How Physical Therapy Can Help Relieve or Prevent Back Pain.

If you have back pain, you’re not alone. In fact, about 30 percent of the population in the U.S. probably has back pain right now. Because a stiff or aching spine can interfere with just about all of your daily activities, back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with back pain. There are many different treatment options available, ranging from conservative treatments to surgery. For many, physical therapy may be an effective and appropriate treatment option to help improve function or pain in the spine, or even prevent back pain altogether. 
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Common causes of back pain treatable though physical therapy.

The spine is a complex part of the body, made up of bones, muscles, tendons, nerves, the spinal cord, and other tissues. The beauty of the spine is that it can tolerate a lot of wear and tear before symptoms start to interfere with your quality of life. However, like the rest of our body, your spine is not designed to be perfect forever. 

People might describe their back pain as burning, shooting, or stabbing pain. For others, pain may radiate down the legs or arms. Pain can be caused by a variety of factors, from an accident or fall, normal wear and tear over time, or a medical condition. In other instances, back pain may develop after sitting too long, or bending over with poor posture while gardening or doing some other activity. Common reasons someone may experience back pain include:
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• Arthritis 
• Disc injuries, such as a herniated disc or bulging disc
• Muscle strain
• Pinched nerve
• Poor posture
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis

When should I see a physical therapist for back pain?

If back pain is getting progressively worse or impacting your day-to-day life, it’s time to seek medical care. There are several different specialists who are trained to diagnose and treat back pain. Your doctor may recommend starting with physical therapy or refer you to a spine specialist to discuss all of your options. In some instances, patients may choose to self-refer to a physical therapist as a first line of treatment to reduce pain and/or improve mobility. In other instances, physical therapy may be combined with other treatment options or in preparation for back surgery, for more debilitating pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. 

If you have mild back pain, you still may benefit from a session or two with a physical therapist trained in preventing spine pain. Physical therapists are skilled at evaluating your posture and tailoring a home exercise program that can help you maintain a strong core, which is key to preventing back pain. 

Physical therapists are trained to identify any red flags that suggest patients should see a physician instead. So if physical therapy is not the best option for you, your physical therapist will reach out to their physician colleagues to get you where you need to be.

What to expect during physical therapy for back pain.

Physical therapy, or PT, is rehabilitation that preserves, enhances, and restores movement and physical function. Physical therapists are experts in combining manual therapy with exercises and education tailored to a patient’s specific pain and goals. As a result, many patients benefit from:
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• Strengthened muscles for greater core and spine stability
• Improved circulation and postural awareness
• Increased mobility and function

Physical therapists who specialize in spine treatment understand all of the various tools and treatment options to help you safely get back to where you want to be. Your treatment plan will vary based on our unique needs but may include:
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Therapeutic exercises for back pain.

Your physical therapist may recommend exercises that improve posture, strengthen your core, and alleviate pressure on the spine. These exercises will vary person-to-person. For the best results, you should continue performing these exercises at home, as recommended by your physical therapist. Moving stiff muscles and joints can cause some discomfort. If your pain is severe during physical therapy, your physical therapist may partner with pain management specialists, such as physiatrists, to help manage soreness.

Your physical therapist may also provide suggestions for activities or exercises to avoid, as certain movements can further aggravate your spine depending on the location and cause of your pain. 

Manual therapy.

Manual therapy is a hands-on technique during which your physical therapist may use their hands to apply pressure to sore or stiff parts of your spine. This can relieve pain, improve circulation, and help with function. This is different from massage therapy or chiropractic care, which uses different techniques that are used in isolation. 
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Patient education.

Finally, an important part of physical therapy is education on the body’s posture and alignment and any limitations you have with your actual spine. This equips patients to better manage and prevent worsening spine pain. Training may be related to exercises to perform or avoid, modifications for staying active while minimizing pain, home modifications to improve your quality of life while managing pain, and more. 
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Other physical therapy treatments.

There are other ways physical therapists can help to relieve spine pain or improve mobility and function. Our physical therapists are also trained in other interventions, including electrical stimulation and dry-needling, which is gaining popularity. When treating spine pain with dry  needling, a skilled physical therapist may use a small needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate small tissue muscles. This generates motor contractions and can improve movement related to your pain.
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Physical therapy is often part of a multidisciplinary approach to relieving back pain.

There’s no one-size-fits all approach to back pain treatment. We always want to try the least invasive, most appropriate treatment option first. However, if you aren’t experiencing any improvement in pain or function, or you experience a new or worsening issue with your back, you may benefit from meeting with other specialists. At MedStar Health, our physical therapists work closely with neurosurgeons, orthopedists, and physiatrists who specialize in diagnosing and treating back pain. Together, we can design a treatment plan that will help you understand all of your options. 

If you’ve exhausted all conservative treatment options and your doctor recommends surgery, we’re here for you. Physical therapy is a critical component to preparing and recovering from back surgery, as research shows that pre-habilitation therapy can help to reduce pain and depression after surgery. We can also help you prepare for recovery by providing education on home modifications, getting around with a wheelchair or cane, and safely resuming exercise.

Back pain is common but you don’t have to live with it. Talk to your doctor about whether physical therapy may be right for you.