Dealing with back pain |
Back pain is one of the most common health problems that causes physical disabilities. However, if you are experiencing back pain, you don’t have to just grin and bear it. Physical therapy is a widely recommended form of treatment for back pain, and can help prevent disability in a number of cases. It may be used alone or in combination with other methods such as hot/cold compression, massage, short wave diathermy, ultrasound, or traction. The back is a highly complex structure consisting of discs, vertebrae, ligaments, muscles, and facet joints, and physical therapists are well-trained in all aspects of pain education, movement, and functional recovery. Research shows that early access to physical therapy is associated with reduced pain and disability levels. Physical therapy encourages specific, guided movements from early on, as this has been shown to improve recovery and mobility, while reducing the occurrence of disability. One study even suggests that physical therapy directed at addressing fear of movement following injury can help improve rehabilitation outcomes. More specifically, when physical therapy intervention is delivered by physical therapists, individuals with back pain displayed less fear of movement and less depression. Physical therapy also focuses on manipulative techniques that precisely target the source of the pain, and mobilization methods that help ensure that the muscles and ligaments in the back do not become stiff. This also involves correcting potential postural problems in order to prevent the back pain from becoming worse. In particular, there are two types of therapies that are typically performed for back pain: passive and active. Passive therapy may involve the use of modalities such as:
These passive modalities are best only for the first few days after an acute injury to reduce excessive swelling and muscle spasm, and for early pain relief to allow safe movement of the injured area. Other passive therapy may include soft tissue massage, spinal mobilization or manipulation, or acupuncture. Again, all these approaches are designed to reduce your pain, improve your mobility, and reduce your fear of movement to enable you to get active and healthy again. Active therapy is especially important for the rehabilitation of the spine. It entails exercises that include:
Our physical therapists understand the importance of a multi-modal approach in the rehabilitation of clients with back pain. They are especially well-trained and equipped to assess the nature of your back pain in order to develop a therapeutic plan that is specific to your needs. Experiencing a painful back problem may cause a loss of mobility or even lead to a fear of normal movement. Call us today at 978-452-9252 to speak with a trained professional who can assist you. References |