Did you know that among the various ailments that people report within the United States, lower back pain trumps them all? New data has shown that over 18-million Americans will experience discomfort in their back at some point in their lives. With over 8% of the population dealing with this problem, it’s time we understand why it occurs and the best approach to treat it.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
For most individuals, lower back pain is non-life-threatening and does not require a visit to the emergency room. However, patients often misinterpret their back discomfort and decide to visit medical facilities regardless. Because of this, our medical system becomes inundated with trivial issues. Also, it has resulted in an overuse of opioids.
With that said, the most common source of discomfort in the lower back comes from muscle strain and tightness. Patients can treat this issue from the comfort of their own home, or rehabilitation center, by incorporating a productive exercise routine that targets their erector spinae and core-stabilization muscles.
In some cases, patients may require 1 on 1 physical therapy to treat their discomfort. Physical therapy provides a vast array of techniques, technologies and treatments to alleviate the patient’s pain and discomfort. While physical therapy for back pain may vary between clinics, each establishment will provide rehabilitation services for pain management:
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Cold and hot packs to reduce inflammation, excessive swelling and tenderness.
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Low-intensity exercises and movements that strengthen lower back muscles, such as walking.
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Yoga, Pilates and resistance training to improve the integrity of the core.
When people begin to experience back discomfort, their first inclination is to remain immobile and avoid physical activities. With the proper physical therapy for back pain, this mindset will shift and motivate the patient to lead a healthy lifestyle that supports back health.
The goal of physical therapy is to encourage the patient to become active and healthy in the months to come. While back pain may feel like a life-sentence, the problem becomes exacerbated by inactivity, a sedentary lifestyle, sitting for extended periods and excessive weight gain.
If you are in the Asheville NC area and tired of being plagued by physical discomfort that originates in your back, reach out to us. Through a combination of lifestyle changes and physical exercises, your back pain will drift away in the weeks that follow. Physical therapy is also a great option for back pain.
