Are you living with debilitating back pain that is preventing you from doing the things you love with ease? Know that you’re not alone. Back pain is a very common problem in our society, and most Americans will suffer temporary back pain at some point in their lives even if it’s only a temporary problem!
When back pain is not temporary, however, it becomes a major quality of life issue. The American Physical Therapy Association states that back pain is the most commonly experienced form of pain for Americans. In fact, one in every four Americans has sustained some sort of back pain in the past three months. There is good news on the horizon, however. You don’t have to live with back pain permanently!
Taking a proactive approach like working with a physical therapist can help you find back pain relief at long last. Contact our office for more information on how physical therapy can relieve your back pain.
Reasons for persistent back pain
Around 60-70% of people across industrialized nations experience back pain, which can greatly hinder your daily life and limit you from participating in certain tasks and activities that you enjoy. If left untreated, back pain can also progress into more serious health issues.
There are three main types of back pain:
- Acute Back Pain: Acute back pain is the most common type. This is a temporary pain that goes away in less than three months.
- Acute Back Pain: Acute back pain is the most common type. This is a temporary pain that goes away in less than three months.
- Chronic Back Pain: If back pain lasts longer than three months without subsiding, it is classified as chronic.
- Recurrent Back Pain: This occurs when acute back pain goes away for a while, but then comes back periodically.
Back pain is rarely severe and normally goes away on its own. Chronic, recurrent pain, on the other hand, may indicate a more severe health condition.
Osteoporosis, degenerative disc syndrome, a herniated disk, breaks, and lumbar spinal stenosis are just a few of the physical disorders that may be causing your back pain.
How will a physical therapist diagnose my back pain?
Your journey with a physical therapist will start with a discussion of your symptoms. Your therapist will also review your medical history for any past injuries or illnesses that could be contributing to your current pain. Your physical therapist will also conduct an exam to assess how you can move and function as a result of your back pain.
The diagnosis phase will also involve some tests to find symptoms of more serious conditions. If your physical therapist suspects that there is a serious health condition contributing to your back pain, you will likely be referred to a specialist for more testing. In most cases, this will not be necessary.
What can I expect with physical therapy for back pain?
Throughout your work with a physical therapist, your progress will be monitored to ensure that you are recovering.
The intention is to get rid of back pain so you can resume your daily routine. One of the most important aspects of working with a physical therapist is learning activity and everyday activity exercises that can help you avoid recurrent discomfort.
For example, your therapist will show you proper posture techniques while you are at home, at work, or enjoying leisure activities.
You will also learn how to keep up a regular exercise regimen to keep your supportive muscles strong, which will prevent back pain from coming back. If your weight is contributing to your back pain, you will learn nutritional advice, in addition, to exercise to control your weight and keep back pain at bay.
What do PT treatments look like?
Following the diagnosis of your back pain, a customized physical therapy program can be devised for you. Back pain treatments differ depending on the diagnosis, age, weight, athletic strength, and other factors.
Your course of treatment may include any of the following:
- Electrical stimulation for pain relief
- Manual therapy and spinal manipulation to improve joint mobility and relieve tissue pain
- Stretching and strength-building exercises
- Posture work to provide better support for your back
- Ice or heat treatments for pain relief
- Education on how to take better care of your back, such as proper methods of lifting, bending, sitting, and sleep positions
Get started today
If you’re sick of dealing with annoying, nagging back pain, know that you are not alone in your struggle to find relief. The key is to be proactive in standing up to your back pain! If the pain lasts longer than three months, it probably won’t go away on its own. Don’t wait any longer — seek the help you deserve.
Call our office today to schedule your first appointment with a physical therapist.
