However, if the ache lasts longer than two weeks, you might need to consult a physical therapist specializing in back pain relief in Fort Lauderdale, FL. They will determine the root cause of your pain & discomfort and curate a treatment plan to address your issues.
In this article, we have covered everything you need to know about physical therapy for back pain. It will help you understand the benefits of this non-invasive treatment approach. Let us begin by looking at the most common causes of back pain.
Common Causes That Lead To Back Pain
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Strain- muscle and ligament strains.
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Injuries - injuries that lead to spasm, muscle tension, or slipped disc.
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Sciatica.
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Arthritis.
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Abnormal spine structure.
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Improper posture, long hours of sitting, and repetitive motions.
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Severe causes - spine cancer, spine infection, kidney infection, sleep disorders, or other neurological disorders are affecting the spine.
What To Expect On Your First Visit At A Physical Therapy Clinic?
A physical therapist is a medical expert who is well versed in treating various conditions. They can understand the discomfort their patients are experiencing and can empathize with the toll you may be feeling. Hence they are dedicated to helping you achieve the lasting pain relief you deserve.
Firstly, they will ask you to make some movements to assess your posture and spine functioning. Therefore, we recommend dressing comfortably; avoiding tight clothes. Then, they will inquire about the symptoms you are experiencing. It would be helpful to jot them down in advance, including the movements or actions that worsen or lessen your discomfort.
During the initial visit, the primary goal of your physical therapist is to assess the cause and severity of your pain and know whether it is acute or chronic. For the same, they may conduct some or all of the below-mentioned tests:
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A comprehensive review of your medical history
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Symptom evaluation
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Physical examination - to test the spine strength and range of motion
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Gait & posture analysis
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Imaging tests like Xray - if they suspect an injury or a neurological treatment
It is advised to be open with your physical therapist. Do not shy away from asking questions and be honest about your symptoms. If not, they may not be able to derive precise conclusions.
Your PT will create an individualized treatment plan for your symptoms after the initial examination. You will gain the following benefits from the comprehensive rehabilitation program that they design.
Benefits Of Physical Therapy Treatment For Back Pain Relief
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Personalized Care
One of the most significant advantages of seeking help from a physical therapist is that they are well-versed in preparing individualized care plans. They understand well that there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach to treating back pain. Hence, they will prepare the course of treatment after considering the following - Your body type, age, lifestyle (whether you’re a passive person or an athlete), current health concerns, and how you respond to different types of movement will all be considered.
2. Lasting Pain Relief
Treatment approaches implemented by your physical therapist will work incredibly in treating the pain from its source. Hence, the chances of long pain symptoms are minimized. Moreover, they will also suggest exercises to strengthen your muscles to prevent the pain from returning.
3. Restored Mobility
Back pain is often accompanied by impaired mobility. Physical therapy not only treats your pain symptoms but also works on reducing stiffness and enhancing mobility. If your back muscles are weak, your therapist may suggest strengthening exercises to help you regain a complete range of motion.
4. Prevents The Need For Surgery
Surgical treatment should be considered only after trying all non-invasive treatment options. Physical therapy treats back pain with conservative treatments like manual therapy, electrical stimulation, spinal manipulation. This minimizes, even eliminates the requirement for surgery.
5. Reduces Risk Of Future Injury
If you are an athlete or someone whose job requires you to perform repetitive movements, your back pain is likely caused by repetitive strain or an injury. A physical therapist will suggest daily stretching and strengthening exercises to make your joints and muscles stronger, ultimately reducing the probability of future injuries.
6. Reduces The Risk Of Falls
Back pain can also be triggered by poor posture or a degenerative disease like arthritis. In this situation, you are also susceptible to falls and loss of balance. Your PT will design a plan to improve your overall balance and reduce the risk of falls & accidents.
Concluding thoughts
If you are experiencing severe back pain that does not subside within a week, you shouldn’t wait any longer before consulting a physical therapist for back pain relief in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
It is a natural treatment that can eliminate surgical treatment, medication, and orthotic devices. However, before beginning a physical therapy program, you must go through an imaging test to eradicate the possibility of a fracture or tumor.
