When you have lower back pain, it can be difficult to do things you’d otherwise be able to do easily. This can easily lead to frustration, and many end up having unproductive days. About 8 in 10 people have had lower back pain at some point in their lives, and one would think it’s a phenomenon we should be used to by now. Unsurprisingly, that’s not the case, as pain is never a feeling we want.
Depending on the cause of lower back pain, several options exist for relieving it. Most times, the pain disappears by itself, but sometimes, medication is needed to get some relief. Surgery for back pain may sound far-fetched, but it’s the only viable option for certain causes of severe back pain. Another recommended treatment option for the condition is back pain physical therapy in Raleigh, NC, and this article will tell you 5 ways that professionals at FYZICAL North Hills will help you.
Why Do We Have Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can result from scoliosis treatment. You will need a diagnosis from your doctor to determine the cause of your lower back pain. Some of the causes of this pain include the following;
Strains And Sprains
A back strain occurs when you injure your muscle, while a sprain is when you overstretch or tear your ligaments. You are likely to have a sprain or strain in your back if you lift heavy objects repetitively or unsafely.
Also, everyday tasks like sneezing, coughing, or bending over to pick a sock can cause a back injury if not done correctly.
Fractures
If you sustain an injury, experience a car accident, or fall, you may fracture your back. A back fracture occurs when the bones in your spine break. This condition can result in permanent injury if left untreated.
Structural Problems
Your spine supports your back and helps you perform activities like walking, twisting, and moving. If there is an issue in the spine structure, you can experience back pain. For instance, spinal stenosis and scoliosis are common structural problems affecting the spine.
Spinal stenosis is when your spinal cord cannot fit in its column, resulting in back pain. Conversely, scoliosis is when your spine curves sideways, leading to pain and stiffness.
Disc Problems
Your spine has discs that act as shock absorbers. If these discs bulge out of their position, they can press on a nerve and cause pain. Other disc problems include herniated discs and degenerative disc disease.
A herniated disc is when the disc tears or ruptures. Degenerative disc disease is when the disc becomes flat and offers less protection for your spine.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that can affect the spine. It occurs when the cartilage in the spine wears down, leading to inflammation and pain.
Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
You may experience chronic lower back pain due to your lifestyle choices and other external factors. Maintaining a poor sitting, standing or sleeping posture, may increase mechanical stress in the lumbar region, causing severe pain in the lower back. In obese people, the excess weight strains the back muscles and ligaments, causing pain in the lower back. People who lead a sedentary lifestyle may end up with weak back muscles that cannot support the spine, resulting in lower back pain.
Other lifestyle factors that increase your risk of developing lower back pain include smoking, workplace demands, genetics, exposure to stress, etc.
5 Ways Physical Therapy Helps in Lower Back Pain Relief
Back pain physical therapy in Raleigh, NC, is individualised care that addresses your unique needs. Professionals will assess your condition through history taking, physical examination, and medical imaging to arrive at a diagnosis. This will help them draw up a treatment plan with the end goal of lower back pain relief.
Here are 5 ways that Physical Therapy in Raleigh NC helps lower back pain relief:
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises are often a key part of programs to relieve back pain because they offer several benefits. These exercises directly relieve pain, increase back strength, and improve muscle range of motion and circulation in the back. Your physical therapist will instruct you on how to do the exercises without worsening the injury. Examples of stretching exercises are:
Knee to Chest
This exercise loosens the muscles in your lower back to reduce pain and stiffness. You can do this exercise by:
- Lie on your back
- Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor
- Bring one knee to your chest and keep the other foot flat on the floor
- Hold this position for at least 15 to 30 seconds
- Repeat for the other knee
- Repeat this exercise 3 times per day
Knee Rotation
This exercise improves your flexibility and reduces lower back pain. You can do this exercise by:
- Lie on your back and keep your feet on the ground
- Bend your knees to the same side
- Gently move your knees from side to side. This motion should be like a windscreen wiper.
- Rotate to each side 10 times
- Repeat 3 times per day
Child’s Pose
This exercise stretches your lower back and other body parts, like your hips and ankles. You can do this exercise by;
- Kneel with your toes touching and sit on your knees
- Lean forward while keeping your buttocks on your heels
- Rest your forehead on the floor and stretch your arms in front of you
- Hold this pose for 30 seconds
- Repeat this exercise 5 times per day
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques like joint and soft tissue mobilisation and spinal manipulation. Soft tissue mobilisation involves applying pressure to soft tissues, such as muscles, to relax them, ease pain, and improve circulation. On the other hand, joint mobilisation and manipulation involve varied movements to move bones around a joint into position. This will help to loosen tight areas, improve flexibility and reduce pain.
Modalities
Back pain physical therapy in Raleigh, NC modalities include heat or ice therapy, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound therapy. These modalities often complement exercises and manual therapy, speeding healing and restoring mobility. Your physical therapist will prescribe appropriate modalities to suit your condition and preferences.
Posture Correction
As mentioned earlier, poor posture is a common cause of back pain. Physical therapy can improve body mechanics, reducing spine strain and back pain. Your physical therapist will also educate you on the proper posture and lifting techniques to alleviate back pain and prevent recurrence.
Prevention of Future Injuries
While addressing the underlying causes of your chronic lower back pain, physical therapy also strengthens your back muscles to significantly reduce your risks of injuring your lower back in the future. Physical therapists develop home exercise programs, educate patients, and perform periodic checkups to ensure their patients’ safety from back injuries and other conditions.
