Back pain? Why Physical Therapy might be the relief you’re looking for
Back pain affects 90% of people at some point in their life. It is the leading cause of inactivity among adults and it can result in other health issues if left untreated. In fact, according to the World Health Organization, an estimated 149 million days of work are lost due to lower back pain (that’s the #1 cause of missed days).
If you’re suffering from back pain, it may be tempting to stay on the couch all day. But that’s a recipe that will cause more pain and possibly make your situation worse. Although getting up and moving might be the last thing you feel like doing, physical therapy (and moving) is the best way to reduce pain. It eases pain and helps you move better. Typically, the sooner you seek treatment for back pain, the sooner you can find lasting relief.
If you see your physical therapist when your back problems first show up, you might be able to avoid a lot of trouble (missed events/work, unnecessary suffering, even surgery)!
Common Causes of Back pain
Back pain symptoms can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. In addition, the pain may radiate down your leg or worsen with bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking. Symptoms affect everyone differently and typically don’t happen overnight (although, they can!). Common causes of back pain include:
- Your lifestyle (weight, posture, shoes)
- Pulled muscle or tendon
- Inflammation
- Arthritis
- Injured disc
- Stress
- Fibromyalgia
- Car accident
- Past injuries (or ignored injuries)
Getting Started with PT
The goal of physical therapy is to make your everyday tasks and activities easier (and without pain). Physical Therapy will help you walk, climb stairs, and even get in and out of bed easier. You may need to learn how to move correctly. That may sound strange, but often back pain is caused by improper movements and daily continuation of them.
Whatever your needs and goals are, your physical therapist will create a treatment plan to suit you. Physical therapy is completely individualized care and your treatment plan is made around you, the patient. Start by requesting a free assessment and see if physical therapy can help with your back pain.