Four signs you need physical therapy for back pain treatment

Back pain is a normal part of life that can happen for a number of reasons. Perhaps you tried to pick up an object that was too heavy or maybe you’ve been sitting at the computer for too long. In many cases of back pain, the pain is minor and goes away after a few days of rest and home treatment. However, back pain may also be the sign of a serious condition.

It’s important to know the difference between serious back pain and minor back pain, so you know when you need to seek professional treatment. To help you have a better understanding of when to get help for back pain, we put together the list below of serious signs of back pain.

Four signs your back pain is serious

1. The pain is extreme and lasts long — Back pain that is dull and achy for a few days may be no sign of an emergency, but you might need help if the pain is sharp, severe or lasts longer than a few days.

2. Pain that spreads — Pain that spreads from your back into your legs or up into your shoulders, arms or neck may be the sign of a condition that is affecting your nerves. For example, pain that stems from your lower back into one of your thighs may be the sign of sciatica, which is a condition related to pressure on the nerve in your back.

3. Numbness — The tingling, static feeling that you get when your arm falls asleep should not be happening in your back for long periods of time. If you have this kind of sensation in your back, you should seek professional treatment.

4. Impact or collision — An impact from something such as a fall, an automobile accident or a contact sport can cause back pain. This kind of pain may be related to a fracture, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately for a diagnosis and possible treatment.

Contact Armor Physical Therapy for back pain treatment

Physical therapy for back pain can help strengthen and stretch the muscles and ligaments to reduce pressure off your spine and improve your body’s ability to support itself. This can help reduce pain and improve mobility. If you’re suffering from back pain and would like professional healthcare assistance with feeling better, please contact us today to schedule an appointment for treatment.