Lower back pain affects millions worldwide and is one of the most common causes of missed workdays. It can affect anyone, from sedentary office workers to highly active athletes.
Whatever the cause, the pain can be unbearable and may impact your work, relationships, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, physical therapy has proven to be an effective solution for lower back pain, no matter how severe it is.
Let’s discuss how physical therapy can help you find relief from lower back pain and why it’s important to seek professional help when dealing with chronic back pain.
Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain Relief
Physical therapy is a non-invasive and safe approach to treating lower back pain. A physical therapist will work with you to identify the root cause of your pain and create a personalized treatment plan to address your unique needs. Your plan may include:
Pain Management Techniques
Physical therapists use a variety of approaches to reduce lower back pain:
Heat or Cold Therapy
These therapies can help relieve lower back pain by reducing inflammation and muscle spasms. Heat therapy dilates blood vessels, promotes blood flow, and helps muscles relax. Conversely, cold therapy narrows blood vessels, which can decrease inflammation, numb sore tissues, and slow nerve impulses that send pain signals.
Massage
This involves manipulating soft tissues to increase blood flow, reduce muscle tension, improve mobility, and induce relaxation. It can also help to release endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers.
Electrical Stimulation
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) delivers mild electrical pulses to the skin, which can help block or interrupt pain signals sent to the brain.
Ultrasound
This technique uses sound waves to generate heat deep within your body, improving circulation and reducing muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises support the spine and prevent future pain or injury. Here are a few examples:
- Back and Abdominal Exercises: The muscles in your back and abdomen work together to support your spine when you’re sitting, standing, bending over, or moving around. Strengthening these muscles can provide better spinal support.
- Leg Exercises: Strong leg muscles are essential for supporting the lower back. Squats, lunges, and leg lifts can help strengthen these muscles.
A physical therapist will create a customized exercise plan based on your specific needs and capabilities.
Flexibility and Stretching
Tight muscles can contribute to lower back pain. Regular stretching can improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and increase range of motion.
Physical therapists might recommend stretches for the hamstrings, hip flexors, and muscles in the lower back and abdomen.
Posture Correction
Poor posture can put unnecessary strain on your lower back, causing pain over time. Physical therapists teach proper posture for various activities, such as:
- Sitting: You should maintain a neutral pelvic position, with your back against the chair and feet flat on the floor.
- Standing: Maintain a neutral pelvis, with your weight balanced evenly on both feet.
- Lifting: Use your legs to lift heavy objects, keeping them close to your body, and avoid twisting your body while lifting.
Education
Education is a crucial component of physical therapy. Therapists educate patients about the causes and mechanics of lower back pain. They provide practical strategies to prevent recurrence, such as maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, avoiding prolonged inactivity or bed rest, and using good body mechanics.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy in Treating Lower Back Pain
Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment for lower back pain, with many benefits. It’s a non-invasive treatment that doesn’t involve medication or surgery.
Physical therapy can reduce pain, increase range of motion and flexibility, and improve overall function. Physical therapy can also help prevent future injuries and improve your posture, giving you long-term benefits.
How to Find Physical Therapy Near You
If you’re considering physical therapy for your lower back pain, the first step is to find a physical therapist near you.
Start by asking for recommendations from your orthopedic doctor or friends and family. You can also search online for physical therapists in your area. Look for a therapist who has experience treating lower back pain and licensed and certified by your state.
Physical Therapy Near Me in Rochester Hills, Bad Axe, and Lapeer, Michigan
If you’re experiencing lower back pain, physical therapy can be an effective and safe way to relieve your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
At Ahlgren Spine, our highly experienced and exceptionally skilled orthopedic surgeon,Dr. Bradley D. Ahlgren, recommends physical therapy as a nonsurgical treatment for lower back pain. For your convenience, we also offer on-site pain management services and physical therapy services.
For more information about lower back pain and its treatment or to schedule a consultation with our providers, contact (248) 215-8080 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
