Dr. Grace Walker is a retired physical therapist in Orange, California. She served as the director of Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center for four decades. Dr. Grace Walker has also written articles and books, such as Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache, which is available on Amazon.
The human spinal column consists of 23 intervertebral discs, also known simply discs. Discs are composed of an elastic outer casing and a spongy inner material. Together, these components provide the spine and back with shock absorption and allow for full range of movement. Unfortunately, general back pain is the sixth most common health concern in the United States. An estimated 40 percent of adults over the age of 40 live with at least one degenerated disc. In addition to general pain, disc problem symptoms range from pain following prolonged periods of inactivity and pain when bending, coughing, or sneezing. Another potential symptom is numbness radiating throughout the limbs, which occurs if an impacted disc irritates nearby nerves. In some cases, disc problems may result from injury or old age. That being said, other risk factors can be controlled. Proper exercise and diet can decrease the chances of a spinal injury or slipped disc. Disc problems have also been associated with tobacco use. In addition, any person who is required to routinely lift heavy loads should ensure they use proper form and receiving appropriate medical care.
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A retired physical therapist in Orange, California, Grace Walker has doctorates in both physical therapy and occupational therapy. Grace Walker is the author of Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backaches.
Beyond the nine pain and symptom relief solutions that the book offers, Bye-Bye Back Pain presents 11 common misconceptions about back pain, beginning with the notion that “pain is your enemy.” In reality, pain is an important bodily warning system that alerts your brain to important health concerns. Other misconceptions involving back pain include the commonly held beliefs that medication and surgery are the only ways to address back pain. In truth, patients who take painkillers only mask ongoing deterioration, and patients should only turn to surgery as a last resort after physical therapy fails to yield the necessary results. Bye-Bye Back Pain also addresses misconceptions regarding medical imagery such as x-rays and MRIs. While they can readily display bulging discs or other physical anomalies, medical images are far less effective at diagnosing true causes of pain. Physical therapist,retired, Dr. Grace Walker has provided physical therapy and related pain treatment to patients at the Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center since 1982. Dr. Grace Walker had particular experience with treating back pain.
Back pain is very common in America, impacting at least 50 percent of the adult workforce on an annual basis. Eight out of 10 Americans experience complications with back pain at least once in their lives. Some causes of back pain are more common than others. For example, muscle and ligament strains result from lifting heavy objects or making sudden, awkward movements that involve the spine. These types of injuries can impact anyone, though individuals in poor physical condition are more likely to suffer from painful muscle spasms. Back pain can also result from a spinal disc that ruptures or moves out of place. Discs can rub against one another or press against surrounding nerves, though this does not always lead to immediate spinal pain. Not all back pain is caused by physical injury to the spine. Osteoarthritis, for instance, is a condition that can impact different parts of the body, including the lower back. Arthritis can become so severe in the back that the space around the spinal cord narrows through a process known as spinal stenosis. Other diseases that can create pain throughout the back include osteoporosis and axial spondylarthritis. Dr. Grace Walker has written a book:Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache and can be found on Amazon. Dr. Grace Walker is a physical therapist and occupational therapist who has served as past director of the Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center since 1982. In addition to her past work with patients, Dr. Grace Walker is the author of the book Bye-Bye Back Pain.
Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache provides readers with a number of non-surgical alternatives for addressing back pain. Back pain is one of the most common health problems in the United States, with as many as 65 million Americans having experienced a recent episode of back pain at any given time. Nearly 10 percent of the adult population (16 million people) lives with chronic back pain to the point that they are limited in their daily activities. In terms of economic impact, back pain is the sixth costliest health condition in America. Bye-Bye Back Pain takes a variety of back conditions into account, ranging from persistent lower back pain to pain resulting from a recent injury. The book can also help individuals dealing with minor, intermittent pain prevent the condition from worsening over time. To learn more about exercises, postures adjustments, and self-treatments for back pain, head to Amazon or your local book provider. Here is the link:https://www.amazon.com/Bye-Bye-Back-Pain-Holistic-Solutions-ebook/dp/B084DJVQL7/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LXLDW2Q87M14&keywords=bye+bye+back+pain&qid=1687801818&s=books&sprefix=bye+bye+back+pain%2Cstripbooks%2C140&sr=1-1 The past director of Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center, Grace Walker holds occupational and physical therapy doctorates from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals in Provo, Utah. Also, she is certified by the Natural healing Institute of Naturopathy as a clinical nutritionist, master of herbology, and aromatherapist. In line with her work, Grace Walker authored “Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc and Backache.” One of the remedies suggested in the book is low-level laser treatment (LLLT).
Also known as cold therapy, LLLT uses a laser to alleviate back and joint pain. The “cold” reference implies that the laser's energy level is too low to generate heat. The procedure is noninvasive, has been in use for more than 30 years, and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Treatments last from three to five minutes and eight to 30 sessions are required to effectively alleviate pain. When the laser light hits the cells in the affected area, most of it is absorbed by the mitochondria and receptors on the cell membrane. The receptors are proteins found on the cell surfaces that are too large to permeate the membrane, and so attach to the exterior. The light absorption triggers an increased production of adenosine triphosphate(ADH) and reactive oxygen species(ROS), which in turn modulates inflammation and levels of cytokines and increases tissue oxygenation. The results are increased cell regeneration and reduced inflammation. Physical therapists prescribe LLLT for patients who prefer non-medication and noninvasive procedures to alleviate back and joint pain. Also, studies indicate low risk and minor side effects compared to other back pain treatment methods such as medication and surgery. Please see DrGraceWalkerGray.com for more information. An accomplished physical therapist, Grace Walker is the past director of Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, California. Grace Walker is also the author of the 2020 book Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache.
Early in the book, she introduces a typical patient that she calls Stan. Although each patient requires his or her own unique pain relief program, Stan’s took place in three distinct steps. First, he required manual joint and muscle mobilization with pain relief oil. This therapy eased muscle spasms and addressed compressed nerves. Second, Stan began a physical therapy regime that included stretching his tight hip muscles. To better support his body during daily activities, he also performed exercises that strengthened his core and other key muscles. Finally, Stan received ML830 laser treatments over a series of subsequent office visits. These treatments aimed to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and regenerate healthy tissue. For more information go to DrGraceWalkerGray.com. A Certified Natural Healthcare Practitioner and physical therapist, Grace Walker also holds a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals. She is the past director of the Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center. Drawing on her career and over 35 years of experience in physical therapy, Grace Walker authored a book titled Bye-Bye Back Pain: 9 Holistic Solutions for Long-Term Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Back Pain. Please see www.DrGraceWalkerGray.com. One of the featured solutions in the book is trigger point therapy.
Tracing its roots to the 1983 book Myofascial Pain and Dysfunction - The Trigger Point Manual, trigger point therapy has long been accepted as a feasible holistic solution for muscular pain. Trigger points refer to painful muscle areas resulting from injury, incorrect loading, or overloading. Over time, the muscle fibers chronically shorten, leading to pain under direct pressure. Other tell-tale signs include taut muscle bands, pressure sensitivity, pain, and twitches in the affected area. Trained practitioners perform trigger point therapy to improve blood circulation to the affected area, massage the surrounding connective tissue, and stretch the taut band of muscle. Therapy methods include manual muscle manipulation and needling using disposable acupuncture needles to improve blood flow and circulation. A highly credentialed physical therapist, Grace Walker serves as the director of Walker Physical Therapy and Pain Center. She provides physical therapy and occupational therapy to patients experiencing various disorders such as spinal pain, pain in the upper and lower extremities, sports injuries, and balance conditions. Grace Walker wrote the book “Bye-Bye Back Pain,” where she discusses natural solutions to chronic back pain.
Patients experiencing back pain go through physical therapy as a nonsurgical treatment option before more aggressive medical options such as surgery are considered. Physical therapy programs are designed to reduce back pain and increase function, mostly through a combination of various exercises. For more information and to learn how to get a copy of her book, Bye Bye Back Pain go to www.Dr.GraceWalker.com Stretching the muscles helps achieve a normal range of motion. It also relieves the muscles of disuse atrophy and reduces nerve irritation and spasm as a result of inappropriate posture. It is important to focus on stretching the lower back muscles, as well as the hip, leg, and abdominal muscles. To strengthen the secondary spinal muscles and provide support to the spine, patients are advised to perform dynamic stabilization exercises. These exercises help to extend the range of motion through the use of balancing machines, exercise balls, or through specific stabilizing exercises. Core strengthening exercises are recommended to provide additional spinal support. These exercises strengthen the muscles of the lower back and the abdominal muscles. Lower back exercises may include lying on the stomach while slowly raising the chest to allow these muscles to hyperextend the spine. To strengthen the abdominal muscles, exercises such as crunches, leg raises, and sit-ups are recommended. As the past director and physical and occupational therapist of the Physical Therapy and Pain Center in Orange, California, Dr. Grace Walker Gray has treated a variety of issues, including lower back pain. , Dr. Grace Walker has treated a variety of issues, including lower back pain. Based on her practice as a physical therapist, Dr. Grace Walker Gray has written a soon to be published a book: Bye Bye Back Pain:
9 Holistic Solutions for Long Term Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc, and Backache As part of her Certification in Aromatherpy practice, she is an advocate of using essential oils (those that are distilled to their essentials) to alleviate lower back pain. Some of the most popular essential oils are: - Peppermint. This oil helps reduce muscle spasms and tension. Its pleasant aroma creates a good mood, and it has also been recommended for nausea and headaches. - Eucalyptus is often used for nerve pain, strains, and sprains. Both eucalyptus and peppermint create warm sensations that lift the spirits. As a cream or lotion, eucalyptus can be applied to sore areas. - Ginger is another oil that can be massaged into sore spots. In addition to helping muscle aches, ginger is also recommended for rheumatism and arthritis. - Lavender. In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties that cut down on swelling, pain, and redness, lavender also relieves insomnia. - Frankincense. When used with a diffuser, frankincense’s soothing aroma helps with stress. - Marjoram. With little or no side effects, marjoram works well on over-extended muscles. Muscles and joints also benefit from its warming properties. Dr. Grace Walker Gray can be reached at [email protected] An experienced occupational and physical therapist, Dr. Grace Walker Gray now practices as a holistic health care provider and serves as the President of Physical Restoration, Natural Health Solutions. She is also working on a new book titled, “Bye, Bye Back Pain, 9 Holistic solutions for Long Term Relief from Sciatica, Lumbago, Slipped Disc and Backache.” Committed to advancing in her profession, Dr. Grace Walker Gray is a longtime member of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).
Recent research indicates that people who are more physically active have augmented cognitive functions, even if they develop dementia-related conditions. In the study, researchers examined postmortem brain tissue from more than 450 patients. Those findings were compared with data gathered while the subjects were alive. Researchers found that physical activity, while not a method of preventing these diseases, was an effective way to help decrease their severity. Researchers call this phenomenon a “cognitive reserve” that develops from increased physical activity. They have yet to discover the specific biological processes that cause it, however. Because of this, they say more research into the topic is needed. Dr. Walker can be reached at [email protected] |
AuthorDr. Grace Walker - Guiding the Walker Physical Therapy & Pain Center Archives
August 2017
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