Orthopedic Rehabilitation
Balance & Vestibular Therapy
Hand & Upper Extremity Therapy
Workers’ Comp & Auto Injuries
Don’t Ignore Back Pain
The back is one of the most vulnerable parts of the body. You rely on it so heavily — whether it is to shoulder your emotional stresses or to physically lift something that you need to carry with you. Your back is constantly at risk. It is at risk when you drive, being one of the body parts likely to take the biggest impact in case of an accident. It is at risk when you are safely at home on your couch or at the office, where you are likely scrunched over and not caring one bit about your posture. It is at risk when you run, when you play sports, and even when you find yourself sick and are coughing so heavily that your back begins to hurt. It is no wonder that so many people experience back injuries every year. What is a big wonder is that so many people choose to ignore their back injuries year after year!
UNDERSTANDING BACK PAIN
Back pain may be common, but it is absolutely not normal. There are actually a lot of serious conditions that can cause your back to begin to hurt, and it is smart to have your back looked at by a physician early on so that you know exactly what is going on with your body from the get-go. Once the cause of your back pain is determined, your physical therapist will be able to identify the best treatment options for your body’s needs. This will likely include the following:
- Targeted exercises that are specialized to the region of the back that is experiencing the most pain. These exercises are designed to help build strength and support the surrounding muscles.
- Guided stretching designed to improve range of motion and flexibility. This will take into account the health and vivacity of vertebrae and any potential stretches that may support optimal back health.
- Support and guidance with an exercise routine and habit formation, especially with cardiovascular activity that can stimulate improved blood circulation to the affected areas of the back, as well as strength building activities.
Attempting to undertake any of these changes on your own after you’ve experienced a back injury is both dangerous and not recommended. Working with a licensed and experienced physical therapist can provide you with the guidance and ongoing support that you need to ensure that you do not experience any further injury as you attempt to heal the cause of your back pain.
4 KEY PROACTIVE SELF-MANAGEMENT AND PREVENTION
STRATEGIES
- Eat Healthy & Manage Your Weight – Yes, arteries are arteries; arteries feed your heart, your brain, and your spine. Even your spinal arteries can get clogged up due to atherosclerosis that stems from the Standard American Diet. A nutritious diet full of fruits, vegetables and whole grains can make a world of difference.
- Maintain Your Lumbo-Pelvic Strength & Flexibility – A proper balance of strength and flexibility throughout your lower extremities, low back, and pelvic region allow you to move freely and minimize abnormal and injurious forces on your spine.
- Get Your Aerobic Exercise – Gentle aerobic exercise is nourishing for the many structures surrounding your spine. Start light and build up gradually. Walking is therapeutic for your low back and offers a host of other health promoting benefits as well.
- See Your FYZICAL Therapist – If you continue to have pain and limited mobility, your FYZICAL Therapist can help! Your FYZICAL therapist will comprehensively examine your condition and determine a personalized treatment plan that may include:
- Manual hands-on therapy
- Innovative technologies that help decrease your pain such as Class IV Laser or Acoustic Shockwave
- Specific exercise prescription that includes aerobic exercise, and lumbo-pelvic strength and flexibility
- Structural alignment and restoration of proper posture
- Home programs (equipment available for purchase)
- And more.
