Are you one of the millions of Americans suffering from debilitating low back pain? From athletes to office workers, this pesky ailment affects those of all ages, ethnicities, and gender. Low Back pain is common and often debilitating. Approximately 80% of individuals will experience low back pain sometime during their lifetime, while 56% of all adults report having back pain over the past 12 months. More than one-third of adults say low back pain affects their ability to engage in tasks of daily living, exercise and sleep. And, not surprising, 54% of Americans who experience low back pain also spend the majority of their workday sitting.

Contributing Factors to Low Back Pain

There are many factors that may contribute to low back pain:

• Mechanical factors
  • Muscle strains and joint sprains
  • Herniated discs
  • Spinal degeneration
  • Spinal nerve root irritation
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Scoliosis
  • Traumatic injuries (falls, sports, or motor vehicle accidents)
• Prolonged sitting, particularly in poor posture
• Poor posture with any activity
• Psychosocial (fear, distress, depression), Environmental (career, home, community) and Individual (genetics, gender, age, body build, strength, and flexibility) factors all combine to play a role¹.

The fact that there are so many contributing factors illuminates the importance of an extensive and thorough physical therapy evaluation and examination process. Physical Therapists are musculoskeletal experts, with advanced training in identifying these compounding elements that can elevate and perpetuate LBP, especially chronic pain. The Physical Therapists at One on One PT will address all the factors that may be contributing to your low back pain and help you obtain a timely and efficient recovery.

Physical Therapy Treatment Should Start Right Away

So, what do you do once you feel back pain? First, try to avoid any aggravating movements or activities. Then, call your Physical Therapist (PT)! Starting treatment immediately with a PT will help minimize your pain so you can begin safe movements like stretching and strengthening exercises that are designed to facilitate healing. We may modify your regular exercise routine so you don’t feel pain, and then, as you start feeling better, you will gradually return to your normal activities⁴.  So, don’t delay…start PT right away!

Physical Therapy First

Research shows if you delay Physical Therapy for 6 months following the start of low back pain it could adversely affect your quality of life and physiological well-being, as well as increase depression rates⁵. Delaying care may increase healthcare costs or  result in unnecessary doctor’s appointments and imaging like X-Rays and MRIs.  The goal is to reduce the time between symptom onset and treatment initiation, so see your PT right away so you can start feeling better sooner!

Physical Therapists have the knowledge and skills to evaluate, treat and prevent low back pain. Our Physical Therapists aim to reduce your back pain by specific evidence-based techniques. This includes hands-on techniques to mobilize the spine in order to restore mobility and reduce pain. We aim to prescribe specific exercises to improve your mobility and stability necessary for normal movement and performance. Don’t let back pain become a new normal for you. Contact us today!