Relief For Back Pain
Low back pain affects nearly everyone at some stage of life and is one of the most common ailments seen in medical practices.
It comes in many different flavors: lumbago, lumbar sprain or strain, slipped or bulging disc, degenerative arthritis, or, when it extends into the leg, sciatica.
In fact, research suggests that between 60% – 75% of the population who experience back pain once will experience recurring or chronic problems. However, most patients will not consult a Physical Therapist for first-time problems with their back, lowering their chance of a speedy and lasting recovery.
To most people, their low back pain is confusing and frustrating.
Many times it starts without warning and for no obvious reason. It will interfere with the performance of basic daily activities and the ability to get a good night’s sleep. Then, often the pain will subside just as unexpectedly as it started.
When in acute pain, most people are unable to think clearly about the trouble and simply seek pain relief. Similarly, once episodes of back pain subside, most will then go on to forget about their back trouble.
Low Back Pain Assessment
Here are common questions we ask our patients when trying to understand the source of their back pain:
- Are symptoms present for less than 16 days in the most recent exacerbation? Yes or No
- If the patient has lower extremity symptoms, are the symptoms above the knee? Yes or No
- Does the patient’s low back pain vary in intensity? Yes or No
- Do movements or positions change the patient’s symptoms? Yes or No
- Does the patient have a hard time standing after sitting? Yes or No
- Are the symptoms worse after bending, stooping, or sitting? Yes or No
- Are the symptoms usually worse in the morning? Yes or No
The more YES’s that are present, the higher the likelihood that Physical Therapy can help you.
The majority of back pains are mechanical in nature.
This means that they are caused by problems with the moving parts of the spine. Therefore, certain movements that you make and positions you adopt can lead to the onset or worsening of pain.
A very common example of this is patients who complain of worsening pain with bending forward for prolonged periods. Also, sitting for prolonged periods at work or while driving will bother these individuals and they might find it hard to get up from a sitting position.
In some cases, it might even take a few minutes to be able to stand upright properly.
If you are like most patients with mechanical low back pain, you are better when you can move around frequently and worse when you have to remain in one position for long periods.
There are some whose pain will have worsened to the point that it is constant and the changing of positions is necessary to simply find some relief from the pain.
If you are a back pain sufferer, be encouraged that most patients can get significant help for their back pain.
Exercise and activity need to be a regular part of your management strategy, but the exercise must be specific to your problem. Your program should include a daily walking program if possible.
You may benefit from an individualized consultation with a physical therapist with specific training to evaluate mechanical spine disorders if your pain does not subside.
Common Back Problems Seen by Physical Therapists:
- Strains & Sprains
- Herniated Discs
- Degenerated Discs
- Sciatica
- Piriformis Syndrome
- Spondylosis
- Spondylolisthesis
If you’ve been meaning to get your Back Pain fixed once and for all, don’t wait! Every one of our 19 locations offer Direct Access to most patients – eliminating the need for a medical referral before being seen by our Doctors.
Click the button below or stop by the new location to start feeling better today!
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