Doctors can use many different treatment options to help relieve chronic back pain in their patients. Prescription pain medication and surgery are two options available to doctors, but they aren’t the only ones. Physical therapy may also be a viable option in handling back pain, especially when used in conjunction with other more conventional treatments.
What is Physical Therapy?
You have probably heard the term physical therapy before, but if you haven’t experienced this type of treatment you may be unfamiliar with what physical therapy really entails. Basically physical therapy combines an understanding of human anatomy and physiology with various stretches and exercises. When used to treat back or spine pain physical therapy focuses on the various muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons in the spinal area. Trained specialists will teach proper exercises and techniques and may educate patients on proper posture, movement, etc.
How Can Physical Therapy Help Back Pain?
Strong bodies can deal with physical stressors more easily than bodies that are not in good shape. Physical therapy helps to strengthen the body which can help prevent future back injuries from occurring. Physical therapy also promotes the healing of strained or problem areas in the back which can lead to the resolution of some conditions and a decrease in pain. Finally, physical therapy can help patients to find and correct improper movements that may be contributing to an underlying back pain problem.
Physical therapy treats back pain using a multi-dimensional approach; it strengthens bodies to prevent future problems, promotes healing and educates patients on proper movement and stretching techniques. Skills learned in physical therapy may help patients to avoid future back pain problems and recover more quickly from pain when it does occur.
Physical therapy is an excellent complement to the other treatment options that may be used by your doctor to treat back pain. For example physical therapy may be used after a surgical procedure to aid in recovery and then continued to build back strength and increase mobility. Physical therapy can complement prescription pain medications and increase comfort in patients. At the Spine Institute Northwest we strive to ensure that each patient receives treatment custom tailored to their condition and needs which may mean a combination of several treatment options including physical therapy.
Is Physical Therapy Right for Me?
Each case of back pain is different and will require different treatment methods. Only your doctor can determine if physical therapy could make a welcome addition to your treatment plan. Physical therapy however can often be used as a complement to back pain treatment as it speeds healing, builds strength and reduces the occurrence of future back problems.
Stop struggling with back pain and schedule an appointment with a back pain specialist today. You don’t have to endure back pain with the many treatment options available through modern medicine.