal Anatomy

Stem Cells in Your Future?

Many people mistakenly believe that you have to destroy embryos to produce stem cells. The truth is they can be created by our own bone marrow. These cells can now mature into tissue capable of producing ligaments, Disk material and even new bone. The Spinal Injury Foundation is sponsoring clinical trials using stem cells .

Researchers set to begin brain stem cell trial

Experiment aimed at halting progression of fatal genetic disease in kids
The Associated Press

Updated: 8:56 p.m. ET March 9, 2006
PORTLAND, Ore. - Oregon researchers are set to begin the first clinical trial in the nation using fetal stem cells to treat infants and children suffering from a rare and fatal brain disease.
The stem cells will be injected into the brain in an effort to halt the progress of the genetic disorder called Batten disease that leaves its victims blind, speechless and paralyzed before they die.

Researchers note the cells are taken from fetal tissue -- not from developing embryos
 

Seattle Spine & Rehabilitation Medicine

 Is hosting a series of monthly seminars, starting this fall.
Who is invited: DCs, DOs, MDs, therapists, case managers, insurance and legal professionals.
 for more info..

When: Fourth Tuesday of each month, from September through May, excluding December,

6:30 - 7:45 p.m.

Where: Seattle Spine & Rehabilitation Medicine, overlooking Lake Union, with refreshments

Registration:  To register or for more information contact Shannon @ 206-861-8200 or spineadmin@...

Safe Car Search

Here is a great place to check out safety ratings if you are in the market for a vehicle. There are also after market devices available such as  Head-rest modifications from Wedge Support Products.

Save Your Neck

The Save Your Neck program is designed to increase public awareness about neck and spinal injuries with the ultimate goal of preventing those injuries. Watch a Save Your Neck  demonstration news clip

Tens of thousands of people each year receive permanent spinal injuries as a result of rear end crashes. Many of these are not externally visible injuries, but damage to critical nerves, joints, ligaments, and bones. Most of these life changing injuries can be prevented or minimized with proper seat design and public awareness. more info here

Ask the Doctor

Ask The Doctor feature is here on the Spinal Injury Foundation web site. We welcome your input. Got questions? We have answers!

2006 IWTC

If you missed us you can join us by DVD. They are in production and will be available soon. You will be able to order them from the newsletter or the web site Coming Soon!

Knowledge Is Power Campaign

IWTC 2005/2003 Material available on CD

Understand the latest developments in late whiplash diagnosis and management.
Understand the direction and upcoming developments regarding ongoing research.
Predict which patients will become chronic suffers. Document the injury with objective diagnostics.

We are offering  both the IWTC 2003 and the IWTC 2005 CD/DVD combination for a limited time at the special sale price of $199.99. Proceeds from these materials helps to further education, advocacy and research.

Thought for Today

The significant problems we have cannot be solved at the same level of thinking with which we created them.
Albert Einstein, (attributed)
US (German-born) physicist (1879 - 1955)