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Lower Back Pain

Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain

Over 80% of the population will suffer from lower back pain at one point in their lifetime. Back pain can start suddenly or develop gradually over time and sometimes last for up to six weeks (initially called “acute low back pain”).  When symptoms last more then three months, the condition is considered “chronic”.

Fortunately, the most common cause of low back pain is a stretched or torn muscle and/or ligament.

A Muscle Strain occurs when the structure of the muscle is stretched too far becomes lengthened or maybe even tear

A Ligament Sprain happens when overstretching occurs to the point it either affects or tears the ligament.

Signs and symptoms of back pain can include:

  • Muscle aches
  • Limited flexibility or loss of movement in your back
  • Shooting or stabbing pain with movement, lifting, or coughing
  • Radiating pain down your leg (“sciatica”) with or without tingling and numbness

Common causes of sprain and strain of the lower back include:

  • Lifting something improperly or awkwardly
  • Sudden movements that place too much stress on the low back (for instance: a stumble or an awkward fall)
  • Poor postural alignment (repetitive or prolonged strain)
  • Prolonged/Repetitive work related positions or activities (for instance: deskwork, driving or heavy lifting)
  • Sports injuries (excessive twisting, impact or contact)

Common conditions that can result in low back pain

Herniated (Bulged) Disc

The jelly-like center of a lumbar disc can push through the outer layer of the disc and, if large enough, compress a nearby nerve root causing an inflammatory response and pain radiating down the leg called: “Sciatica”.

Degenerative Disc Disease – This generally does not occur from a sudden injury or trauma as while the discs age over time, they start to dry out somewhat becoming thinner and gradually start developing small tears indirectly causing pain and/or disc herniation.  Degeneration of the disc can lead to its thickness collapsing, compromising space for neural or circulatory tissues and so contribute to “stenosis” (see below) and pain.

Facet Joint Dysfunction – Each spinal segment has two facet joints on the left and on the right side of the vertebra. Both joints are covered with cartilage and surrounded by ligaments.   As each joint and the disc are connected by the same bony segment (vertebra); movement or dysfunction in one structure will affect the functioning of the other structure.  When irritated or inflamed, these joints or ligaments can cause pain.

Osteoarthritis – This condition results from wear and tear of the facet joints. It causes pain, inflammation, instability, and can occur at a single level or several levels of the spine.  Spinal osteoarthritis is associated with aging and progresses over time.

Stenosis – When degenerative changes in the disc or facet-joints encroach into the spinal canal, they can eventually decrease the space for the nerve or the spinal cord.   This can then lead to neural compression and pain (down the leg or arm).

Central stenosis – when the encroachment is within the central spinal canal, potentially compressing the spinal cord.  This can lead to symptoms into both legs: altered sensation, loss of balance or coordination and/or weakness.  If bowel/bladder function is affected urgent medical attention (E.R.) is needed.

Lateral stenosis –  when the encroachment is within the neural foramen, potentially compressing the nerve-root.  This generally leads to symptoms into one leg:  pain (sciatica), pins and needles, numbness and/or weakness.

Spondylolysis / Spondylolisthesis – This condition occurs when the vertebra is exposed to excessive stress, allowing slippage between the vertebrae. The most common type is a fracture of the bony bridge between the facet joints (pars) or mechanical instability of the facet joints (degenerative).

Pain can be caused by joint instability (back) or compression of the nerves (leg).

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy management of the above conditions has scientifically been proven to be helpful in relieving pain, speeding up recovery, and rehabilitating chronic issues. Treatment can include a combination of education, self-care management, manual or manipulative techniques, modalities and exercise therapy. 

A registered physiotherapist can conduct a skilled clinical assessment of the spinal kinetics and recommend the appropriate and most effective treatment. For most back pain issues, an X-ray or other imaging (MRI/CT-scan) is initially not necessary.

Get started with Riverside Therapeutics today.

Find your downtown St. John’s physiotherapist and make an appointment.

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Additional Guests

Pricing in our Suites is based upon occupancy of two people per room. Extra guests will be charged $20, plus applicable taxes per person. We reserve the right to limit the number of guests per suite.

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Pets

Leaside does not typically allow pets in our suites. However, we are considerate to situations where exceptions would need to be made. In this case, there is a $35 Pet Fee. Please be advised that guests are fully responsible for ALL outside cleanup after their pets and may be subject to additional cleaning fees for the suite.

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Additional Housekeeping

If any additional housekeeping is required after your stay has ended (i.e.: moved furniture, excessive Jacuzzi abuse, etc…), an additional amount will be charged accordingly to your credit card.

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Payment Procedures

Cash, money orders, gift certificates, or major credit cards will be accepted for final payment. Personal cheques will not be accepted.

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Telephone Services

All Leaside Suites & Executive Apartments offer in-room phone and data lines. There is no charge for local calls. Leaside also offers a fax on the premises. Messages left on our main phone number (709 722 0387) will be relayed to guests immediately. Faxes should be directed to (709 739 1835).

All Leaside apartments have individual telephone lines. Any long distance charges accrued will be charged directly to your credit card. International calls are billed at an average cost of $0.50 per minute and North American calls at $0.10 per minute.

If you have any questions, please feel free discuss your long distance requirements with our front desk.

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Meetings and Special Occasions

Leaside Manor offers boardroom and reception spaces for various meetings, corporate retreats, cocktail receptions, and small performances. See Facilities section for more information.

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Allergies

Leaside is sensitive to the needs of guests with allergies. We would be happy to work with you to address any allergies you may have. Please bring them to the attention of our staff. If you suffer from food-related allergies, you should talk to us about the nature of your allergy, and together we can take steps to accommodate your specific needs.

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Children

Leaside is able to provide cots and cribs for our tinier guests. Also at Leaside, children under 12 eat for free. Kids 12 years and older will be charged $9.99 per person for breakfast.

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Holiday Planning

Leaside loves living up to its motto: Escape the everyday. Anything we can do to ensure your visit is everything you dreamed it would be, is second nature for us. Whether it is where to eat (plenty of tempting options), what not to miss (there is truly something for everyone), what to wear (and how much), even when the best time is to view the whales (evenings) or how to get there (we have maps and links galore), we are happy to oblige with information and recommendations. Our staff can make any reservations for our guests. Just inquire at the front desk.

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Laundry Services

Leaside Manor provides laundry services – typically within the same day through our facilities on premises. Our on-site laundry charges are $10 per washer and $10 per dryer load. Leaside also offers dry cleaning services through partner companies off premise. Dry cleaning will include a surcharge. An iron and ironing board is available in each room for guests’ convenience. Leaside’s staff can also provide ironing service upon request.

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Internet

Leaside Manor offers free Internet access. All guests have free access to the house computer located in the lobby of each residence. Printer, fax and scanner services are also available.

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Breakfast

Leaside Manor serves a delicious full breakfast from 7:30am to 9:30am daily during weekdays, and from 8:00am to 9:30am on weekends. Wake up to the enticing scent of fresh, gourmet coffee. Our breakfast menu includes fresh fruit, croissants, eggs Benedict, pancakes and sausages and multi grain cereals. If you prefer to eat privately while staying in one of our deluxe suites, simply request Leaside’s signature ‘breakfast in bed’.

The standard occupancy for rooms, suites and apartments at Leaside is two persons. However, we can accommodate additional breakfast requests at $9.99 per person. Children under 12 eat at no additional charge.

Coffee and tea are available in the kitchen 24 hours a day. Each room is equipped with a refrigerator to store beverages and perishables.

For diet restrictions and allergies, please contact Leaside in advance of your visit so that we can accommodate your nutritional breakfast needs.

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Deposit and Cancellation

All reservations at Leaside Suites & Executive Apartments require either a credit card number, cash, debit card information, email money transfer or certified cheque to secure your booking. Our reservation system doesn’t allow us to hold rooms in reserve.

For all Leaside’s rooms and suites, a $50 deposit per night, per room or suite is required. For all properties, we require a 48 hour notice of cancellations. Any cancellations within 48 hours of arrival will require payment in full.

For apartment bookings at Leaside, a $500 non-refundable deposit is required upon booking, with the remaining balance due upon check-in. For extended stay monthly rentals, Leaside requires a minimum of 30 days notice of any cancellations or alterations of your booking without incurring a penalty charge. For weekly and nightly rentals, Leaside requires a minimum of 2 weeks notice for cancellations or alterations of your booking to avoid incurring a penalty charge.

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Checking in at Leaside

For guests of our Leaside Manor properties, our check-in time is 3:00pm. Our checkout time is at 11:00am. If you find that you will be arriving late, just contact our front desk or email us at reservations@theleasidegroup.com to notify our staff to make arrangements for your keys or door codes.