What is QI Back & Spine Clinic?

QI Back & Spine Clinic is a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to diagnosing & treating severe, chronic or acute back and spine conditions by non-surgical methods. Diagnosing the root cause of back and spine conditions is always the first step in medicine. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to accurately diagnose the cause of back pain because the more accurate the diagnosis, the more precise the treatment. We believe that it is essential to reverse the underlying cause of back pain and not just temporarily suppress the symptoms.

How do you diagnose the root cause of back pain?

An accurate diagnosis is critical as 85% of back pain cases are termed ‘non-specific’. Your back pain can be due to a neurological, systemic, structural or mechanical dysfunction. We are amongst the first to use a diagnostic approach that covers all these aspects. We use non-invasive technology that isolates the spinal structure. The controlled guided movements test and measure the strength and mobility of the spine. We can therefore identify the root cause of your back pain and prescribe further course of treatment.

What technology do you use? Is it non-invasive?

The machines we use are non-invasive biofeedback devices. They hold and support your body in fixed positions and then measure your functional ability during movements. They allow us to get a clear understanding of your spinal muscle tissue.

Who are QI spine specialists?

Our spine specialists are doctors with a specialisation in spinal disorders post a 4-year clinical degree in physical medicine or physiotherapy. They are specialists in the prescription of mechanical medical movements. Their expertise is dedicated to the reversal of spinal disorders and to promote mobility & function.

Muscle Strain Treatment | Back & Neck Muscle Strain Treatment & Causes

Muscle Strain Symptoms

A strain can happen in any muscle or tendon and can cause pain. It may also limit movement in the affected muscle group. A muscle strain usually occurs when undue pressure is put on muscles in our daily activities. Minor injuries can only over-stretch the muscle or its tendon whereas severe injuries can lead to a partial or complete tear of the tendon. The common signs and symptoms depend on the severity of a muscle strain which is as follows:

Sudden pain or tenderness
Swelling, bruising, or redness
Soreness
Pain even at rest
Pain when the specific muscle is in use
A ‘knotted-up’ feeling
Inability to use the muscle, limited motion
Muscle weakness
Muscle spasms or cramps

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Muscle Strain Causes

One of the most common sites for a muscle strain is the back. A back muscle strain usually happens due to overstretching or over-usage of muscle. Those people whose work involves repetitive movements might develop chronic muscle strain injuries. Muscle strain can be acute or chronic. An acute strain can occur when your muscle tears suddenly which can happen while jumping, running, slipping, or lifting something heavy. An acute strain may occur as a result of: -

Poor flexibility
Over-exertion
Fatigue
Poor conditioning
Not warming up before any physical activity

A chronic muscle strain is generally the result of repetitive movements or repetitive injuries when you stress a muscle by repeating the same motion again and again. It can be due to sports, poor posture, or holding back and neck in an awkward position for a long time.

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Muscle Strain Treatment

The commonly prescribed treatment for muscle strain is pain killers but these medicines only block out the pain without addressing the root cause of the problem which is the injury. Over 90% of all muscle injuries are caused by strains and the back is one of the most common sites for a strain. Here are some treatments that focus on repairing damaged tissue.

Precision Medical Movements

X-ray and MRI tests only show damage to structures but they cannot pinpoint damaged or weakened muscles. But the DSA (digital spinal analysis) test measures spine function so that the specialists can recommend an individualized treatment plan for each patient. Advanced physiotherapy along with medical movements will heal damaged tissue and improve muscle function.

Muscle Strain Exercise

A muscle strain is caused by overusing a muscle or using it in the wrong way and while rest is essential during the initial stage, it is equally important to transition to the ‘active recovery’ stage. Spine specialists will suggest stretching and flexibility exercises based on the severity of your muscle strain so that you don’t cause additional damage to the injured muscle.

Compression Therapy for Muscle Strain

Active compression improves blood flow in the injured area, which allows more oxygen to reach damaged tissues and this results in a shorter recovery time. Compression also helps to reduce swelling which in turn, reduces pain and discomfort.

Rehabilitation Muscle Strain Exercises

As your muscle strain heals, it is important to keep it flexible to prevent secondary problems such as a stiff back. Spine specialists will recommend exercises that you can continue to practice in order to make sure that the strained muscle heals completely so that there is no chance of a re-injury at the same location. If the pain from a strained back muscle keeps increasing or if you start to experience bladder issues, you should consult a spine specialist right away for a definite diagnosis

Muscle Strain Prevention

Avoid injury by stretching daily.
Stretch after your exercise regime.
Start an exercise program after consulting your physician.
Do a warm-up routine before strenuous exercises, sports, etc.
Maintain a healthy weight as obesity can stress your muscles.
Always maintain good posture.

When To See A Spine Specialist?

Mild muscle strain could be treated at home but if your symptoms don’t improve or persist despite muscle strain treatment, or if you experience numbness or tingling; then you should consider seeing a doctor. If the pain from a strained back muscle keeps increasing or if you start to experience severe neurological symptoms such as bladder incontinence, you should consult a spine specialist right away for a definite diagnosis.