Written By Ryan Garman, MPT, Physical Therapist at Results Focused, LLC
If you are trying to determine the cause of your back pain, you may want to stop straining to remember any out-of-the-ordinary activities in which you have been partaking because, let’s be honest, most of us follow routines on a daily basis. On the contrary, your back pain is likely to have been caused by something you have done hundreds, thousands of times—something as simple as bending over to pick up your child. Only this time, out of nowhere, this everyday motion can suddenly send your back muscles into a gripping frenzy of tightness that radiates pain to your hips or feet and causes debilitating agony, making you think twice the next time you consider beginning that simple part of your daily routine.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, eight out of ten people will be affected by back pain at some point in their lives. Common causes of back pain include posture, sedentary jobs, e.g. driving a truck, motor vehicle accidents, falling, and pregnancy. While most back pain resolves without treatment, severe pain that continues and does not improve after three days warrants a consultation with a healthcare provider. In most primary consultations, a doctor will seek an x-ray and refer you to physical therapy before considering the more expensive option of an MRI.
The results of the preliminary x-rays will inform the doctor of bony defects such as degenerative joint disease and guide him/her in prescribing pain medications and/or anti-inflammatories. The primary purpose of this process is to eliminate less-likely causes of the pain, such as fracture or disc space narrowing which may indicate a bulging disc.
When referred to physical therapy (PT), your condition will be evaluated, and you will practice and learn exercises and modalities to decrease pain, increase the flexibility of the trunk and lower extremity musculature, and increase the strength of your core muscles. These sessions will also educate you on healthy posture and body mechanics and will guide you through the process of considering and determining causative factors at work or home. Your initial, comprehensive PT evaluation is likely to include questions regarding the history of your back pain (e.g. how long has it been present? when was it first noticed? when does it bother you most?) to determine any appropriate objective testing (e.g. repetitive movements, comfortable/aggravating positions, muscle tightness, nerve tension) and to formulate a treatment plan of care and goals based on your activity level and desired outcomes. Typically, PT patients are seen for therapy two to three times per week for four weeks.
Back pain can be avoided through regular cardiovascular and strengthening exercises, postural and ergonomic awareness, avoiding prolonged or uncomfortable positions, and wearing proper footwear. The key to living with and controlling back pain is to follow a physical therapist-approved home exercise program that will assist in maintaining flexibility and encourage an active lifestyle.
