How can Physical Therapy help back pain?

How can Physical Therapy help back pain? Jan15th 2024

Low back pain is a common problem, affecting about 25% of people in the United States at any given time. Although most cases are mild and resolve on their own, some people may experience persistent pain that can lead to disability or a decreased quality of life. Physical therapy for back pain can help individuals with low back pain by reducing pain and improving mobility. Recent studies show that choosing physical therapy for low back pain is more cost-effective and cost-effective than traditional primary care.

 Physical therapists are movement specialists. Physical therapists improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed exercise, and you can contact them directly for an evaluation.

What Is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is defined by location, usually the area between the lower ribs and buttock crease. The signs of low back pain vary a fantastic deal. Your pain may feel dull, burning, or sharp and can be localized or spread out. Low back pain can happen along with muscle spasms or stiffness. Sometimes, it extends into one or both legs.

There are three other types of lower back pain:

  • Acute: pain lasting less than three months.
  • Recurrent: acute symptoms that reduce up, then come back.
  • Chronic pain stays longer than three months.

Causes of Back Pain 

Low back pain is rarely painful or life-threatening. However, the following harsh diseases may be linked to low back pain:

  • Lumbar spinal stenosis.
  • Osteoarthritis.
  • Herniated disk.
  • Fractures.
  • Tumors of the spine.
  • Infection.

Although these requirements can directly contribute to low back pain, they also can be current in people without any pain. If your physical therapist suspects that a more serious health condition is causing your pain, they will refer you to other healthcare specialists for further evaluation.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation and physical exam that includes:

  • A review of your health history.
  • Questions about your specific symptoms.
  • Assessing the quality and quantity of your movements. Physical therapists can address movement behaviors that might delay recovery.
  • Conducting tests for any signs or symptoms that suggest a severe health problem, such as broken bones or cancer.
  • Assess how you use your body at work, at home, during sports, and at leisure.

Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs are generally not practical for most cases of low back pain. It can be frustrating for patients when imaging tests fail to reveal the actual cause of their lower back pain. However, the good news is that low back pain can often improve without a visual assessment of its cause.

How Can a Physical Therapist Help?

Your physical therapist can help you enhance or restore mobility and relieve your lower back pain. In many cases, they allow people to avoid expensive surgery and the risks and side effects of prescribed medications.

Not all low back pain is identical. You should receive treatment tailored to you and your exact symptoms and condition. Your physical therapist will:

  • It is essential to first take note of your health history and any current symptoms you may be experiencing. 
  • After that, a comprehensive physical examination will be conducted to evaluate the results and identify any factors that may have contributed to your particular back problem.
  •  Based on these findings, a personalized treatment plan will be designed for you. 
  • It is worth noting that physical therapists are experts in providing pain relief that can reduce the need for medication, including opioids.

Can This Injury or Condition Be Prevented?

As specialists in restoring and enhancing mobility and movement, physical therapists are important in treating chronic or recurrent low back pain. They also can assist you in lowering the risk of having an episode of low back pain in the first place (prevention), familiarize you with how to manage it if it occurs, and reduce your risk of having it come back or become chronic.

Your physical therapist can guide you through methods for the prevention and management of low back pain that may include:

Proper body positioning is essential at work, home, or leisure activities. When lifting heavy items, keep them close to your body and ask for help if needed. Additionally, maintain a regular fitness regimen.

Studies indicate that pain can be created for reasons beyond injury to the body’s tissue. Understanding why we feel pain and how to handle it when it arises are the best methods to prevent disability and enhance self-management of low back pain.

What Kind of Physical Therapist Do I Need?

All physical therapists are prepared to treat people with low back pain through teaching and experience. You may want to believe:

  • It is recommended that you seek assistance from a physical therapist who specializes in orthopedic or musculoskeletal problems. 
  • It is also advisable to look for a physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or has completed a residency or fellowship in orthopedic physical therapy. 
  • This type of physical therapist possesses advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may be more relevant to your condition.

General tips when you’re seeking a physical therapist (or any other health care provider):

  • When seeking physical therapy for low back pain, asking family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations is a good idea.
  •  When contacting a physical therapy clinic for an appointment, make sure to inquire about the physical therapists’ experience in treating people with low back pain. 
  • Be ready to provide a detailed description of your symptoms and what triggers or exacerbates them.

Conclusion 

Physical therapy is a pivotal and practical approach to alleviating back pain, offering a holistic and patient-centric solution. By addressing the symptoms and underlying causes of discomfort, physical therapists empower individuals to regain control over their well-being. Through tailored exercises, manual techniques, and education on proper body mechanics, patients can experience significant pain relief and enhance their overall quality of life.

As a non-invasive and conservative option, physical therapy stands as a beacon of hope for those seeking sustainable relief from back pain, emphasizing the importance of proactive self-care and empowering individuals to embrace a healthier, pain-free future.

 

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