Managing Back Pains with Physical Therapy

Back pain has truly become a global problem with an estimated 12 percent of the population from almost all countries suffering from one form of back pain at one point in their lives. This prevalence rate may actually be higher if cases were limited only to the adults who are mostly affected by this type of condition. Next to arthritis, back pain is the second most common reason for disability and one which greatly impacts the productivity of a worker.

Thanks to physical therapy, what was once a debilitating and disabling condition may now be manageable allowing a patient mobility, relief from pain, and a degree of independence. Those experiencing back pains should be encouraged to undergo physical therapy and hopefully improve their quality of life. To give a person suffering from back pain an idea of what to expect, here are the usual components of back pain therapy.

Relief from Pain and Discomfort

After conducting a thorough evaluation of your condition and gathering important information, your therapy may start with a program aimed at relieving any pain and discomfort. Any swelling or inflammation associated with the condition would likewise be addressed. Your therapist may use a number of modalities for this purpose, which may include electrical stimulation, ultrasound therapy, hot and cold applications, and other tools applicable to your case.

Regaining Range of Motion, Strength

Once the pain and inflammation is managed, the next phase would be to regain the normal range of motion, muscle strength and endurance, and balance. The therapist will assess your condition and come up with a program to meet those objectives. These will mostly be in the form of exercises and the use of applicable modalities. Given emphasis would be the lower back core which provides stability and critical to the function of the muscles.

Restoring Functional Abilities

Reclaiming functional abilities is a prime objective of physical therapy. The programs for this phase of recovery and rehabilitation would be directed in allowing you to perform all the activities that you were regularly doing previously. The therapist will take into consideration your occupation, level of physical activities, and the exposure of your back in these activities. These programs will be individualized depending on the circumstances of the patient and the evaluation of the physical therapist.

Preventing Recurrence of Back Pain

Recurrence of back pain may be successfully achieved if exercises will be maintained and the patient observes the correct manner of utilizing his or her back. The therapist will be working closely with the patient in this regard. The patient will be given a set of exercises that will focus on core muscles and progress will be monitored by the therapist. You will be reminded of the importance of following proper movements and the other measures that will ensure the prevention of back pain recurrence.