When to Consider Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain

Over 80% of adults in the United States struggle with lower back pain at some point, usually affecting those ages 30-50. Lower back pain most commonly occurs due to minor sprains or strains, though it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Here, our team at AllCare Chiropractic looks at the causes and symptoms of lower back pain and when it’s time to seek treatment, including physical therapy.

Causes of lower back pain

Common causes of lower back pain include:

• Sprains from overuse
• Herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia

No matter what’s causing your lower back pain, if it lasts longer than 72 hours, it’s best to have it checked out. 

Symptoms of lower back pain

Common symptoms of lower back pain include:

• Pain after sitting for long periods
• Pain when you lift something heavy
• Pain that radiates to your hips
• Numbness
• Stiffness
• Weakness

If you’re having difficulty moving or feeling your legs or losing control over your bladder and bowel movements, seek medical attention immediately.

Treatments for lower back pain

When you first experience back pain, you can use heat, ice, gentle stretches, and over-the-counter pain medications to find some relief. 

If your pain persists, however, it’s wise to have a professional check it out to determine what’s causing your lower back pain. At AllCare Chiropractic, we use a series of physical, orthopedic, and neurological tests to make a diagnosis and recommend a treatment plan.

If your back pain is the result of something more serious than a minor strain or sprain, you’d likely benefit from a physical therapy plan to help you regain strength and mobility.

What to expect from physical therapy

Physical therapy at AllCare includes a combination of active and passive therapies, so your sessions may involve some physical stretches and exercises in addition to electrical stimulation and manual (hands-on) therapy.

Your provider helps create a plan catered to you and your specific health needs. As you get stronger and your pain subsides, your physical therapy might become more challenging.

By following your physical therapy regimen, you should enjoy healing in your tissues, a reduction in inflammation, and significant relief from your lower back pain.

To learn more about how we treat lower back pain or to see if you’re a good candidate for physical therapy, call one of our convenient AllCare Chiropractic locations today or use our online scheduler to make your appointment.