Three patients were struggling with back pain–although all three had developed it for different reasons. One patient had spinal arthritis. Another had strained her back muscles while helping a friend move. And the third thought his pain had “come out of nowhere” (although really it was the result of poor posture at his desk job). But despite their different needs, all three patients benefited from physical therapy for back pain.
Back pain is one of the most common complaints in the world, largely because it can stem from so many different causes. At Empower Physical Therapy, we understand that the first step in treating back pain is to determine what’s causing it–that way, we can address the pain at its root.
Today, we want to explore physical therapy for back pain in more detail, looking at all the ways our Wasilla, Anchorage, and Palmer, AK therapists can help you target the source of your back pain, address your symptoms, and improve your overall quality of life.
How Physical Therapy Addresses Four Common Causes of Back Pain
Poor Posture
Poor posture places excessive stress on the back’s muscles, ligaments, and joints, leading to persistent discomfort and restricted mobility.
How We Address Postural Issues
Assessment
- We’ll thoroughly evaluate your posture and identify areas of imbalance or misalignment. It’s important to remember that posture isn’t just about standing up straight–it’s about keeping your spine in alignment no matter what you’re doing.
Correction
- We’ll work with you to correct any postural impairments that might be contributing to your back pain, including tips to help you maintain postural awareness throughout the day.
Strengthening Exercises
- Strengthening the core muscles–which support and stabilize the spine–can help restore alignment and reduce strain.
Herniated Disc
A herniated disc occurs when the soft, cushiony center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher exterior, irritating nearby nerves and causing pain or numbness that often radiates down through the leg.
How We Can Address Herniated Discs
Acute Pain Management
- Herniated discs can be very painful, but we’ll use hands-on manual therapy and other techniques to relieve nerve pressure and reduce discomfort.
Strengthening Programs
- Strengthening the muscles around the spine improves stability and reduces stress on the affected disc. We’ll show you low-impact exercises that build in intensity as you heal.
Movement Modifications
- We’ll show you safe ways to bend, lift, and move to prevent worsening the condition.
Muscle Strains
Overuse, sudden movements, or improper lifting techniques can cause small tears or inflammation in back muscles.
How We Can Address Muscle Strains
Acute Care
- We might suggest ice, heat, and soft tissue massage to ease pain and swelling in the early stages of your injury.
Rehabilitative Exercises
- We can help you rehabilitate your injury with personalized mobility and strengthening exercises.
Injury Prevention Education
- You’ll learn proper lifting techniques, warm-up routines, and stretching practices to prevent future strains.
Degenerative Conditions
Chronic degenerative conditions like arthritis or spinal stenosis can cause ongoing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. They have no cure, but you can manage your symptoms.
How We Can Help You Manage Degenerative Conditions
Pain Management:
- We offer several techniques, such as manual therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, to alleviate pain.
Low-Impact Exercises
- Regular exercise is one of the best ways to manage chronic pain conditions. We’ll help you find a low-impact program that works for you.
Joint Stabilization
- Strengthening the muscles supporting the spine reduces wear and tear on affected areas.
Lifestyle Tips
- We’ll help you understand how to modify activities and avoid movements that worsen symptoms.
Get Started With Physical Therapy for Back Pain Today!
If your back pain lasts more than a few days or limits your ability to work or enjoy daily activities, it’s time to consider physical therapy at Empower Physical Therapy. Our team offers tailored physical therapy for back pain to help you return to an active, healthy lifestyle.
Schedule an appointment today to get started!
