Back pain is one of the most commonly reported medical problems in the United States. According to numerous studies, approximately 80 percent of the population will experience it at one point or another in their lifetime. Unfortunately, however, most of them won’t treat it properly—which means they’ll experience it at more than one point in their lifetime, perhaps even chronically.
The problem is, many people who experience back pain try to “treat” it with home remedies, commercial products, over-the-counter medications, or other means. Granted, these things may take away some of the pain you are experiencing… But that’s all they’ll do.
These things only treat the symptoms of back pain, not the cause. And when the cause of back pain is left untreated, that can lead to more occurrences of back pain, as well as a variety of other problems, some of which can be serious and chronic. The only way to identify the cause of your back pain—and, ultimately, treat it—is to consult with a qualified medical professional.
The first step to finding relief for your back pain is identifying its cause. Back pain is unique for everyone who experiences it, so it can sometimes be challenging to pinpoint what's going on.
A trained back specialist like an orthopedic doctor or physical therapist can evaluate your back and identify the source of your pain. Once they've figured out what's causing your problem, they can start creating a treatment plan that will help you heal.
Your back is a complex structure consisting of large muscles, spinal nerves, facet joints and intervertebral disks, and any of these components could be your culprit. Factors like age, fitness level, excess weight and medical conditions can all contribute to your risk of back pain, along with your lifestyle and habits — like weightlifting and smoking.
Back pain can result from something as simple as twisting the wrong way, lifting something too heavy or making awkward repeated motions. These and other activities can cause back injuries that require treatment to heal properly.
Your lower back, also known as the lumbar region, is the most common area for back pain and injuries. Some of the most common back injuries include:
Physical therapy for sciatica and other lower back injuries is an excellent, non-invasive treatment option. On your first visit to one of our physical therapy centers, your therapist will interview you and conduct an exam to identify the cause of your lower back pain or sciatica. She/he will then explain the cause to you in laymen’s terms and discuss your goals and expectations.
Then, together, the two of you will come up with an actionable treatment plan to attain your desired results.
Your individualized treatment plan will include physical therapy exercises for lower back pain. These exercises help reduce pain, restore your range of motion and strengthen your back. Your plan may also include manual therapies like massages and stretching, which help promote blood flow to the injured area and increase flexibility.
Together, these improvements help heal your back and may prevent future injuries from occurring.
Find relief from your back pain and start healing with Blue Sky Therapy's physical therapy for herniated disks and other injuries. At Blue Sky, we work one-on-one with you to evaluate and identify the cause of your back pain and create a treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs and help you return to full function.
Our huge staff of physical therapists specializes in different areas to ensure you get precise and effective treatment. We're driven by your results, and we always strive to give you the best care possible. Contact our team online to find out more or find a clinic near you to schedule your first visit.
