• Herniated Discs: Soft, flexible discs separate and cushion your spinal vertebrae. If one of those discs herniates — that is protrudes out — and irritates a nearby nerve, it can lead to intense pain, feeling “stuck” in a stooped over position, and often pain down the leg known as sciatica. • Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the world, occurring when the cartilage and bone tissue in a joint degenerate and become inflamed. While we often associate it with the hips, knees, or hands, it can occur in the spine, too. Spinal osteoarthritis is sometimes called spondylosis. • Lifestyle Factors: Several factors can contribute to lower back pain, including improper posture, prolonged sitting, or weakness in the muscles that wrap and support your spine (your core muscles). COMMON SOURCES OF BACK PAIN While back pain often resolves on its own within 1-3 months, physical therapy is an excellent choice for people with particularly intense pain or extremely restrictive mobility. It’s also useful for people with chronic back pain — defined as pain that lingers past that three-month mark. We customize all our back pain treatment plans according to your specific needs: the location and severity of your back pain, any mobility restrictions, your ability level, and overall goals. We’ll work to address the underlying issues causing your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms. WHAT TECHNIQUES WILL YOUR THERAPIST USE? • Manual therapy helps manage pain, promote blood circulation, and improve mobility. • A personalized therapeutic exercise plan improves the strength, flexibility, and endurance of your back and core muscles. Muscle weakness significantly contributes to lower back pain, so exercise is a must. • Specialized training , such as proper techniques and activities that simulate functional movements you’ll need to perform (i.e., squats, lunges, lifting, etc.). • Prevention strategies help reduce future back pain incidents. These strategies might include postural corrections or suggestions for at-home exercises, such as a walking program or regular strength and mobility practice. GET MOVING AGAIN WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY! Back pain is more than just pain. It can severely restrict your mobility, leading to less exercise and movement, further contributing to pain and dysfunction. Call us today to schedule an appointment! Sources: https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-therapy-guide-low-back-pain •https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/32669487/ •https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004057.pub3/full
412.278.1221 | FRITZPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM
Made with FlippingBook Converter PDF to HTML5