The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Back Pain
Often, the first line of treatment for back pain is physical therapy. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy West, we see people of all ages and with many conditions; however, back pain is our most common complaint.
Do you suffer from back pain? If so, you are not alone. According to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans experience lower-back pain at any given time. While there are many treatments for back pain, one of the best is physical therapy. Physical therapy can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore function. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of physical therapy for those suffering from back pain.
Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain
Back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury to the spine, muscle strain, or poor posture. It is important to identify the source of your back pain before beginning treatment. Common signs and symptoms of back pain include:
- Pain that radiates down one or both legs
- Tingling or numbness in the legs or feet
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Muscle spasms or cramping
People may experience these symptoms randomly or consistently, which determines whether the issue is acute, recurrent, or chronic. Acute pain typically lasts less than 3 months and usually resolves on its own; recurrent symptoms are acute ones that come back; and chronic pain lasts longer than 3 months.
Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain
Before we dive into the benefits of physical therapy for those who suffer from back pain, it is important to understand some of the most common causes of chronic back pain. These include:
- Muscle strains and sprains
- Disc problems (herniated or bulging discs)
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Scoliosis (curvature of the spine)
- Poor posture or incorrect lifting techniques
7 Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Back Pain Sufferers
Physical therapy can offer a wide range of benefits for those who suffer from back pain. Here are some of the most common ways that physical therapy can help:
- Increase flexibility and mobility in the affected area
- Strengthen the muscles in your back, helping to prevent future pain or injuries
- Develop a customized treatment plan that can address any underlying issues, such as poor posture or incorrect lifting techniques
- Provide guidance on proper body mechanics and ergonomics to reduce further back strain
- Utilize hands-on treatments such as massage, stretching, and joint mobilization to alleviate tension and discomfort
- Educate patients on healthy lifestyle habits and teach them how to properly care for their backs at home
- Use a combination of exercises and modalities such as ultrasound therapy or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and improve range of motion
How Long Will You Need PT?
The amount of physical therapy that is necessary to properly manage back pain varies from person to person. It may take several weeks or months of regular visits before you can begin seeing the results.
At Farmingdale Physical Therapy West, your physical therapist will design a treatment plan specific to your individual needs and goals. It is important that you follow their instructions carefully in order to get the best possible outcome.
