Request an
Appointment
Reserve a Seat at Our
Next Seminar
Testimonials

View All Video Testimonials

"I am 100% happy with my new hip. I give the credit for my quick recovery to your excellent method and my hard work. I have told everyone that this method is preferable, and they should tell anyone needing hip replacement about it. I've told friends from Western Michigan, where the anterior metho...

Louise Staple

"Dr. Zehr replaced a badly damaged and arthritic knee. The results were beyond any reasonable expectation. I've had over 15 surgeries on knee and shoulder at top places around the country and this is by far the best outcome. He is a gifted surgeon at the top of his game. I recommend him highly an...

Dennis Ferrazzano
Doctor Robert Zehr | Top Doctor Orthopedic Surgery

Lumbar FAQs

I went to a pain clinic for help with back and leg pain from a disc problem. The therapist says the goal is to "centralize the pain." She explained the idea to me, but I didn't get it. What does it mean again?

Centralization and peripheralization of pain are ideas from Robin McKenzie, a physical therapist who specializes in neck and back care. Pain from a disc pressing on the spinal nerve can cause back pain that goes into the buttock and down the leg.

By performing specific motions the pressure can be taken off the nerve. The pain "retreats" or moves away from the foot and leg and occurs just in the low back area.

Peripheralization of pain means the pain gets worse and goes from the back into the buttocks and down the leg. Or if there already was buttock and leg pain, it gets worse. The goal is to avoid peripheralization and to centralize the pain. This is a sign that the disc is moving in the right direction toward healing.

The therapist will help you find movements that centralize pain. These will become the exercises you'll do throughout the day. She will also help you notice which movements peripheralize pain. You'll want to avoid those positions and motions.

References:

Mark Laslett, PT, DipMT, DipMDT, et al. Centralization as a Predictor of Provocation Discography Results in Chronic Low Back Pain, and the Influence of Disability and Distress on Diagnostic Power. In The Spine Journal. July/August 2005. Vol. 5. No. 4. Pp. 370-380.
*Disclaimer:* The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.
All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Medical Multimedia Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Medical Multimedia Group, LLC and used herein by permission.

« Return to FAQ index

Contact Us or Call 239.596.0100 Today