Physical Therapy N E W S L E T T E R
Don’t Ignore Your Back Pain What is your back pain trying to tell you?
early on so that you know exactly what is going on with your body from the get-go. Once the cause of your back pain is determined, your physical thera- pistwill be able to identifythe best treatment options foryourbody’s needs. This will likely include the following: • Targeted exercises that are specialized to the region of the back that is experiencing the most pain. These exercises are designed to help build strength and support the surrounding muscles. • Guided stretching designed to improve range of motion and flexibility. This will take into account the health and vivacity of vertebrae and any potential stretches that may support optimal back health. • Support and guidance with an exercise routine and habit for- mation, especially with cardiovascular activity that can stimu- late improved blood circulation to the affected areas of the back, as well as strength-building activities. Attempting to undertake any of these changes on your own after you’ve experienced a back injury is both dangerous and not recom- mended. Working with a licensed and experienced physical thera- pist can provideyouwith the guidance and ongoing support thatyou need to ensure that you do not experience any further injury as you attempt to heal the cause of your back pain.
The back is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. You rely on it so heavily —whether it is to shoulderyour emotional stresses or to physically lift something that you need to carry with you. Your back is constantlyat risk. It is at riskwhenyou drive, being one of the body parts likelyto take the biggest impact in case ofan accident. It is at risk whenyou are safelyat home onyourcouch orat the office,whereyou are likelyscrunched overand not caring one bit aboutyourposture. It isatriskwhenyourun,whenyouplaysports,andevenwhenyoufind yourselfsickandarecoughingsoheavilythatyourbackbeginstohurt. It is no wonder that so many people experience back injuries every year. What is a big wonder is that so many people choose to ignore their back injuries year after year! When you break an arm or get a cut on your leg, you are likely to do something about it right away. The sight of blood leaving your body or the realization that a bone isn’t sitting right is something that not manypeopleare going to dealwith fortoo longbefore seeking medical attention. Yet when pain begins in the back, it is almost normal to ignore it. Everyone develops back pain, time to time, right? There is no reason to stress about it or overreact, right? Absolutely wrong! Understanding Back Pain Back pain may be common, but it is absolutely not normal. There are actually a lot of serious conditions that can cause your back to begin to hurt, and it is smart to have your back looked at by a physician
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