Join Our Team
According to the Integrated Benefits Institute, employees with low back pain miss four more work days per year than their coworkers who do not suffer from low back pain. If you’re one of nearly 25 percent of Americans who have back discomfort at any given time, did you know that physical therapy can help? Rather than spending money on surgery or pain medication, get physical therapy treatment first for your low back pain.
Common Types of Back Pain
The symptoms of low back or lumbar pain can be complex and vary greatly. Different people experience different sensations, including burning, sharpness, stiffness or muscle spasms. The pain can further extend to the neck, tailbone and legs. While your low back pain could be due to poor posture, obesity or an inactive lifestyle, other common causes include:
- Degenerative Disk Disease: This spinal disorder occurs when the cartilage between the vertebrae starts to lose volume. As a result, there is less space between each vertebra, which can cause uncomfortable rubbing.
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis narrows the opening in the vertebrae of the spinal column, putting excess pressure on the spinal cord and surrounding nerves.
- Sciatica: This term refers to radiating pain from the sciatic nerve that travels from the low back and down the leg(s). Sciatic pain is commonly caused by a bulging disk in the spine that irritates the nerve.
- Muscle sprain or strain: A sprain is a stretch or tear of ligaments, whereas a strain is the stretch or tear of muscle or tendons. Either can happen in a number of ways, from lifting a heavy object to taking a fall.
We recommend seeing a physical therapist before having any imaging tests or surgery. On average, a spinal fusion of the lumbar region costs $50,000!
Your Physical Therapy Appointment
When you arrive at one of our 11 local clinics for low back pain, we will review your medical history and rule out any serious conditions that may require emergency care. To identify potential causes of your pain, our talented physical therapists will perform a thorough examination. Once you describe your symptoms in detail and we see what types of movements cause you discomfort, an accurate diagnosis can be made.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain
A physical therapist will create an individually tailored program that focuses on healing the specific cause of your low back pain. There are several techniques that could be used, including manual therapy to improve mobility and reduce pain, or therapeutic exercises to strengthen weak muscles.
Your physical therapist will also educate you on how to self-manage your symptoms at home to prevent future injury. When you know how to properly lift heavy objects and sit or sleep to avoid discomfort, you’re less likely to suffer another injury.
Does low back pain have you down for the count? Find a location near you to start your road to recovery today!