Do you suffer from lower back pain? Are you wondering what to expect at physical therapy for lower back pain? If so, you aren’t alone. Back pain affects 80% of the population at some point in their lives. It is also the second leading cause of work-related disability and a major cause of missed work.
Most back pain occurs in the lower back, and physical therapy can provide tremendous relief. In this article, we will discuss topics such as the anatomy of the spine, symptoms of lower back problems, tips to reduce back pain, and how physical therapy for lower back pain can help.
Causes of Lower Back Pain
The most common cause of lower back pain is a torn or pulled muscle or ligament. Types of lower back pain include acute, subacute, chronic, and neuropathic, and each of them can cause significant or debilitating pain.
1. Acute: Acute pain is pain that lasts six weeks or less. Acute pain is often caused by a sudden injury such as an accident, fall, or heavy lifting resulting in a disruption in the way the spine, muscle, discs, and nerves work together. Most acute lower back pain is caused by injury to the muscles, ligaments, joints, or discs.
2. Subacute: Subacute pain is pain that lasts between six weeks and three months. It is a category of acute pain.
3. Chronic: Chronic pain in the low back lasts more than three months. 90% of the time, people can’t pinpoint the cause, but the pain source can be from problems such as degenerative disc disease, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, osteoarthritis, and scoliosis.
4. Neuropathic: Neuropathic pain in the lower back is usually chronic. Patients experience neuropathic pain as a sharp, electric-like, stabbing pain often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness down the legs to the feet.
5. Sciatica – This nerve can suffer inflammation due to pressure, trauma, or poor posture over time. This creates a shooting, intense pain. You may feel like the pain is suddenly intense and unexpected. See how physical therapy can help with sciatica.
Symptoms of Lower Back Problems
Describing your symptoms helps pinpoint the source of the problem and develop an effective treatment plan to alleviate pain. The following symptoms are characteristic of lower back problems:
- Dull, aching pain
- Sharp pain that travels down the leg
- Pain that increases with sitting
- Pain that improves when you shift position
- Pain that is worse in the morning and improves after moving around
- Tingling or numbness in leg or foot
- Weakness in leg or foot
If you experience lower back pain together with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin, unintended weight loss, fever, chills, or severe abdominal pain, seek immediate medical attention.
Types of Physical Therapy
1. Active Physical Therapy:
Active physical therapy consists of exercises to strengthen muscle groups that support your lower back and core. Stretching is incorporated to help keep you flexible. Another pain-reducing active treatment is soft tissue work and joint mobilization/ manipulation provided by manual therapy.
2. Passive Physical Therapy:
Passive physical therapy is used in conjunction with active physical therapy for pain modulation. Passive physical therapy can include treatments such as cold and heat packs to reduce inflammation and dry-needling trigger points.
What Happens During Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain
Physical therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals that use physical therapy treatment modalities to strengthen core muscle groups that support the lower back. When you visit us for physical therapy to address lower back pain, you can anticipate a personalized and effective approach. Our sessions prioritize one-on-one time with our highly trained therapists. The goals of your therapy include:
- Pain Management:
- Techniques such as hot or cold packs, TENS therapy, and spinal manipulation.
- Functional Improvement:
- Targeted exercises to strengthen core muscle groups supporting the lower back.
- Long-Term Back Health:
- Education on posture, body mechanics, and home exercises for sustained well-being.
During your initial appointment, expect a thorough assessment where we understand your pain, evaluate your mobility, and develop a tailored treatment plan. Wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing allows for easy movement during this process.
Your therapy may involve a variety of modalities such as massage, ultrasound, and specific exercises. The emphasis is not just on immediate relief but on equipping you with the tools and knowledge for lasting back health.
How Long Does Physical Therapy Take to Work for Back Pain?
The duration of your physical therapy journey is uniquely tailored to your specific needs and progress. Typically spanning six to eight weeks, the number of sessions is individualized, focusing on achieving your defined therapy goals. Progress is continually assessed, and adjustments are made if needed.
In some cases, patients experience rapid improvement within a few sessions, with a focus on equipping them with exercises for continued self-management. On the contrary, if back pain persists or worsens, a more extended period of physical therapy might be recommended, especially in cases where surgical intervention is considered.
When to Seek Physical Therapy
If persistent lower back pain is affecting your daily routine, it may be time to consider physical therapy. Look out for signs such as prolonged discomfort, difficulty with regular activities, or pain that interferes with your quality of life. Physical therapists specialize in identifying and addressing these issues, providing targeted solutions for lasting relief.
Receive Lower Back Pain Relief at Rock Valley Physical Therapy
At Rock Valley Physical Therapy, we are committed to helping you live a productive life without pain. Contact us today by requesting an appointment and get started on your journey to wellness.