Deconditioning Syndrome for Patients.pdf (1)

892019 Deconditioning Syndrome for Patientspdf (1)

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Compiled by Physicians Neck and Back Clinics 2009

Deconditioning SyndromePrepared by Gina Lund

The word decondition is defined as either causing extinction of a conditioned response

or causing and then losing physical fitness It is important to understand that most of

the patients seen at PNBC have deconditioned spinal muscles due to the chronic natureof their pain resulting in disuse atrophy Therefore almost all PNBC patients carry the

diagnosis of deconditioning syndrome

Causes of Deconditioning SyndromeThe common causes of chronic spinal pain include genetic degenerative conditions or

traumatic experiences Deconditioning syndrome is caused by a prolonged decrease inphysical activity due to chronic low back or neck pain It is associated with a gradual

reduction and change in muscular strength mobility of joints and even cardiovascular

fitness This unfortunate resultsometimes occurs due to the myths

people often believe or have been

told by a physician or friend that bed

rest physical restriction andor painmedications are best for relieving

chronic spinal pain Over an

extended period of time an

individual may guard his or her bodyfrom work and activity due to fear of

aggravating spinal pain again Thisleads to the cycle of pain stiffness disuse and muscle atrophy - a self-sustaining cycle

helping perpetuate chronic spinal pain that may control a personrsquos life

Symptoms of Deconditioning SyndromeSymptoms associated with this diagnosis include constant

andor recurrent pain Initially individuals may complain of

pain that is provoked by activities that use the deconditionedmuscle group However over time the person can be so

susceptible and weak that any activity or stressor canprecipitate pain leading to constant pain no matter what theactivity may be

How is this syndrome diagnosed at PNBCOn evaluation the physician examines and interrogates the

patient - discussing which activities may lead to an increase

in pain Physicians will often test patients on specific

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equipment to determine how weak a patient may truly be in the lumbarcervical extensor

muscle groups Patient deconditioning may be rated as mild (0-15) moderate (16-49)or severe (gt50) by comparing test outcomes to normalized values It is from the actual

test values that rehab staff calculates the start weight for the patientrsquos first maximum

workout The patient history of the chronic pain and exam may sometimes point to

deconditioning syndrome so clearly that the physician can assume it exists even withoutthe benefit of testing on specialized equipment

TreatmentIf an individualrsquos pain has reached a chronic level and he or she has not been able to

maintain normal function some type of resistance strengthening is usually required forfunctional recovery Weak muscle groups must be specifically trained to get stronger

The movement involved will increase blood flow and disc health as well PNBC helps by

engaging the person in a prescribed specific strengthening protocol By strengthening

lumbar and cervical extension and rotation muscles as well as muscles associated withthe affected area patients experience improved strength range of motion function and

overall health

Acknowledgementshttpemedicinemedscapecomarticle1144130-overview httpwwwmerriam-

webstercomdictionarydeconditioning




equipment to determine how weak a patient may truly be in the lumbarcervical extensor

muscle groups Patient deconditioning may be rated as mild (0-15) moderate (16-49)or severe (gt50) by comparing test outcomes to normalized values It is from the actual

test values that rehab staff calculates the start weight for the patientrsquos first maximum

workout The patient history of the chronic pain and exam may sometimes point to

deconditioning syndrome so clearly that the physician can assume it exists even withoutthe benefit of testing on specialized equipment

TreatmentIf an individualrsquos pain has reached a chronic level and he or she has not been able to

maintain normal function some type of resistance strengthening is usually required forfunctional recovery Weak muscle groups must be specifically trained to get stronger

The movement involved will increase blood flow and disc health as well PNBC helps by

engaging the person in a prescribed specific strengthening protocol By strengthening

lumbar and cervical extension and rotation muscles as well as muscles associated withthe affected area patients experience improved strength range of motion function and

overall health

Acknowledgementshttpemedicinemedscapecomarticle1144130-overview httpwwwmerriam-

webstercomdictionarydeconditioning

Documents

Deconditioning Syndrome for Patients.pdf (1)