Managing Spina Bifida: A Guide to Moving Better

Spina Bifida is a neural tube defect (NTD) that occurs during the very early stages of pregnancy, often before a woman even knows she’s expecting. The condition happens when the neural tube, which eventually becomes the brain, spinal cord, and surrounding tissues, doesn’t close completely. This results in an incomplete development of the spine and spinal cord.

Causes & Risk Factors:

While the exact cause is unknown, several factors may contribute to Spina Bifida:

Genetics: Family history of neural tube defects increases risk.
Folic Acid Deficiency: Low folic acid intake during early pregnancy is a major risk factor.
Maternal Health Conditions: Diabetes, obesity, or certain medications may increase the chance of NTDs.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to high heat (fever, hot tubs) in early pregnancy may play a role.

Common Symptoms of Spina Bifida:

Muscle weakness or paralysis (especially in the legs)
Difficulty walking or using mobility devices
Bladder or bowel incontinence
Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain)
Learning difficulties (in some cases)
Orthopedic problems like clubfoot or scoliosis
Skin problems from decreased sensation in the lower body

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Spina Bifida:

Improve Mobility & Balance - Build strength, coordination, and confidence for safer movement.
Enhance Muscle Function - Prevent muscle loss and maintain function with guided exercises.
Manage Pain Naturally - We offer non-invasive pain relief through TENS, manual therapy, and aquatic therapy.
Avoid Complications - Reduce risks of pressure sores, joint issues, and other mobility-related complications.

Benefits of Occupational Therapy for Spina Bifida:

Daily Living Support - Learn practical ways to handle everyday tasks independently.
Adaptive Equipment Guidance - Get expert help choosing and using mobility aids and home modifications.
Improve Fine Motor Skills - Strengthen hand control for better coordination in daily routines.
Boost Confidence & Independence - Work toward personal goals to achieve greater freedom and self-care.

Call to schedule your initial evaluation today!

Our expert team of therapists at Reddy Care Physical, Occupational & Aquatic therapy, located throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan can help .

Great Neck: 475 Northern Blvd., Ste.11, Great Neck, NY 11021 Tel. (516) 829.0030

Farmingdale: 309 North West Dr., Farmingdale, NY 11735 Tel. (516) 420.2900

Woodbury: 150 Woodbury Rd., Woodbury, NY 11797 Tel. (516) 367.1111

Deer Park: 2024 Deer Park Ave., Deer Park, NY 11729 Tel. (631) 243.0247

North Shore Towers: 272-78 Grand Central Pkwy., Floral Park, NY 11005 Tel. (516) 344.0030

Bayside - Aquatic Therapy: 208-32 Cross Island Pkwy., Bayside, NY11360 Tel. (718) 224.8480

Oceanside: 2421 S Long Beach Rd., Oceanside, NY 11572 Tel. (516) 992.2282

New York City: 250 West 93rd Street, New York, NY 10025 Tel. (212) 580.0125

Bay Shore: 1470 Sunrise Highway Bay Shore NY, 11706 Tel:(631)-446.1480

Amityville: 565 Albany Ave Amityville NY, 11701 Tel:(631)-532.0906

In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy (Home Care): Tel: (516) 829.0030

*Home therapy servicing Long Island, Queens, Staten Island, Brooklyn, the Bronx & Manhattan*

Sources: Resource 1 Resource 2

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Written by:

Dr. Vinod Somareddy, PT, DPT

President

Reddy Care Physical Therapy

Reddy Care Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Aquatic Therapy

Author

Reddy Care Physical and Occupational Therapy

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.

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