like injury, are less likely to occur.” He admits that aches and pains can also help us. “Sometimes back pain makes you lie flat on your back, where you can’t do anything but think about your life.” Patrick learned this message personally when he was


a young carpenter wrestling with a crane load. His low- back injury occurred during a phase in his life when he was seeking a more fulfilling career. “Though I had to stay home for three days to see a chiropractor and physical therapist, the experiences sparked my interest in healing. I entered massage school a year later and I haven’t had back problems since.”


Moore once treated a client with upper back pain for


three years. During that time, the client shared her frustra- tion over a family issue she was reluctant to address. When the woman’s pain became unmanageable, she began taking medication that made her so groggy she eventu- ally fell down the stairs and broke her hip. Because she lived alone, and the ambu- lance didn’t arrive for four hours, the injury could have been life-


If you’ve had an injury, you’ve lost the sense of connection with your body.


threatening. Moore explains, “When visiting the hospital, I asked her if it might be time to address her family problem. She said, ‘I’ll take care of it after I heal from this injury.’ ” Moore expressed his concern that avoiding the issue contributed to her health problems. The woman grudgingly set a date to speak with her family, and her health made a sudden, dramatic change: she had a hip replacement that healed with little pain, and her back discomfort disap- peared. As Moore summarizes, “In her case, part of the solution was massage therapy, and the other part was what she needed to do for herself.”


BRUCE FRANKE, JR. PT Physical Therapist Bruce Franke, Jr., describes three ways we can help ourselves enjoy spinal health. The first is, simply, walking. He agrees with Dr. Sadilek that thirty min- utes of daily walking at a moderate pace enhances muscle control, improves endurance and allows the spine to as- sume its natural curves. Postural support is the second step. To support the low back for a sustained period of time, he suggests adjusting your chair, using extra padding, or re- placing your chair if necessary. The third step is strengthen- ing the body’s core areas (pelvic floor, low lumbar muscles, diaphragm and abdominal wall) to help eliminate potential back injuries.


Before engaging in a new sport or exercise, he advises we consult with a trainer or therapist to learn how to move both freely and safely. Franke says, “I’ve seen people who were nearly unable to do their jobs or who were in bed for


November 2010 17


most of their days, become active again by being commit- ted to walking, postural support and core strengthening while undergoing therapy.” For those who currently experience back pains or


strains, rehabilitation will occur more quickly when these factors are considered: • Early intervention is key. The more quickly pain is addressed, the less likely the patient will develop chronic problems.


• Consider the past. Scoliosis, leg length discrepancies and old ankle, foot or knee injuries may create back strain over time. Such injuries force patients to change the way they transfer loads into their backs, thus cre- ating back pain.


• Adopt a commitment to becoming well. Be motivated and open to educating yourself about your situation, and completing your rehabilitation program.


Franke reminds us, “If you’ve had an injury, you’ve lost the sense of connection with your body. Retrain your brain to connect with your core.”


Dr. Bruce Sadilek, NMD, is a primary care physician who blends natural and conventional therapies. Voted 2007 Doctor of the Year, Dr. Sadilek also conducts health lectures and weekly core strengthening classes. Contact: drsadilek. com or 520-297-9664.


Patrick Moore, LMT BA, is a massage therapist, life coach and continuing education instructor for massage therapists. Contact: meltingmuscles.com or 520-334-8950.


Bruce Franke, Jr., PT MSc OCS MTC FAAOMPT, utilizes an integrative approach to physical therapy. He specializes in orthopedic manual therapy and spinal rehabilitation. Con- tact him at Desert Palms Physical Therapy and Movement Studio, desertpalmspt.com or 520-531-0305.


Traci Moore is a writer and editor who holds a BA in Studio Art/Photography from Scripps College and a Certificate in Creative Writing from Phoenix College. Her fiction and es- says have appeared in numerous publications. Contact her at tracimoore.org.


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