Low Back

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal pains that Americans deal with every day. Low back pain can be a nuisance, frustrating, and may limit you from enjoying your favorite hobbies or even doing every day activities. 

 

Many people are afraid of low back pain and feel like once they get it, they are doomed forever. 

But this is often not the case at all! Although your back pain may feel severe, it does not mean you necessarily have a major injury. Lumbar pain can be caused by various reasons like a muscle strain, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, degeneration, among other things. Other factors that people may not realize contribute to their pain can include lack of sleep, depression, anxiety, increased stress, and poor diet.

 

There are cases where low back pain can indicate a serious medical condition like cauda equina, cancer, or spinal infection, for example.  These are very rare instances but do require immediate medical attention. 

 

Symptoms that should be taken seriously and need to be treated immediately include:

  1. Loss of bowel and/or bladder control
  2. Numbness around buttocks or groin area
  3. Any accident that had strong enough force to potentially cause a fracture

 

There are different ways you can prevent low back pain and help decrease the severity of current symptoms. Prevention plans include: 

  1. Ensuring proper body mechanics by bending at the knees when lifting
  2. Strengthening your core and low back muscles 
  3. Maintaining proper posture
  4. Having correct ergonomics at your desk
  5. Stand up at least once every hour- do not sit for too long!

 

Main thing to consider when dealing with low back pain is to not be discouraged. You don’t necessarily need to live with the idea of taking pain medications forever or even getting surgery. If your back pain has been persistent for several weeks or feel it is limiting you, feel free to give us a call and make an appointment with one of our well educated physical therapists to get you on the right treatment plan.

 

Best wishes,

The Progressive Therapy Team

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