Chronic Back Pain

CHRONIC BACK PAIN IN MCKINNEY, TX

Lower back pain is a common condition, with more than 80% of the population experiencing an episode at some point. Most cases of lower back pain subside within a few weeks; however, if the pain persists for over three months, it is considered chronic. Chronic lower back pain negatively impacts daily activities, work, sleep, and overall quality of life.

The physical therapists at FYZICAL McKinney Lake Forest can determine the underlying cause of your chronic lower back pain and create an individualized treatment plan to decrease your pain, improve function, and enhance your quality of life.

Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain

Symptoms of chronic lower back pain vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. Common symptoms include a deep pain or ache in the lower back and pain that increases with certain movements, including bending, twisting, or lifting. The pain may radiate down into the buttocks, legs, or feet and may be accompanied by weakness, tingling, or numbness.

You may also experience lower back stiffness, muscle spasms, or muscle tightness. Chronic low back pain symptoms can make sleeping or resting difficult and make performing daily activities difficult.

You should get medical help for your condition if the back pain is severe, lasting more than two weeks, and making your daily activities difficult.

Causes of Chronic Back Pain

Chronic lower back pain can result from any of the following;

Age
Pregnancy
Overuse
Injury
Poor posture and body mechanics
Unstable core muscles
Gait abnormalities
Prolonged mental health conditions, such as stress or depression
Spinal conditions such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), compression fractures, or osteoarthritis
Disc issues, such as disc bulging or herniation

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Chronic Back Pain

Physical therapy for back pain offers the following benefits;

Pain reduction
Improved function
Prevention of further injury
Enhanced quality of life
Personalized care
Reduced need for surgery
Improved mobility

The Role of Physical Therapy for Chronic Back Pain

Physical therapy addresses the underlying cause of your chronic lower back pain. Physical therapists use a combination of therapies to address this condition. These therapies include:

Exercises

Scientifically dosed stretching and strengthening exercises and specific postural exercises to promote core stabilization are the key to long-term functional improvements and prevention of further injury.

Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan that includes exercises tailored to your condition. The exercises are usually easy to do and progressive. Your physical therapist will show you how to carry them out to reduce your risk of re-injury.

Patient Education

Patient education in the science of pain is also extremely important as individuals with back pain often become very anxious and hyper-focused on their symptoms, resulting in fear avoidance behaviors. Physical therapists educate patients on strategies to manage symptoms and prevent further injury so that they can continue to function and avoid the reoccurrence of pain.
You will also learn about managing and preventing triggers for your back pain and how to improve your posture and ergonomics to prevent a recurrence.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment for addressing your chronic back pain. During treatment, your physical therapist may use techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and dry needling. These treatments are safe, and your physical therapists in McKinney are skilled in performing them.

Modalities

Physical therapy modalities are therapeutic treatments that help relieve chronic back pain symptoms. Your physical therapist may use techniques such as electric stimulation or class IV laser during treatment. These treatments are safe and address your symptoms at the intramuscular and cell levels.

Why Should You Choose Physical Therapy For Back Pain In McKinney?

Chronic back pain can affect your work, relationships, and self-esteem. It can also impact your quality of life, making it difficult to carry out your daily tasks. You should seek medical help if you have had back pain for over two weeks and are unable to move around without difficulty. Your physical therapist will develop a tailored treatment plan to address the cause of your back pain.

If you or a loved one are struggling with chronic lower back pain, contact the physical therapists at FYZICAL McKinney Lake Forest today to get started on a path toward pain-free living.

FAQs

What Are The Symptoms Of Back Pain?

Back pain may be present as a dull or sharp ache that gets more intense as you carry out certain motions like bending or twisting. This condition is present with back stiffness, muscle tightness, and radiating pain to your legs and feet.

How Do Physical Therapy Adjustments Help Back Pain?

Physical therapy adjustments include exercises, modalities, and manual therapy that address the cause of your pain. Your physical therapist will create a tailored treatment plan and work with you in sessions to treat your pain. This treatment is progressive, and your physical therapist may make necessary adjustments to the treatment plan.

How Can I Prevent Back Pain?

Maintaining good posture can prevent back pain. It is best to stand and sit up straight without slouching. Exercising frequently can stabilize your core and back muscles. You should also bend your knees and keep your back straight when lifting something heavy.
Other ways to prevent back pain include maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, quitting smoking, and relieving stress.