Back Pain
What is Back Pain?
Back pain 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 back pain (that’s the #1 cause of missed days). The sooner you seek treatment for back pain, the sooner you can find lasting relief. When you’re suffering from back pain, it may be tempting to stay on the couch all day. But that’s a prescription for more pain; lack of movement can worsen your situation. That’s why physical therapy and exercise is a proven method for getting to the root of your back pain issue and resolving it.
40+ CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
PT GOALS & STRATEGIES
for treating back conditions
eliminate/reduce
pain & swelling
improved
mobility & flexibility
increased
strength & endurance
education & preventative tools
return to
normal function
proper
alignment
Start Your
journey to health Today
COMMON CONDITIONS
we treat of back pain & sciatica
There are many common back pain conditions our Southeast Michigan physical therapy practices can help with. The list below covers the most common back and spine-related conditions we can help with, but we treat every patient's condition specific to him/her.
Generalized Back Pain
- There are a large number of conditions that can result in back pain. For example, poor posture, car accidents, and sports-related injuries are just a few of the ways that someone may develop back pain.
- The pain you experience may either be acute or chronic, depending on what caused your back in the first place. Acute pain means that it lasts for a short time and is usually severe. Chronic pain means that it lasts generally three months or longer and it can either cause dull or severe persistent pain. The pain you experience is typically either rooted in your back muscles or the bones in your spine.
- Often, as your back condition worsens, the pain will start to radiate (move/change locations) to your hip, back of your leg, butt, and potentially to the foot.
Sciatica
- Pinched nerves/sciatica occur when there is excessive pressure on the nerve leading to weakness, numbness or pain radiating down the leg.
Arthritis
- Arthritis is the wearing out or degeneration of the joints leading to pain in the joints of the low back. This can be caused by trauma/injury, repetitive movements over time, or normal conditions of aging.
Disc Injury
- Disc injuries (bulge, herniation, degeneration) are a common cause for back pain. the disc acts to absorb shock during the body’s daily activities and keeps the vertebrae (bones in the spine) separated. When damaged, the disc can create pressure on the nerve or spinal cord and cause pain in the low back and legs.
- Pinched nerve
Overuse or Sports Injury
- You may not remember a specific injury, especially if your symptoms began gradually or during everyday activities. These injuries occur most often from improper movement or posture while lifting, standing, walking, or sitting, or even while sleeping.
- Most athletic injuries to the back are sprains of the ligaments or strains of the muscles. However, several more serious conditions can have symptoms similar to a routine sprain or strain. Many injuries occur after repetitive overuse of the structures of the spine. Therefore, proper treatment of a young athlete always includes a good physician evaluation with imaging studies when necessary.
Sprain or Strain
- Muscle spasms and strains are irritation and injury to the back muscles causing them to involuntarily contract or become excessively tense and cause significant pain. This may occur from an injury, accident, or prolonged poor posture and repetitive movements.
Posture
- Poor posture can often lead to back pain. This source of back pain is on the rise with the use of computers, increased sitting, and long commutes to work. Imbalances can develop including tightness in certain muscles along with weakness in the core which can eventually lead to back pain.
Back pain during pregnancy
- Back pain during and after pregnancy is very common, affecting an estimated 50 percent to 80 percent of pregnant women. During pregnancy, the ligaments in your body naturally become softer and stretch to prepare you for labor. This can put a strain on the joints of your lower back and pelvis, which can cause back pain. Not to mention, changing your center of gravity, increase of hormones, postural changes, stress, and weight gain can also be contributing factors.
Pinched Nerve
- A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as bones, cartilage, muscles or tendons. This pressure disrupts the nerve's function, causing pain, tingling, numbness or weakness.
PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENT PLAN
for back pain & sciatica relief
We treat the individual…not just the pain or dysfunction. Your physical therapy treatment may include: