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What to Expect at Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain

lower back pain

Around half of all working people in the United States suffer from back pain each year. If you have this condition, you might go to physical therapy for low back pain. Knowing what to expect can help you get the most out of the process and feeling back to normal. The goal of this treatment is to reduce your pain while helping you function better. You might also have a maintenance program that can prevent pain in the future.

When You May Need Help

Lower back pain might be a severe condition in some cases. That means you will want to talk with your physical therapist or doctor if you have lower back pain. That is even more true if the issue is limiting your mobility and function.

You will want to get immediate medical help if you have an emergency condition. For example, if you lose muscle control in your legs or feet, you will want to talk to your doctor immediately. If you can’t lift your legs or get up, you might have an even more severe issue, and that could require immediate medical help.

If you have a history of cancer, you will want to see the doctor when you have lower back pain. It is rare, but there could be a tumor causing the pain. You can have some tests done to rule it out, so you can get the proper treatment.

If you have a loss of bladder or bowel function, you will need to get help right away. The structures in your back might compress your nerves or spinal cord, which control the bladder and bowel functions. The main symptom might be the inability to pass urine. It is a medical emergency if you can’t control these functions, and you will need to get immediate help.

If you have had trauma to your back, such as being in a car accident, you might need to seek help, as well. If you have acute pain in your lower back after a recent trauma, you will need to go to the doctor as soon as you can.

What to Expect from Physical Therapy for Your Lower Back Pain

You will often have physical therapy as part of your treatment plan. It might begin with passive physical therapy, which could involve things being done to you, such as applying ice packs or heat to the area. You could have a heating pad before you begin specific stretches or exercises to warm the muscles up. You could also have an ice pack applied to the area later to help soothe your sore tissues.

On the other hand, you can also expect to have active physical therapy, focusing on stretching or doing exercises. If you are getting physical therapy for lower back pain, you may have more active sessions than passive ones.

Having a stable lower back depends on having significant lower back structures and an abdominal wall. Your abdominal muscles offer a bit of support since they can place pressure on your abdomen. The muscles can stabilize your spine, beginning at the back, and provide some posterior support. Your muscles surround your spine, and when these muscles are stronger, you will not have as much stress placed on the joints or discs in your spine.

It has been suggested that specific exercises might be better than others for treating lower back issues. Many times, pain in your lower back gets better by itself. Still, you will always want to see the doctor to rule out a more significant issue. Doing exercises can reduce your pain levels, allowing you to get back to normal sooner.

How Long Does Physical Therapy Take for Lower Back Pain?

You might wonder how long you can expect the treatment to take. The process will likely take around six to eight weeks, allowing your tissue to heal and feel better. The treatment will continue until the therapist decides that you have reached your goals. If you have a progressive condition, it might take longer to heal.

On the other hand, the condition can get better rapidly, and you might find that you have a better range of motion and pain control. After just a few sessions, you might find you have become more robust. That means you might only go to a few sessions before meeting your goals. You might receive an exercise program to follow at home, allowing you to continue to manage the condition.

Physical Therapy Exercises for Lower Back Pain

You might do some exercises to reduce your pain. Stretching should be part of any workout routine since it lets you maintain a great range of motion. It also stops the muscles from shrinking if you do not use them. Your low back pain physical therapy might involve doing some stretching to relieve the issues. It can stretch tighter muscles, resolving spasms.

You might try doing some bridges. To do this exercise, lie on your back with your feet touching the floor and your knees bent. Then, you will move your hips up and keep your back straight while tensing your abdominal muscles. Hold this position for around 30 seconds.

Or you might try the knee to chest exercise. You also will lie on your back for this one, but start with your legs flat on the floor. You will move one knee at a time to your chest and hold it for around 15 to 30 seconds. Then, switch sides.

Closing Thoughts

According to the CDC, about 30 percent of women in the United States have lower back pain. In comparison, only around 26 percent of men do. If you have lower back pain, you might want to seek physical therapy for back pain. You will want to talk to your doctor before beginning any routine at home. That way, you can ensure you do not have any conditions holding you back from physical therapy. For example, if you have a tumor or another issue, you will not want to do these exercises. A physical therapist can help you overcome the problem causing your pain to start feeling better today.

Get Help Now, Call (800) 897-8440

If you are suffering from low back pain, call us today to schedule your appointment with an experienced physical therapist near you. Offices are conveniently located in NY and NJ and accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation and no-fault insurance. Same-Day appointments may be available. Call us today!