Lower back pain can significantly lower your quality of life. According to the American Chiropractic Association, lower back pain is one of the common reasons for work absenteeism and about 50% of all working Americans admit to suffering from back pain symptoms each year. While some of the people affected manage by taking OTC or prescription medication, this medication often causes unpleasant side effects. Therefore, it's recommended to explore more holistic alternative treatments like physical therapy. Read on to discover what to expect when treating lower back pain with physical therapy.

What Is Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain?

Physical therapy is generally used to treat orthopedic or musculoskeletal problems. As the name suggests, lower back pain affects the lower back or the lumbar spine which comprise vertebrae with spongy discs in-between. The five bones of the vertebrae protect the spinal cord and nerves and also have ligaments and muscle attachments necessary for the mobility and stability of the lumbar spine. Typically, lower back pain happens when the discs are herniated due to poor posture or the improper lifting of heavy items. Trauma and arthritis are also other common causes of lower back pain.

Fortunately, physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles in this area which helps to reduce the pain. To increase the effectiveness of your physical therapy sessions, it's important to find a qualified and experienced physical therapist with advanced knowledge about your condition. Be sure to get recommendations from family and friends. In addition, don't hesitate to ask your physical therapist about their level of experience before booking an appointment.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

The first step to achieving relief from lower back pain through physical therapy is scheduling a consultation with your physical therapist. During your consultation, your therapist will begin by assessing your body's functions when it comes to mobility and stability. You may be asked to perform certain movements to determine what's causing your lower back pain and the level of pain you're experiencing.

In addition to assessing your range of motion, strength, gait, posture, and symptoms, your therapist will also consider your medical history. To obtain additional information they may also recommend advanced diagnostic tests that help to identify serious health conditions such as broken bones. Such diagnostic tests may include X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs.

Your Physical Therapy Treatment Plan

Your physical therapist will use information from the clinical exam and tests to devise a personalized treatment plan. This treatment is generally more affordable than surgery and has fewer side effects than some medications used to treat lower back pain. It's important that your treatment be individualized since not all lower back pain is the same. It has different causes as well as different pain levels.

Usually physical therapy involves the use of several treatments to improve the efficacy of the method. You will perform specific exercises designed to strengthen your lower back and increase its flexibility. Your therapist will also perform manual therapy which involves the manipulation of the spines to boost the mobility of soft tissue and joints. You will also learn about how to maintain proper posture when lifting, sitting, and performing various movements. Physical therapy treatment for lower back pain not only helps reduce pain but can be used as a long term strategy to reduce the risk of low back problems down the line.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain

Physical therapy can offer several benefits if you're dealing with physical therapy. To begin with, your physical therapist will make sure your treatment plan is personalized based on your body type, lifestyle, and current health. Over the course of the treatment, they will make necessary adjustments based on how you respond to the treatment. Overall, this ensures the effectiveness of this approach.

The main aim of physical therapy is to provide pain relief to patients which is always a welcome benefit. Your physical therapist will recommend tailored exercises that help to restore mobility while helping to relieve pain. The exercises also help to improve your posture and balance which further reduces the risk of falls and accidents. Last, but not least, physical therapy is beneficial as it provides a much-needed alternative for those who don't want to resort to surgery.

In a nutshell, physical therapy is your best bet if you want to avoid more invasive and risky options like surgery and strong pain medication that is potentially addictive. Physical therapy is especially helpful if you have recently started experiencing acute lower back pain. Early treatment can help reduce the need for surgery or other medications and offers many other benefits besides. If you're in search of reputable physical therapy services to help manage your lower back pain, we recommend that you give us a call right away. Our compassionate physical therapists have helped many patients improve the quality of their lives through tailored and transformative treatment plans. Get in touch with us today.