THERAPY FOR LOW BACK PAIN

Physical therapy can be useful when to treating patients with low back pain. Programs can address the primary site of injury and minimize pain for secondary sites of dysfunction. In many cases, this approach can reduce or eliminate the need for pain medications, therapeutic procedures or more invasive back surgery.

After an acute episode or injury, rest is often recommended for the first two days. Rest for longer periods can sometimes worsen the problem, due to deconditioning of muscles, loss of bone density and increased stiffness that may develop. During that first 48 hours, some sort of heat or ice packs or ultrasound treatments may be included. These measures are not usually beneficial when used beyond the first 48 hours.

One of the most important components of any back-care program is education. When you work with a physical therapist, you will receive training in proper body mechanics and lumbar ergonomics through various activities and exercises. Manual techniques increase the pliability of soft tissues. In addition, you may begin a rehabilitation program to stabilize the lumbar spine and other related muscle groups.