Back pain is quite common and can affect your daily life. For example, suppose you work at a desk or a computer all day or have underlying medical conditions. In that case, you are prone to developing back pain. Therefore, getting proper treatment is essential to avoid worsening the pain. Fortunately, there are various treatment methods to alleviate your pain and your quality of life. This article explores the role of physical therapy in getting rid of back pain and the techniques used at Summit Physical Therapy.
Overview Of Back Pain
Back pain can be a mild to severe pain in the back. And depending on the location, the pain could be classified into upper back pain, lower back pain, and middle back pain. Of all these, lower back pain is the most common. Although back pain is prevalent in most people, getting treatment as soon as possible is essential to prevent the condition from worsening.
Without proper treatment, back pain can develop into chronic pain, causing excruciating pain, reducing mobility, and impacting the quality of one’s life. Fortunately, there are different treatments for back pain depending on the cause and severity. These treatments can alleviate pain and improve the quality of life.
What Are The Causes Of Back Pain?
Back pain could be a result of sprains or strains. It could also result from underlying medical conditions and disc problems.
Sprains and strains
Spraining or straining the back muscles can lead to back pain. For example, heavy lifting, poor posture, muscle overuse and sudden movements can cause a sprain or strain in the back muscles.
Disc problems
A problem with the discs in the spine can also lead to back pain. Herniated discs and degenerative disc disease are common disc problems. A herniated disc occurs when the soft material in the disc protrudes through a crack and presses on the nerves, causing pain. Degenerative disc disease, on the other hand, is a wear and tear in the spinal discs over time.
Spinal stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when the spinal canal narrows. This narrowing then compresses the nerves travelling through the spine, leading to back pain.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the joint cartilage breaks down due to wear and tear, leading to pain and inflammation. This condition often affects the lower back. Age, obesity, genetics, and diabetes are risk factors for osteoarthritis.
Poor posture
Poor posture, including slouching or sitting slumped in an office chair, can put unnecessary pressure on your back muscles and joints, causing pain over time. In addition, people that work at a desk or a computer for long periods are prone to developing back pain from poor posture.
Symptoms Of Back Pain
Back pain may be present with a dull ache, sharp pain or stiffness. This pain is often accompanied by weakness, tingling or numbness. You should seek medical attention if your back pain persists and interferes with your daily activities.
In addition, if you experience fever, unexplained weight loss, or bladder dysfunction alongside your back pain, it may result from underlying conditions.
What Is The Role Of Physical Therapy In Alleviating Back Pain?
Physical therapy for back pain in Merrick, NY, consists of several techniques to help alleviate back pain and strengthen your muscles. This therapy is non-invasive and does not require drugs. Furthermore, your physical therapist in Merrick can tailor a treatment program to suit your needs.
What Physical Therapy Techniques Are Used For Back Pain?
Your physical therapist will create a treatment program to suit your needs. The program may consist of techniques like manual therapy, stretches, and exercises. Your physical therapist will also educate you on proper posture and other methods you can use to manage your pain at home and prevent a recurrence.
Heat and cold therapy
Physical therapy in Merrick, NY, may alternate between heat and cold therapy to help alleviate back pain. Heat therapy causes blood vessels in the injured area to dilate, boosting circulation. Cold therapy makes the blood vessels contract and reduces circulation, reducing pain.
Manual therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on manipulation of the back muscles. Your physical therapist may massage your back or carry out soft tissue mobilizations of the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments to relieve back pain.
Stretching exercises
Stretches can improve your flexibility, reduce tension, and relieve back pain. Back pain therapy in Merrick, NY, will recommend stretches that target your back muscles to alleviate pain. Some popular stretches for back pain include the child’s pose, cat-cow, and knee-to-chest stretch.
Strengthening exercises
Strengthening exercises can help improve your posture, strengthen your back muscles, and relieve pain. Depending on the severity and location of your pain, your physical therapist may recommend core-strengthening exercises, yoga, or low-impact aerobic exercises. Some popular strengthening exercises for alleviating back pain include bridges, partial crunches, and wall sit.
Conclusion
Although back pain may be mild or severe, the pain can interfere with daily life. Fortunately, physical therapy is an effective treatment that alleviates pain without needing medication or surgery. In addition, your physical therapist will create a treatment plan specifically tailored to your needs. Our physical therapists at Summit physical therapy will educate you on the proper posture and how to prevent a recurrence of the pa         Â