LOWER BACK PAIN IN THE UNITED STATES
According to the National Institute for Health, the rates of low back pain have been steadily rising in the United States over the past 20 years. The study was conducted by medical researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Researchers consulted with members of the North Carolina community who experienced back pain to understand what caused their pain, how frequently they experience the pain, and what the severity of the pain is like. They found by talking with household members across the state that the incidence of lower back pain has increased significantly since the last time this survey was conducted, which was in 1992. Since 1992, the percentage of people coping with lower back pain increased from just over three percent to well over 10 percent. This is a significant finding, especially when it was found that the increase in lower back pain remained constant across demographics. A further interesting finding is that of those who experience lower back pain, 84 percent opted to seek medical treatment to address the pain, which was an increase of more than 10 percent in 1992. This means that while more people are experiencing back pain, more people are also seeking treatment for that pain, though there is still an approximate 15 percent of the population who are coping with severe lower back pain without treatment. For those, seeking support from a physical therapist could significantly improve quality of life. Lower Back Pain and Physical Therapy. Physical therapy is a great resource for lower back pain because it addresses the cause of the pain, rather than simply attempting to hide the symptoms. Working with a physical therapist can help you to experience improved range of motion, to restore strength to muscles in your lower back that may have experienced atrophy through lack of use, and also reduce tension in your lower back muscles through targeted massage.
to overcome your back pain with everyday activities. This can include: • Making changes to the type of shoes that you wear so that your back is getting more support with every step. Sometimes, using special insoles can significantly improve your back pain. • Adjusting your sleeping habits, or perhaps investing in a new mattress so that your back has more support at night. • Using more lumbar support at work or on your commute by using a special chair or chair cover. Lower back pain is a pain in the butt, but you don’t need to deal with it any longer. Reach out to your physical therapist for information and support overcoming lower back pain, and finally find long-term relief.
When working with a physical therapist, you may also be guided through different lifestyle changes that you can make that can help you begin
Source: https://www.acatoday.org/Patients/Health-Wellness-Information/Back- Pain-Facts-and-Statistics
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: MARICELA MONSIVAIZ, PT MaricelaMonsivaizhasbeenpracticingasaPhysicalTherapist forthepast 15 years. She works with patients having difficulty with pain, weakness, limited independence with home activity and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain. Maricela believes in the importance of listening and working together with the patient to reach their goals. ShehassuccessfullyprovidedtreatmenttoherpatientsusingtheMcKenzie Methodcertification.MaricelaholdsaMaster’sdegree inPhysicalTherapy fromUniversity of Texas at El Paso. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Biology from New Mexico State University. Being fluent in Spanish has been extremely beneficial to her career. Maricela enjoys off-roading in dune buggies, outdoor activities and watching her kids play soccer. She is active in her church and a strong supporter of her community.
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