Low Back Pain

About 25% of people have complaints of low back pain in the United States. In most cases low back pain is mild, and will resolve itself in a short period of time. In some situations low back pain can linger for several months and decrease the quality of life in an individual.

Signs and symptoms:

• Pain in the low back that may be dull, sharp, or burning.
• Pain may be located in a specific area, or be broad based across the entire low back region.
• May be accompanied with muscle spasms and stiffness.
• Can affect both legs.

Factors that may be related to low back pain:

• Degenerative disk disease.
• Lumbar spinal stenosis.
• Fractures.
• Herniated disk.
• Osteoporosis.
• Osteoarthritis.

How can a Physical Therapist help?

• Provide manual therapy to improve the mobility of the joints and soft tissue.
• Provide you with specific exercises to strengthen your low back muscles.
• Provide flexibility exercises to improve muscle health.
• Educate you on better posture, body mechanics, and sleeping positions.
• Provide instruction on the use of heat/cold therapy to manage back pain.