Do you suffer from back pain? If so, don’t be frightened, there is always hope. Back pain can return from time to time or even become chronic pain; your doctor will probably recommend some treatments like physical therapy to cope with back pain.
Evaluation of physical therapy for back pain patients should include:
- A review of your history of health
- Questions about your symptoms
- Examination for assessing the quality and quantity of your movements
- Evaluation of how you use your body at work, at home, during sports, and in your spare time
- Tests to spot signs that might indicate a serious health problem
Types of back pain |
|
| Inflammation from spinal infection | Muscle strains from the wrong posture |
| Herniated disc(s) | Spinal stenosis |
| Osteoporosis | Compressed nerves |
| Vertebral fracture(s) | Muscle injury |
| Tumors | Scoliosis |
| Degenerative disc disease | Aging natural process |
About back pain: Symptoms and causes
The main symptoms of back pain are aching anywhere in the back, particularly in the low back is very common. Sometimes, it is accompanied by sensations of tingling, numbness, muscle spasms, stiffness, or weakness can be an indicator of nerve irritation or bone damage, it might extend to one or both legs.
A common cause of back pain is an injury like strain or slipped disc, it can be a sign of a serious medical problem such as a broken bone, an infection, or cancer that may require intervention surgery. If you have chronic back pain, physical therapy can be an alternative solution.
Some physical therapy centers near Northville, MI, have already been focusing on the last years in preparing their facilities to receive patients that endure years and years of back pain. This is a recurring problem that many people across the US suffer from and therefore it is important that physical therapy tackles this issue.
“In general, the goals of physical therapy are: decrease pain, improve function, and prevent disability from getting worse. Physical therapy is often one of the best options you can apply when you have chronic pain or injury”.
Low back pain could be related to smoking, obesity, and sedentary with poor quality of life. Physical therapy applies different techniques and elements to contribute to treatment and recovery. This may include:
- Manual therapy, such as spinal manipulation, promotes the mobility of joints
- Use of cold, heat, or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain
- Assistance in creating a safe and effective physical activity
- Specific strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Training for suitable lifting, bending, sitting, doing chores, and adequate sleeping positions
Physical therapy methods for chronic back pain
- Active physical therapy includes specific stretches and exercises for strengthening the muscles that support your back and regaining the pliability and mobility you have got lost because of your back pain. Try to practice stretching exercises every day.
- Passive physical therapy involves non-physical treatments which will help relax a patient’s muscles and decrease aches. By using hot and cold packs applied to affected areas, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound.
- Long-term support by physical therapy helps the patient to alleviate chronic back pain through stretching and exercise. Low-impact aerobics is vital for long-term pain reduction. Many options are available like walking, bicycling swimming, or water therapy. Aerobic exercises are performed thrice times a week, on alternate days of strengthening exercises.
Protection strategies to promote back pain healing
- Be aware of your corporal posture at anytime
- Maintain a regular physical fitness regime and stay active to prevent injury
- Keep the load close to your body during lifting
- Ovoid bad habits like smoking or drinking too much alcohol
- Try to lose weight
To sum up, physical therapy can treat back pain/injury efficiently improving quality of life. By trying different healing methods, the physiotherapist will perform some of these on your affected areas and will teach you to practice by yourself.
If you need a professional opinion, visit a group of dedicated physical therapists who will tailor a complete recovery plan for you to go back to your daily activities with no pain. Don’t hesitate to get help and take advantage of physical therapy to cope with back pain.