4 Ways Physical Therapy Can Relieve Your Back Pain

Sep10th 2021

Do you find yourself struggling to play sports you love, walk, run, or even sit comfortably because of searing pain in your back? If so, you’re probably getting exhausted and feeling pretty miserable, but you’re hardly in this boat alone. It’s estimated that up to 80 percent of Americans have struggled, or will struggle, with this debilitating symptom. For many people, the only thing worse than experiencing back pain itself is the possibility of having to undergo a major operation to relieve it. Thankfully, there are safe, effective, non-invasive options to help you stand up to your back pain. One of them is physical therapy. Contact us today and discover this form of relief for yourself!

What Is Back Pain?

Back pain is a specific kind of ache that can plague some people 24/7. Others only experience it now and then. Back pain can take many different forms. You might feel a dull ache, sharp or “electric” pain sensations, stabbing agony, or a burning feeling, depending on where your pain is located and what caused it. It can occur in your upper back, middle back, or lower back.

Even with all of these variations, back pain falls into one of two main categories:

  • Acute back pain – Acute back pain seemingly comes out of nowhere, attacking suddenly. It is associated with acute injuries, infections, or other sudden-onset conditions. Thankfully, acute back pain normally goes away on its own once the injury that caused it has healed itself, with or without the help of a physical therapist.
  • Chronic back pain – Unlike acute back pain, chronic back pain refuses to go away for good on its own. Any back pain that continues to bother you after 3 months can be considered chronic. You may experience bouts of pain interrupted by periods of relief, or you may suffer from unremitting pain. Regardless, those experiencing chronic back pain are more likely to need attention from a physical therapist.

What Caused My Back Pain?

Acute back pain can be caused by a ruptured ligament, muscle tear, infected tissue, violent disc herniation, or vertebral subluxation (a subtle kind of joint dislocation). The underlying cause is usually easy to determine, and as previously stated, this kind of pain typically dissipates after the injury heals.

Chronic back pain can be more puzzling, especially because it has so many different possible causes, such as:

  • Strain or arthritis in the facet joints, which connect and articulate the spinal vertebrae.
  • Age-related bulging discs, herniated discs, and spinal stenosis.
  • Obesity, which stresses the back muscles.
  • Repetitive motion strain due to uncomfortable workplace ergonomics or athletic overuse.
  • Chronic muscle strain due to alignment problems, poor posture or muscle weakness

No matter what your back pain condition might be, know that physical therapy can help.

Physical Therapy Can Help Ease Your Back Pain

Physical therapy could be just what you need to ease your back pain issues. Our physical therapist will conduct an initial evaluation that takes your spinal alignment, any obvious injuries, baseline back strength, range of motion, age, weight, workplace ergonomics, and other factors into consideration. This approach is very detailed and thorough, and allows your therapist to prescribe a specific physical therapy program to help you overcome your back pain without surgery.

Here are 4 ways your back may benefit from physical therapy:

  1. Stretches and other flexibility exercises can make back motions easier and less painful.
  2. Your therapist might make recommendations for ergonomic changes in your workplace, which can reduce awkward twisting, stooping, or stretching (all movements that can result in back injuries).
  3. Strength training and neuromuscular education to help you maintain a straighter, healthier back.
  4. Recommendations for changing how you play or train for your favorite sport, as a means of avoiding repetitive motion injuries or acute sports injuries.

Physical therapy is a specific type of treatment that targets the management of disabilities and injuries. A physical therapist is skilled at alleviating all kinds of pain, including back pain. Physical therapy encourages healing and is a great treatment option to restore range of motion and functional mobility. These types of therapists are trained and knowledgeable regarding conservative management techniques including the rehabilitation of patients with neurologic, cardiovascular, and orthopedic conditions.

Contact our office today for more information!

Living with pain of any sort is mentally and physically taxing for anyone. However, back pain can seriously hinder your ability to function normally. Here at our physical therapy clinic, we can implement your specific program alongside other safe, natural treatment methods from your chiropractor or family doctor. The first step, however, is yours to take. Pick up the phone today and give us a call to learn more about how we can help you conquer back pain once and for all!

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