Easing Lower Back Pain with Physical Therapy
Lower back pain is like a storm that has been brewing on the horizon all day. The dull ache, the throbbing sensation, and the stiffness – it all builds up until finally, like a crash of thunder, it erupts into full-blown pain.
It pervades your entire body and takes away choice and control. Your movement is restricted, your daily activities become a challenge, and if left untreated, it can cause long-term damage. Physical therapy offers a way to ease lower back pain and move past the storm.
This post delves into the causes of lower back pain and explains why physical therapy for lower back pain is a solution you can’t afford to ignore.
Is Physical Therapy The Best Option To Treat Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain affects millions of people around the world. In fact, in 2019, approximately 41% of adult female Americans aged 18 and up experienced back pain in the preceding three months. Comparably, 37 percent of males also communicated a similar experience.
It’s no wonder the search for a solution is so active. According to the Low Back Pain Guidelines, physical therapy is a recommended non-pharmacologic treatment for lower back pain.
Physical therapy is a safe and effective form of treatment that can help reduce pain, restore movement and mobility, and improve your overall quality of life. It acts by bolstering the strength and flexibility of your musculoskeletal system, which includes your joints, muscles, and ligaments.
Understanding The Causes Of Lower Back Pain
There are many causes of lower back pain. It can be caused by a variety of mechanical conditions such as poor posture, traumatic injury, and overuse. At the same time, many medical conditions, including arthritis, degenerative disc disease, sciatica, and spinal stenosis, can manifest themselves in the form of lower back pain.
Before you dive into your treatment plans, you first must understand the cause of your pain. Medical practitioners are well-versed in identifying and diagnosing the root of your condition so they can develop a personalized treatment plan that speaks to your specific needs. This treatment plan can include a referral to a physical therapist where you can explore techniques for easing lower back pain.
Physical Therapy Techniques For Lower Back Pain
Once you have identified the causes of lower back pain, your physical therapist will then design an individualized program that focuses on restoring strength, mobility, and stability to the affected area. Physical therapy exercises such as stretching and strengthening exercises as well as manual therapy.
Core Strengthening Exercises
Core strengthening focuses on the muscles that support your spine and back. A weak core only leads to the unequal distribution of weight along the spine, resulting in lower back pain. Therefore, these exercises help to build strength in those muscles, stabilizing them and reducing strain on the back.
A few core-strengthening exercises include:
- Cat-cow Pose
- Crunches
- High and Low Planks
- Pelvic Tilt
Postural Training
Your posture also helps to maintain the balance of your muscles and bones allowing you to move freely and without pain. On the other hand, bad postural habits and poor ergonomics can give life to an incorrect posture resulting in limited movement and pain. With the right physical therapy activities, you can strengthen your back and postural muscles, correct dysfunctional posture and realign the body.
Examples of postural training include:
- Calf Stretching
- Pelvic Tilts
- Seated Squats
Lumbar Stabilizing Exercises
Lower back pain can also arise from instability and weakness in the lumbar area. Physical therapists may provide you with exercises to help strengthen your lower back muscles, promote stability in the lumbar spine, and coordinate movement patterns.
Such exercises include:
- Hamstring Stretches
- Planks with Leg Lifts
- Squats
- Downward Dog
Benefits Of Physical Therapy For Lower Back Pain
Physical therapy is a conservative treatment option for lower back pain that doesn’t involve the use of potentially harmful drugs or invasive surgeries.
Physical therapy offers a variety of benefits, including:
Reduced Pain and Discomfort
Many strive for pain relief and physical therapy is an excellent tool to help reduce the pain associated with lower back issues. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques such as manual manipulation, therapeutic exercises, and muscle energy techniques to reduce acute and chronic lower back pain.
Improved Mobility and Flexibility
Being robbed of your mobility and flexibility can be frustrating, not to mention painful. Physical therapy helps improve these qualities by strengthening and stretching the muscles around the joints in your lower back. Physical therapists will also work with you on proper ergonomic techniques to help you maintain the right posture when sitting, standing, or moving around.
Enhanced Function and Quality Of Life
Improved function and quality of life if the ultimate goal of physical therapy. Physical therapists strive to improve the overall well-being and functioning of those who suffer from lower back pain by helping them regain their strength and mobility.
Prevent the Reoccurrence of Pain
Reduce your risk of developing future lower-back issues with help of certified physical therapists. They offer maintenance programs that focus on strengthening core muscles and improving posture. This can be a great preventative measure against future lower back pain.
How To Find A Physical Therapist For Lower Back Pain
Finding a physical therapist that is right for you can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are a few steps you can take to select a certified physical therapist.
Do Your Research
Ensure that the physical therapist is well-educated and qualified for the job. Physical therapists should hold a license, as well as certifications for specialty areas.
Find a Physical Therapist with Experience
You’ll want to find a physical therapist who has experience treating individuals with conditions similar to yours. Physical therapists who specialize in treating lower back pain are the most suitable for your needs.
Consider Your Health Insurance Coverage
Verify that the physical therapist you’re considering is covered by your insurance provider. Health insurance coverage will help make your visits to the physical therapist more convenient and cost-effective.
ReActiv8® – Restorative Neurostimulation Therapy To Treat Lower Back Pain
Physical therapists are skilled in a variety of techniques that can help reduce the discomfort associated with lower back pain, as well as improve mobility and flexibility. With proper physical therapy activities, you can strengthen your postural muscles, correct dysfunctional posture and realign the body for increased function and quality of life.
For those looking for an even more advanced treatment option, ReActiv8® Restorative Neurostimulation Therapy offers a revolutionary approach to treating lower back pain without drugs or invasive surgery.
If you’re suffering from chronic low back pain, talk to a doctor to see if ReActiv8® is right for you!
