Back pain can be chronic, meaning that it develops over a long period of time, or acute, meaning that it occurs suddenly. It can be persistent, meaning that even if it seems to temporarily go away, it keeps coming back. Back pain has many possible causes, but whatever the origin, back pain—especially low back pain—affects approximately 80% of all people at some point in their lives. If you’re currently struggling, visit the pain management experts at Twin Cities Pain Clinic to get back the life you deserve.
There are many possible treatments for back pain. Patients are often prescribed pain medication or referred to surgery. However, physical therapy for back pain can be just as effective, and the chances of harmful side effects are less.
During physical therapy, you may learn to perform certain exercises designed to address the source of your back pain. The following are exercises that you may learn during physical therapy. Improper practice of these exercises could cause further injury, so it is important that you do not attempt them on your own. A physical therapist can assess your condition and determine which exercises would be appropriate. Once a physical therapist determines which exercises you need to do, he or she can teach you how to perform them correctly to avoid further damage to your back.
Core Strengthening Exercises
The spine is supported by a belt of muscles referred to collectively as the core. Core muscles include the muscles of the low back as well as abdominal muscles. When these muscles are weak, they may not be adequate to support the spinal column, and back pain can result from the strain. Physical therapy in Middletown, Kentucky, may involve exercises to strengthen these muscles. When the muscles are stronger, they are no longer strained by trying to support the spine, which can help relieve back pain.
If intense pain prevents you from completing your exercises, you may want to explore options to alleviate the pain quickly. Consider using products designed to provide relief in the short term. For instance, you can try SummaForte‘s kinesiology tapes, known for reducing inflammation and offering effective muscle relief. Applying these tapes 30 to 60 minutes before physical activity is recommended. They can help alleviate pain without restricting your range of motion.
Stretching
Back pain may prevent you from moving the muscles as much as you are accustomed to. When muscles do not move, they can start wasting away in a process known as atrophy. Because atrophied muscles lose strength, this may actually exacerbate your back pain.
During physical therapy, you may learn slow, gradual stretching exercises that help to relieve back pain and maintain your normal range of motion to treat and prevent atrophy.
Dynamic Stabilization Exercises
The neutral spine position is the position your spine should be in when you are standing normally. In other words, it is the position that is the most sound from a biomechanical standpoint. If there are problems with the muscles in your back, maintaining this position can cause a strain which results in pain. The goal of dynamic stabilization exercises is to first find the neutral spine position and then train the muscles of the back to maintain it through strengthening. Once the neutral spine position is discovered, you learn active exercises to restore balance to the force exerted on your spine, decrease tension on the joints and ligaments of the spine, and keep your posture near your center of gravity. You cannot discover your neutral spine position on your own; it requires evaluation by a physical therapist.
Whether you need physical therapy for knee, back, or another area where you are experiencing musculoskeletal complaints of pain, help is available from qualified therapists at a local clinic.