Sami Karam

After working as an assistant and then as an Osteopath for 6 years at the Peakhurst Sports Medicine Clinic begining in 1999, Dr Sami Karam started the Parramatta branch of the Sports Medicine Clinic in 2005. In 2001 he was the head physician for the Petersham Soccer Club, then from 2002-2004 he was the head physician for the Southern Star Sharks Soccer Club in the NSW State League. In 2005 Sami became the head physician for the St George Crows AFL Club in the NSW Premier League, and acts as a consultant till the present day. During his many years of practice, Dr. Sami Karam has had the opportunity to travel to Europe and work with elite athletes at the highest level. He is currently a consultant for the Barcelona Total Tennis Academy and Catania Football Club (FC) in the Italian Seria A. He has a special interest in Strength Training for the athletes that he treats and uses the same model in rehabilitating common injuries that present in the clinics. Dr Sami Karam was a guest lecturer at the University of Western Sydney Osteopathy program and is a fully registered AHPRA practitioner and a member of the Osteopathy Australia.

Whiplash pain – prevention, diagnosis and treatment

09/26/202109/01/2021 by Sami Karam

Whiplash injury can be a result of sudden and unexpected force applied to the neck or back. There are thousands of cases of whiplash every year and many of which are caused by car or motorbike accidents. This post will give an overview of whiplash in general, as well as different causes, symptoms, diagnoses and treatments for whiplash injuries.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash can occur when the lower back or neck undergoes a sudden contraction of the spine. People with whiplash can have a harder time controlling their internal muscles and tend not to be able to properly support their own weight or that of another person.

In many cases, a patient will have whiplash pain caused by a muscle or ligament that has been stretched beyond its normal range of movement. The cause of this pain might be a combination of poor movement patterns, misuse of joints, and even physical trauma from riding a bike or driving.

Whiplash causes

The neck and spine are a complex network of muscles and bones that control movement and help us think and remember. Injury can damage the connective tissue that holds these tissues together. This type of injury may cause numbness, tingling and sharp pain.

There are a number of causes of whiplash injury, these might include:

Automotive accidents
Injuries caused by collisions
Contact sports
Motorcycle accidents
Extreme sports
Crash landings

Automotive causes of whiplash

Whiplash in automotive settings can be the result of sudden and sharp movements, such as hitting the side of the steering wheel after a car crash. The key term is “sudden” sharp movements, such as hitting the side of the steering wheel after a car crash. When the neck and spine bend and turn violently, you might experience the condition as a whiplash injury.

For instance, it might occur when you fall off or ride a motorcycle in a hard corner. You may have whiplash injury in a car or motorcycle if:

Your car goes out of control while you’re driving
You experience a sudden turn, a bump or a jolt
You experience a sudden stop
Your car suddenly collides with another car or stationary object

Whiplash in sportspeople

Whiplash is a surprisingly common injury that many professional sports players deal with repeatedly. When this happens to the ligaments in the neck or upper back, the result can be pain that can be very debilitating and costly to the athlete.

Whiplash is considered one of the most common sports injuries. It usually happens to the neck and upper back, but it can also happen to the shoulder and arm. One of the reasons for this is because it involves rotational forces that are causing the joint to move in a twisting or turning motion.

How can you prevent a whiplash injury?

As we age, our muscles become weaker and less flexible and so whiplash can get worse. Muscle spasms may occur due to muscle fatigue, which may increase the risk of whiplash. No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen.

Be careful when you drive your car

Take extra care when you drive and avoid doing anything that could cause a whiplash injury. Here are some suggestions that may help reduce risks:

Ensure that diagonal seat belts are securely fastened
Backhand turns and jerky driving are more likely to lead to whiplash injury
Avoid driving while you’re tired or fatigued

Lower Back Pain: Dispelling Myths, Seeking Truth

Neck strength for contact sports

Strengthening the neck is vitally important for athletes involved in collision sports. Not only does it help with reducing whiplash injuries, but improves outcomes associated with concussions.

Symptoms of whiplash

So, what are the signs and symptoms of whiplash?

If you have whiplash, you might have pain, weakness, and stiffness in your neck and arms, especially in the lower back and neck. You might also be experiencing headaches, neck pain, and discomfort or numbness in the lower back.

Is whiplash permanent?

When you’re injured in a car accident, you may experience whiplash. This is a severe type of pain that manifests after your neck is jolted by a sudden impact with a vehicle. If you experience this pain regularly, it can be hard to tell if it’s temporary or permanent. You should consult with a healthcare provider to assess and diagnose.

How whiplash is diagnosed?

Most of the time, whiplash is a symptom of another injury, such as whiplash in car accidents. The doctor or healthcare professional may try to pinpoint the cause of the whiplash injury. If you’re suffering from whiplash, you can avoid a lot of hassle by knowing how to identify and treat whiplash injury.

Transverse rib injury and Pit Bull Syndrome

The word “whiplash” can be a misleading term, as it has been used to describe a wide range of different injuries. Another term used might be “transverse rib injury”, which can more precise because it better reflects the actual condition of the injury. Whiplash includes any rib or vertebra injury and is also known as a “vertical neck fracture” or “vertical transverse rib fracture.” The condition most commonly associated with whiplash is the infamous “Pit Bull Syndrome” (often abbreviated as PBS).

Diagnostic tools

X-rays, CT Scans and MRI may show the spine, or any vertebrae, flexing and twisting. This tool may show a disc protruding from between the vertebrae, which may be evidence of whiplash injury.

In addition, a CT scan is a helpful diagnostic tool. It can help detect herniated discs and blood clots, among other things.

Physical examination

Baseline physical examination may also be conducted to find out if there are any immediate problems. This will help in ruling out any further injury or issue that is related to the injury.

Sensory evaluation and testing are also done to diagnose the injury. The severity of the injury, pain and immobilization on the neck is assessed by the doctor. Steps of this exam may include moving your neck and back in particular positions and medical teams detecting any numbness, tingling or any other signs of disc protrusion.

Treatment for whiplash

There are several treatment options to treat whiplash injuries. The standard treatment for whiplash may include physical therapy and the use of pain medications like Voltaren and Ibuprofen. But this often leaves the underlying mechanical issues unresolved.

Other treatment options by medical teams can include spinal adjustments, sports medicine, physiotherapy, dry needling, chiropractic treatment, massage, and osteopathy. All these treatments may treat the problem, the underlying mechanical trauma, and prevent future complications.

If you feel that any of the information we’ve given you here resonates with you and you feel we are in a position to help, please BOOK ONLINE as we would welcome the opportunity. If you feel that we can help you in any other way, please reach out to us via our CONTACT PAGE.

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Back Pain, Back Strength!

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

I’ve been a qualified Osteopath since 2004. I’ve been playing football ever since I could remember and I have a passion for it. I’ve played at the highest level in the NSW State League at both Youth and Senior levels, and have also been Head Physician at numerous State League Clubs. I’ve travelled internationally and consulted with Sports academies in Barcelona and Italy. I have a special interest in Strength and Conditioning for footballers, as I believe it gives them an edge in their physical competition. My passion involves bringing all of this knowledge into every single treatment that I provide for all athletes. If you feel that I can help you and want to reach out to me, contact me.

More about Osteopath Dr. Sami Karam

What Is The Aim Of Sports Therapy and Massage On RSI?

05/15/202208/26/2021 by Sami Karam

Repetitive strain injury, or RSI, can sound scary and some people fear it will end their careers. RSI may be symptomatic in the fingers, elbows and wrists caused by repetitive use, compression, vibrations, or holding fixed positions. Many professions use their hands in their jobs, such as musicians, plumbers, construction workers, chefs, hairdressers, dentists, jewellery makers, drivers, electricians, sportspeople and many more. Though, just about anyone can develop an RSI. Continue tot read to learn what RSI is, symptoms, prevention, and treatments.

What Is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?

Repetitive strain injury, or RSI, is caused by abnormal muscle tension or contraction of muscles that then can over time lead to injury. RSI may be commonly confused with carpal tunnel syndrome. It may cause some hand pain or hand spasm. Physical repetitive tasks are often the main culprits for causing RSI, but it can also occur due to poor posture, heavy work positions, particular actions in sports.

Risk factors for developing RSI may include neurological problems, like nerve disorders and muscle weakness, genetic disorders, multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, and motor vehicle accidents.

As the name suggests, RSI is a type of injury that happens when the same action or movement is repeated frequently. It’s an overuse injury that can be quite painful and impact a range of motion (ROM).

What and where does RSI impact?

RSI is most commonly found in wrist and forearm tendons. RSI frequently affects:

Wrists and hands
Forearms and elbows
Neck and shoulders
Other areas of your body can also be affected

The Symptoms of RSI

A repetitive strain injury usually demonstrates when you become progressively more weak or fatigued with the same movement. The nervous system controls a lot of different functions such as movements of muscles, nerves and joints.

When a muscle or joint becomes progressively weaker, it becomes difficult to perform the same movement again, this increases the risk of injury. For instance, a bowler in a bowling alley may be at risk of strain injury because they are powerfully rotating their elbow. Similarly, many athletes such as rugby players are increasingly at risk of RSI from repetitively smashing their shoulder joints against the ground or in an oppositional manner when tackling.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

How To Prevent RSI

The best ways that may prevent RSI is by keeping hands, or other risk areas, mobile and strong by using them regularly in a targeted way.

Strength Training

Strength training is an excellent way to maintain flexibility in the fingers and hand muscles. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes of exercise daily. Beginning with gentle stretches to build up flexibility may be an early approach for you. A Physio or Osteo can prescribe the kinds of strength exercises that may best prevent RSI.

Gentle Activity

Gentle movement is the best method of preventing RSI. These may be done with tools like an elastic band and putty. A Physio or Osteo can prescribe the kinds of gentle activities that may best prevent RSI.

What Causes Repetitive Strain Injury?

Though RSI can be a common occurrence in everyday life, it can be caused by injuries or trauma to the muscles. However, many people suffer from RSI with no obvious injury or trauma. Sports and activities that involve repetitive movements and activities are risk factors for RSI. It can be caused by tendonitis, muscle tears, sprains and strains. It can also occur due to overuse or strain injuries, in which the muscle is unable to reduce contract.

How Is RSI Diagnosed?

RSI is a collective, generic term for these kinds of injuries – mostly referring to pain in the arm.

If you have even mild pain or discomfort completing repetitive types of tasks at home or in your workplace, you may benefit by seeing a healthcare professional like an Osteo, Physio or Chiro. They will ask you questions about your activities noting repetitive movements and computer ergonomic workstation. In addition, they may conduct a physical assessment, including a range of motion tests, check for inflammation, reflexes, and strength.

What If RSI Goes Untreated?

The official medical diagnosis of these bio-mechanical conditions or may lead to serious conditions such as:

Repetitive motion injuries or disorders (RMD)
Ulnar Nerve Compression
Tendinitis
Golfers Elbow
Regional musculoskeletal disorder
Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)
Lateral Epicondylitis
Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS)
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Medial Epicondylitis
Repetitive stress injuries
De Quervain’s Syndrome
Occupational or sports overuse injuries
Extremity weakness
Tenosynovitis
Ganglionic cysts
Tendinopathies (e.g Rotator Cuff, Hip)
Tennis elbow
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Bursitis
Plantar Fasciopathy
Osteitis Pubis
Achilles Tendinopathy

What Treatments Can I Use For RSI?

For sportspeople and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, physicians may prescribe an ice pack for the symptoms. Other common treatments may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, osteopathic techniques, infrared heating, physiotherapy, electrical stimulation, or splint, and massage. Corticosteroids may be used, but need to be carefully considered.

Practitioners may prescribe lightweights, foot strapping or compression, strengthening exercises, bracing or fascial release. With regards to the hands, treatments usually aim to increase blood flow to the hands. Some therapists may suggest massage, often performed with a firm hand massage machine.

Repetitive Strain Injury Treatment Options

The initial treatment for RSI symptoms is conservative. This may include:

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Hot-cold therapy
Medication (including over-the-counter or prescriptions)
Physical exercises prescribed as part of a physical therapy treatment plan
Stress reduction and relaxation training
As a last resort, surgery to correct nerve/tendon issues

Why Use Massage Therapy for Repetitive Strain Injury Treatment?

Massage therapy is a great alternative, the conservative treatment you may want to consider before other treatment options, including the following:

It works to reduce pain and may help to heal the injury by doing the following:

It boosts blood and lymphatic circulation, helping the body to eliminate poisonous toxins and reduce swelling
Massage reduces the pain caused by tension in the muscles
It helps to promote healthy regeneration of tissue and tendons damaged by the RSI
It increases motion range by stretching tissue and relaxing tight muscles
Massage improves scar tissue and decreases the chances of re-tearing

Conclusion

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is usually caused by the repetitive use of muscles, tendons or ligaments. This repetitive strain creates a small but continuous force against the tendon, which can lead to deterioration and possibly fractures. RSI in the body can affect your flexibility, strength, power, work rate, movements, fatigue and confidence. Rehabilitation with a therapist can be the best solution to relieve RSI pain and correct the underlying causes before it becomes more severe.

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Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

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What is upper back pain?

04/23/202307/18/2021 by Sami Karam

Your upper back is largely made up of the thoracic spine, the part of the back where the ribs attach for the most part. Upper back pain is pain felt between your lower neck and the upper part of your low back.

How does upper back pain occur?

The upper back (like other parts of the spine) is comprised of many joints, ligaments and associated muscles. Back pain is usually caused when ligaments or muscles attaching to the vertebrae are injured. It can also be caused by the joints in the upper back becoming loaded, fatigued and strained. Poor posture, muscular fatigue, poor nutrition and chronic muscular tension may contribute to pain levels. It is very common for someone to injure their upper back when carrying objects, throwing, bending or twisting. Sitting at a desk for a prolonged time can cause upper back muscles to tighten and become stiff. Tension in the front of the chest and pec muscles may also contribute to this tension. Upper back pain can come even come from vigorous coughing or sneezing.

Sometimes upper back pain is caused by scoliosis, a curve in the spine that has developed during the adolescent growth period. In scoliosis there is usually an imbalance of the muscles of the upper back. This should be thoroughly investigated first before being diagnosed.

What are the symptoms of upper back pain?

Symptoms of upper back pain may include:

A feeling of tightness and tension
muscle spasms
pain when you take a deep breath
pain when your back is touched or when you move
pain when you move and roll your shoulders or bend your neck forward.

How is upper back pain diagnosed?

Diagnosis is generally done after thorough history taking and physical examination. The aim of the physical examination is to try and reproduce the pain so we can identify the source. This may be difficult without constant loading of the spine, although an understanding of what aggravates your pain and how it is aggravated will give us a good indication as to the diagnosis. X-rays may be requested in rare cases where the pain is persistent or a cause/trigger cannot be identified.

How is it treated?

After performing a thorough history and physical examination, a diagnosis is reached and a treatment plan is put together based on the diagnosis. Treatment generally has two objectives. One, is to reduce the symptoms of pain and discomfort, and two, to begin and continue the process of recovery and return to normal pain-free function. Your therapist may use a wide range of techniques from soft tissue release, joint mobilisation and articulation, stretching, muscle energy technique, and many other forms of manual therapy. The great thing about our therapists is that they have a wide range of tools at their disposal to help alleviate the pain. Techniques will be used based on giving you the best outcome in the shortest amount of time, maintaining the quality of care.

When can I return to my sport or activity?

The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to more damage. Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better.

It is important that you have fully recovered from your upper back pain before you return to your sport or strenuous activity. You must be able to have the same range of motion that you had before the injury. You should be able to run, lift, jump and twist without pain.

What can I do to prevent upper back pain?

The upper back is one of the areas of our body that is under constant strain in daily life. Whether sitting or standing, it takes to load from your torso and allows you to perform daily functions, especially ones that use your hands. The best way to prevent pain in this area is NOT to avoid using it but to improve the strength of the area so that it can withstand daily stresses. A good strength program will do this along with your will and compliance. Our practitioners can help you with this.

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

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What You Must Know About Bulging Discs

05/15/202207/06/2021 by Sami Karam

Here are the facts about bulging disks. how to get diagnosed with physio, massage, x-ray, CT scan. If you’re dealing with persistent back pain, don’t delay seeking out medical help. Learn how to prevent initial damage and the ongoing pain from bulging disks in your back.

What are bulging disks?

A bulging disc is a disc that becomes swollen because the layers that make up the discs of your spine are looser or stretched.

Bulging disks are the common cause of low back pain. They are also referred to as herniated discs or ruptured disks. The condition is caused by the degeneration and/or rupture of a disc in the lower back and any one of several other structures, including the neck and pelvic joints. An elevated disc height is indicative of an underlying cause, but another important indication is muscle tension in the area.

It is what you see when you turn your back and your left side of the back is pointing to the left and your right side of the back is pointing to the right. The disks move inside your spinal cord and can press against one another and cause pain and numbness.

Herniated disks

One of the causes of bulging discs is a herniated disk. A herniated disk occurs when a piece of the back’s own bone tears away from the spine, leaving a hole in the disc. The hole allows nerve roots to move around under the herniated disc, making the spine abnormally stiff. The herniated disk causes bulging discs when the disk pushes against the spinal cord, the sacroiliac (SI) joint, and spinal nerve roots, causing compression in the spine. If a herniated disk is not fixed, its nerve roots and spinal cord can become pinched by the herniated disc.

What are the symptoms of a bulging disk?

The friction between the layers makes your nerves in your spinal cord inflame and swell, resulting in back pain.

Some people also feel neck pain, dizziness, fogginess, tingling, and a foggy, disconnected feeling in their head and upper body. The cause is most likely the inflammation and inflammation that develops because of how badly your discs have compressed and the pressure of your surrounding muscles and ligaments.

Bulging disks in the lumbar spine

Bulging disks are tough, round lumps (cells) in the lower back that compress the spinal cord and nerve roots, compressing the nerves that extend from the spinal cord through the body and into the arms and legs.

Whiplash pain – prevention, diagnosis and treatment

Preventing bulging disks

Here are some things that may help you prevent bulging discs:

Sleep on your back every night. Don’t sleep on your stomach or your side.
Find a good mattress and pillow that is supportive and comfortable.
Don’t sit with an unsupported lumbar spine.
Don’t slouch or hunch over, which puts pressure on the lower back.
Stretch before getting into a car, computer chair or other similar position.
Eat right. Cut back on dairy and alcohol. Avoid fats and caffeine. Drink plenty of water. Stay hydrated.
Exercise. A light walk can be all it takes. Try to get at least 10 minutes of light exercise daily.

Causes of Bulging Disks

It can happen when you get old and the disks are worn out, but it also happens in young people, too. When you develop bulging disks it means your muscles are weakened. This can be because of an injury or stress.

This can be caused by a number of things such as overuse (tasks that are repeated several times per week), degenerative changes in the spine, excessive weight bearing on the back and/or hip joints, and even pregnancy.

Bulging disks are a medical condition that is not specific to any one body part. Instead, it happens when a disk in the back of your brain becomes enlarged, leading to decreased blood flow and poor brain function. It can be a sign of a number of other conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and stroke.

Bulging disks are the result of the expansion of the discs (the flexible outer part of a disc) that surrounds the nerve cells. This can cause a nerve problem called neuropathy. The cause could be due to either a physical injury, or a disease such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or an infection.

Diagnosis of bulging disks

You may be able to get a bulging disk diagnosis through diagnostic tools such as an x-ray or a CT scan.

If you have a bulging disk, it is unlikely to be an isolated incident. Over time, the disk materializes in a region of the discal trust zone just outside of the central nucleus, leaving it vulnerable to damage and degeneration. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, discolouration, or even rupture. The most common cause of bulging disks is the improper use of discs or other medical devices.

Treatment and management

The bulging disks are usually not painful and usually do not need treatment unless they are growing larger. However, they can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.

Highly qualified practitioners may be able to assist in establishing a treatment plan individualised for your unique bulging disk situation. These practitioners may include Massage Therapists, Osteopaths, and Chiropractors. They may use movement therapy, dry needling, massage, cupping, gentle manipulations, and physio.

A final recommendation may be undergo surgery, this should be treated as a last resort after other options are exhausted.

What is Lower Back Pain (LBP)?

How To Do A Sleeper Stretch

Back Pain, Back Strength!

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

More about Osteopath Dr. Sami Karam

What is a herniated disk?

09/12/202107/01/2021 by Sami Karam

A herniated disk is a disk where the inside soft part of the disk has seeped out from its proper place through the tougher outer part of the disk. Disks are small, circular cushions between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). The outside is firm and ligamentous, the inside is soft and gelatinous. Normally, discs act as shock absorbers to cushion your vertebrae from each other as you move. A herniated disk may press on nearby nerves and cause severe pain.

When a disk is damaged, the soft gooey centre of the disk squeezes out through a weak point in the firmer outer layer. A disk may be damaged by:

a fall or accident
repeated straining of your back
a sudden strenuous activities such as lifting a heavyweight incorrectly or twisting violently

A herniated disk may also happen spontaneously without any specific injury.

What are herniated disk symptoms?

If your herniated disk is in your back, your symptoms may develop gradually or begin suddenly. Symptoms may include:

back pain
numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in one or both legs (this is called sciatica)
changes in bladder and bowel habits.

Symptoms of a herniated disk in your neck may also develop gradually or suddenly. You may wake up and feel a sudden aching. Or you may have a twisted neck that you cannot straighten without extreme pain. You may also have numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms.

How are herniated disks diagnosed?

A Practitioner will review your symptoms and ask about the history of your pain. Then they will examine your spine and test the movement and reflexes in your arms and legs. Some other testing may be beneficial

x-rays of your spine
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
CT scan

Please be aware, that just because a scan indicates that there is a disk herniation, it DOES NOT always mean that the herniation is the cause of your pain. There are people walking around with massive herniations in no pain at all. And similarly, there are people walking around with very minor disks bulging with huge amounts of pain. We diagnose and treat the person, not the scans!

How are herniated disks treated?

In most cases, treatment without surgery will relieve your pain.

For a herniated disk in your back, a practitioner may recommend:

Deep tissue release to areas above and below the herniation
Gentle and focused spinal adjustments may help take the mechanical loading that underpin the herniation
Effective anti-inflammatory and tissue repair support
Nutrition for structural health
Eventually, we will need to strengthen your torso and back within the whole body system

As your pain lessens, the practitioner will want you to begin a program in which you will do exercises to strengthen your back muscles and joints. These exercises should safely and incrementally load your back muscles so that they can get stronger.

How long will the effects of a herniated disk last?

That depends on the size of the herniation and if it is the actual cause of pain.

The initial intense pain should go away within 4-6 weeks, but some pain may remain for a few months. You may be prone to backaches throughout your life and therefore must remember to protect your spine by encouraging good movement and increased strength.

If the weakness and numbness in your legs continue for 6 months or longer or if you lose control of your bowel or bladder function, the practitioner will need to refer you to a spinal specialist as soon as possible.

How can I take care of myself?

Practice correct posture when you are walking, sitting, standing, lying down, or working.

When lifting heavy objects, squat down by the object, while keeping your back as straight as possible, but pivoting forward through your hips. Use your leg and hip muscles to do the lifting. Avoid twisting.
Use a valsalva maneuver when lifting. You do this by taking a sharp, half breath out and holding that torso tension throughout the whole lift.
When you sit, have your feet flat on the floor. Get up every 20 minutes or so and stretch. Sit in a chair that has good back support.
Sleeping on a firm mattress is recommended for about 70% of people. Lie on your side (never on your stomach) with your knees bent or on your back with a small pillow under your head and another good pillow under your knees.

When can I return to my sport or activity?

The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from an injury at a different rate. Return to your sport will be determined by how soon your herniated disk recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury occurred. In general, the longer you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take to get better.

It is important that your herniated disk has fully recovered before you return to any strenuous activity. You must be able to perform all of your full body exercises without pain. You must have full, pain-free range of motion of your back.

What can be done to help prevent a herniated disk?

Herniated disks can often be prevented by keeping your weight down, eating a proper diet, and training to keep your body strong. Strong, supple muscles can stabilize your spine and protect it from injury. This includes keeping not only your torso muscles strong but the whole body. Walking and swimming are two good exercises for the movement of the spine. Squatting correctly may also help strengthen the spine.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash causes

Automotive causes of whiplash

Whiplash in sportspeople

How can you prevent a whiplash injury?

Be careful when you drive your car

Neck strength for contact sports

Symptoms of whiplash

Is whiplash permanent?

How whiplash is diagnosed?

Transverse rib injury and Pit Bull Syndrome

Diagnostic tools

Physical examination

Treatment for whiplash

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

What Is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?

What and where does RSI impact?

The Symptoms of RSI

How To Prevent RSI

Strength Training

Gentle Activity

What Causes Repetitive Strain Injury?

How Is RSI Diagnosed?

What If RSI Goes Untreated?

What Treatments Can I Use For RSI?

Repetitive Strain Injury Treatment Options

Why Use Massage Therapy for Repetitive Strain Injury Treatment?

Conclusion

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

How does upper back pain occur?

How is upper back pain diagnosed?

How is it treated?

When can I return to my sport or activity?

What can I do to prevent upper back pain?

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

What are bulging disks?

Herniated disks

What are the symptoms of a bulging disk?

Bulging disks in the lumbar spine

Preventing bulging disks

Causes of Bulging Disks

Diagnosis of bulging disks

Treatment and management

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

When a disk is damaged, the soft gooey centre of the disk squeezes out through a weak point in the firmer outer layer. A disk may be damaged by:

What are herniated disk symptoms?

How are herniated disks diagnosed?

How are herniated disks treated?

How long will the effects of a herniated disk last?

When can I return to my sport or activity?

What can be done to help prevent a herniated disk?

Dr. Sami Karam, Osteopath

Parramatta Clinic

Peakhurst Clinic