The majority of people with chronic back pain have weak muscles in their back and core. This weakness causes pain, instability of the spine and increases the likelihood of further injury.
The good news is, most back pain can be treated if these muscles are isolated and strengthened.
We use a MedX lumbar rehabilitation machine as part of our programmes. The machine is the first of its kind capable of isolating the muscles of the lower back. The treatment is used in thousands of clinics worldwide and is now available in the UK. We are the only centre in the South West offering such programmes.
Through building strength of the muscles and working on flexibility, we achieve stability of the spine, which will eliminate or reduce pain, increase range of movement and restore an active, healthy life.
How do I know if the MedX core strengthening programme is suitable for me?
Before you begin a programme you must have a diagnostic strength and mobility test. This lasts approximately 1 hour and involves a full consultation and diagnostic test on the lumbar extension machine, providing strength and mobility comparisons to the norms for your age and weight. You will be given print-outs of the reports, the results of which will be explained fully to you at the end of the session. The test will assess your suitability for treatment. If the treatment is not suitable, advice can be given on the best course of action. After the test you are under no obligation to undertake any programme.
What conditions can and cannot be treated?
We can treat the following conditions:
- Prolapsed or bulging disc
- Osteoporosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Sciatica
- Degenerative joint or disc syndrome
- Hypermobility
Contra-indications to our progammes are
- Acute fractures
- Spinal tumours
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Severe osteoporosis
We can, however, advise you on the best course of treatment if you are suffering any of the above.
How soon after surgery can I have treatment?
We can see you 6 weeks after your surgery.
How long are the programmes and what’s involved in a session?
After an initial test and consultation, the programme involves 12 sessions over 12 weeks. Each session lasts approximately 1 hour and consists of a set of exercises on the MedX lumbar extension machine, total body conditioning using various pieces of exercise equipment, core stability exercises and, depending on you and your condition, possible sports massage and flexibility work.
What happens during the diagnostic test and consultation?
The diagnostic test and consultation lasts approximately 1 hour and includes a full consultation where you will be asked for information and history of your condition. You will then have a strength test in the MedX lumbar extension machine and given print outs of the reports. The results of these reports will be fully explained to you at the end of the session. After the test you are under no obligation to undertake any programme.
What do I wear?
Anything you feel comfortable in and that’s not too restrictive. Most people wear jogging bottoms and a T-shirt with trainers. Jeans are not recommended as the seams are restrictive in the machine. Bear in mind that your body temperature is likely to rise during the exercises.
How will I feel after a session?
If your back is stiff, you will probably feel an immediate loosening after a treatment. During the days following a session you may feel slightly achy in your back muscles, similar to how you may feel after a workout in the gym or after doing something you’re not used to doing. It’s perfectly normal and should ease after 2-3 days.
Has there been any research into the MedX treatment?
Many research articles have been published on the effectiveness of the treatment on patients with back pain. Click here to visit the research pages on the MedX Ltd. website.
