24/Sep/2007
Physical Therapy Aids Treatment of Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common conditions and one of the leading causes of physician visits in the United States. In fact, four out of five adults will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Many people who have back pain have “learned to live with it” or have accepted that pain is a “normal” part of aging.
There are however, many different treatment options, which may help one alleviate low back pain. In many cases physical therapy is a viable option.
What Causes Low Back Pain?
There are many different reasons and causes for low back pain. Some of the more common causes pain are: injuries caused by over lifting or lifting with an incorrect posture, automobile accidents, arthritis, degenerative disc problems, herniated discs, spondylosis, sciatica, stenosis or fractures. Some cases are the result of cumulative trauma such as years of incorrect lifting, sitting, standing or sleeping posture. More rarely, low back pain can be caused by tumors or infection. Although the causes are usually physical, it is important to note that emotional stress can play a role in how severe pain is and how long it lasts.
The spine or backbone is composed of 24 vertebrae (seven cervical, 12 thoracic and five lumbar). These vertebrae surround and enclose the spinal cord. Between each vertebra is an intervertebral disk, which serves as a shock absorber and increases the space between the bones to allow the nerve root to exit the spinal canal.
In addition to these structures there are many other muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves. The causes of low back pain can be very complex and there are many structures in the low back that can cause pain.
Many types of low back pain have no known anatomical cause; meaning that diagnostic tests such as X-Rays, MRI, CT scans, etc. will not show any significant findings, yet the person still experiences pain.
Treatment Options
There are many treatment options available for persons experiencing low back pain ranging from rest and over the counter medication to surgery as a last resort. Other options may include prescription medication, anti inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants or pain pills, or steroid injections into the epidural space of the spine.
Many cases of low back will resolve spontaneously in 24 to 72 hours. However, if pain persists past this point prolonged bed rest is not recommended and can actually be potentially harmful, making recovery slower and potentially causing new problems. Physical therapy could be the next step in recovery.
Physical therapy is a health care profession practiced by licensed physical therapists. A Physical Therapist performs an evaluation and develops a treatment plan designed to reduce pain, increase the ability to move, and restore normal function of the neuromuscular and skeletal system.
A physical therapist may use a variety of physical or mechanical means to achieve the treatment goals. Treatment options may include therapeutic modalities such as moist heat, ice or ultrasound, and therapeutic exercises that may include stretching, strengthening exercises and aerobic conditioning.
A physical therapist may also utilize manual therapy, which is defined as skilled hand movements intended to improve tissue extensibility, increase range of motion, induce relaxation of spasmed or tight muscles, mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints, modulate pain, reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or restriction.
Another integral part of physical therapy treatment is education about the condition and ways to avoid recurrence of the condition.
Low back pain is very common but it doesn’t have to be a normal way of life. Many treatment options are available to treat low back pain today. Physical therapy is a hands-on, all natural conservative option that has been proven to help with many forms of low back pain. If you have been suffering from low back pain consider seeking the treatment of a physical therapist.
Ask your Doctor if physical therapy may be right for you. What have you got to lose except your pain?!
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