Looking for lower back pain relief? Try physical therapy

It’s normal to experience a little soreness in your lower back from sitting or standing too long. This kind of pain can usually be treated with some rest or light exercise. However, some forms of back pain are too severe to be treated by rest and exercise alone. This kind of lower back pain may be the sign of something serious that requires professional treatment.

Severe and long-lasting lower back pain will likely grow worse without professional assistance. A healthcare professional can identify the cause and develop a treatment to help reduce your pain and prevent pain in the future.

Treatments for lower back pain are different for each person. There are many causes of back pain that require a different approach. Below are some more details of these treatments, how they work and why they are used.

Medication

There are a lot of different medications that could be used as part of your lower back pain treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, your treatment may include:

• Muscle relaxants — These soothe tense muscles to help reduce pain caused by strains and tears.

• Corticosteroids — Back pain in the spine itself may be the result of arthritis. In these cases, you may be prescribed corticosteroids. These help reduce the inflammation that wears down your joints.

• Ointments — There are ointments you can buy in a store or may be prescribed to rub into your skin where your back hurts. These can help reduce the pain and soothe sore muscles.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is a common part of many back pain treatments. Physical therapists are skilled healthcare professionals who specialize in treating conditions that affect your bones, joints, muscles and soft tissues. Physical therapy treatments vary depending on the cause of your pain, your medical history, age and other personal factors.

At Armor Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are experienced in treating many types of lower back pain. Each physical therapist works one-on-one with patients to help reduce pain and restore the use of the lower back. Many of the treatments we use include:

• Stretching and exercising
• Icing and heating
• Massage and hands-on therapy
• Electrical stimulation and more

Surgery

Surgery is less common for treating lower back pain, but it is necessary in some cases. Surgery is usually required in cases of nerve damage, a misaligned spine or a slipped disc that isn’t responding to physical therapy.

You should still talk to a physical therapist if you need surgery though. Physical therapy can help you recover faster and stronger from a surgery.

Contact Armor Physical Therapy for lower back pain treatment

Are you suffering from lower back pain and are looking for help? Would you like to talk to a physical therapist at Armor Physical Therapy about your treatment options? Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.