Lower Back Pain can greatly inhibit the quality of your life. Typically non-surgical back pain treatment options, such as physical therapy, can very helpful. Whether the pain is local (mostly caused by an acute ligament strain) or radicular (a type of pain that radiates into the lower extremity directly along the course of a spinal nerve root), the first step is to seek a qualified and experienced physician to adequately diagnosis your needs.
Remember, lower back pain is quite common. In fact, over 30 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time. However, failing to properly treat it early can lead to more serious therapies including surgery. Be sure to discuss a specific therapy evaluation and treatment for your lower back pain and the physicians at AOA Orthopedic Specialists are definitely here to meet with you one on one.
Furthermore, if you are having low back pain right now:
- Stay active. Please do as much of your normal routine as possible. Research is now indicating that bed rest for longer than a day can actually slow down your recovery and lead to more serious complications.
- If your pain lasts more than a few days or gets worse, schedule an appointment to see your physical therapist immediately as you may be dealing with a chronic condition.
Not all low back pain is the same, so your treatment should be tailored to for your specific symptoms and condition. Once the examination is complete, your physical therapist will evaluate the results, identify the factors that have contributed to your specific back problem, and design an individualized treatment plan for your specific back problem.
Treatments may include:
1.) Manual therapy, including spinal manipulation, to improve the mobility of joints and soft tissues
2.) Specific strengthening and flexibility exercises
3.) Education about how you can take better care of your back
4.) Training for proper lifting, bending, and sitting; for doing chores both at work and in the home; and for proper sleeping positions
5.) Assistance in creating a safe and effective physical activity program to improve your overall health
6.) Use of ice or heat treatments or electrical stimulation to help relieve pain
As always, feel free to pick up the phone and call AOA today to meet with one of our specialists to discover a more comfortable and healthier way to live your life!
