Three things that every person with lower back pain should know

Sitting at your desk. Walking the dog. Playing with your grandkids. These are just a few of the times when back pain can make things more difficult for you. 

Sooner or later, you’re bound to experience some form of lower back pain. In fact, medical researchers report that up to 80% of Americans will have to deal with back pain at some time in their lives. Here are three pieces of information that our physical therapists want everyone to know about lower back pain: 

1.  What symptoms you’ll notice with serious lower back issues

Learning about the symptoms of lower back issues can help you to better understand when you need to get help. Both serious and mild back pain will have symptoms that include:

• Dull, persistent ache or sharp and stinging pain
• Pain that runs from your back into your legs
• Pain that grows worse when bending, walking or standing

If you show signs of these symptoms, you may just need a few days of taking it easy and using some over-the-counter pain relievers.

However, there are also signs that can indicate you have a serious back issue that requires immediate attention. Signs of a more serious lower back problem can include:

• Pain that is extreme or lasts for a long time
• Weakness and numbness
• Pain that causes bowel or bladder issues
• Fever
• Uncontrollable weight loss

2.  Issues that can cause lower back pain

Identifying the cause of your back pain will help your physical therapist come up with the right treatment for you. Common causes of lower back pain include:

• Muscle strain
• Herniated lumbar disc
• Bone spurs
• Lumbar osteoarthritis
• Osteoporosis
• Sciatica

3.  How physical therapists treat lower back pain

Physical therapy treatments are intended to reduce pain to help you feel better. They’re also designed to help you build strength and flexibility. Physical therapy programs for lumbar pain can differ depending on the nature and severity of the condition and individual factors like age and medical history. Even so, such programs generally include therapy methods like:

• Therapeutic exercises
• Manual therapy
• Cupping
• Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM)
• Dry needling

Need lower back pain treatment? Advent Physical Therapy can help!

Living with lumbar pain? Our Advent Physical Therapy team can help you find effective treatment for it. We offer free screenings that can pinpoint the source of your back pain. Our physical therapists can also construct a personalized therapy plan for you that’s intended to reduce your pain. We even offer therapy services that you can use from home, including virtual care and at-home therapy appointments. 

Take the next step to start getting our help with your back pain. Contact our team today for more information about how we can help you or to schedule your initial appointment.