Back pain is one of the most common ailments affecting millions of people around the world. It can be caused by many factors, including poor posture, injury, or even as a result of aging. This pain can range from mild to severe and can be debilitating if left untreated. As a result, physical therapy has emerged as one of the most effective treatments for back pain.
If you’ve experienced back pain, you know how uncomfortable it can be. Whether you’ve pulled your back lifting a heavy package or have been suffering from chronic back pain for years, there is no easy way to combat back pain on your own. You’ve tried ice and heat therapy as well as stretching on your own, but nothing has worked. So what’s next?
Battling back pain by sitting on the couch isn’t the best idea for healing your back pain. Contrary to popular belief, physical therapy, and exercise can be ideal for combating back ailments.
Symptoms of Back Pain
Those suffering from back pain may share similar symptoms. These include:
- Muscle aching
- Shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation that can sometimes radiate down the leg(s)
- Pain while bending, sitting, twisting, walking, or even lying down
While some back pain may be reduced with rest and care at home, other back pain may require attention from a doctor or primary care provider. They can examine and properly diagnose the cause of your back pain with a physical, X-ray, MRI, or other testing. Once the problem has been diagnosed, they may refer you to a physical therapist that can help you relieve your back pain with stretching techniques and exercises.
Physical Therapy and Back Pain
Physical therapy is a form of treatment that uses various techniques to help patients reduce pain and improve physical function. Physical therapists are trained professionals who use their expertise to develop personalized treatment plans for each patient based on their specific needs.
These treatment plans can include exercises, stretches, and manual therapy techniques designed to reduce pain, increase flexibility, and improve overall physical function. Working with your physical therapist, you will learn exercises and strengthening techniques to relieve your back pain without causing extensive damage.
Your physical therapist will prescribe an exercise regimen tailored to your specific needs. These exercises can include stretching, strength training, low-impact aerobic activity, manual therapy, and electric stimulation or compression.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Back Pain
A one-size-fits-all mindset doesn’t exist when it comes to physical therapy. Instead, your physical therapist will give you specific instructions based on your body type, age, lifestyle, current health condition, and level of back pain.
One of the main benefits of physical therapy for back pain is that it is a non-invasive and drug-free treatment option. Unlike medication or surgery, physical therapy doesn’t involve risks or side effects. Additionally, physical therapy can be used in conjunction with other treatments to provide comprehensive care for patients with back pain.
There are several key benefits to exploring physical therapy for your back pain.
Decreased Pain
In seeking any type of medical care, especially physical therapy, your goal is likely to reduce the pain or discomfort you’re experiencing. With physical therapy for back pain, your physical therapist will recommend exercises designed to decrease your back pain that is directly caused by movement (i.e., how you walk, run, etc.).
Restore Mobility
Back pain may cause mobility issues or pain that restricts your mobility. Another goal of physical therapy is to give you that range of motion back. If you’re experiencing stiffness or muscle issues, your physical therapist will work with you to relieve that stiffness or muscle pain.
Reduce or Eliminate the Possibility of Surgery
You might not be planning on surgery and see it as a last resort situation to relieve your back pain. Thankfully, most physical therapists would agree that surgery should be a last resort for pain relief.
Physical therapy is one of the most conservative and least invasive methods of reducing back pain. With surgery, you would face extensive recovery time and post-op physical therapy, whereas, with physical therapy from the get-go, you reduce the risk of post-op pain, further damage, and lengthy recovery times.
Reduce the Risk of Falling and Improve Balance
Often with back pain, patients experience balance or gait issues while walking, jogging, etc. If you suffer from back pain and also have poor posture or a degenerative disease that affects your back or spine, your physical therapist can design a plan that targets back pain while improving movement and coordination.
These exercises are intended to improve everything from strength and balance to mobility and gait. This will significantly decrease your risk of falling and future injury.
Improved Quality of Life
Back pain can disrupt your everyday routine. It may even take a toll on your mental health as well. Physical therapy aims to give you control of your life again, allowing you to return to your everyday routine faster and improve your quality of life.
Wellness and Injury Prevention With Inspire Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has become an increasingly popular treatment option for individuals suffering from back pain. Its non-invasive nature, lack of side effects, and ability to prevent future episodes of pain make it an attractive option for individuals looking to improve their physical function and quality of life.
Are you trying to stay healthy and fit but hitting roadblocks due to injury, illness, or chronic pain? Our team of physical therapists is here to help you improve your health and wellness, and get you back to a pain-free and active lifestyle.
At Inspire Physical Therapy, we help everyone from active adults and athletes to busy professionals and new moms. Offering a customized one-on-one for a full hour with your doctor each visit and knowing the demands of your busy life, we treat the body as a whole and know that one specific injury or pain point might not reflect the actual cause of discomfort.
Contact us to speak with a physical therapist and schedule your appointment today.
