10 Physical Therapy Exercises for Chronic Back Pain
If you’re here, it’s because you’re seeking relief from chronic back pain. We’ve got some good news: physical therapy exercises can help!
Chronic back pain is basically your body’s way of telling you that something is off and needs attention. The good news is that there are things you can do to get yourself back on track. Physical therapy exercises can help with chronic back pain because they offer a combination of strength and flexibility training, which helps strengthen your muscles while also improving mobility. Read more to know about the physical therapies for chronic back pain.
What is Back Pain?
Back pain is a common issue; approximately 16 million adults — 8% of all adults in the United States — experience persistent or chronic back pain that affects their ability to perform certain everyday activities. The most common cause of back pain is muscle strain, followed by degeneration of the spine and bones. Other causes can include infections, tumors, or injury.
Back pain can be debilitating and interfere with daily activities and quality of life. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat back pain. Breakthru Physical Therapy offers a wide range of treatment options for chronic back pain. Physical therapy is an effective way to treat many muscle and joint problems. It reduces pain, improves function, and it’s much less expensive than other forms of treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Chronic Back Pain?
Chronic back pain is a common condition that can be difficult to endure. The symptoms of chronic back pain can vary from person to person and from day to day, but it’s important to know what your body’s trying to tell you so that you can take action and improve your quality of life.
How to know if it’s a symptom of chronic back pain:
- Pain that lasts more than three months
- Pain that wakes you up at night
- A dull ache in your lower back that doesn’t seem to go away
- A sharp, shooting pain in your lower or middle back that feels like it’s coming from deep inside your spine
- Pain when you stretch or bend one way but not another (this could mean there is a bulge or herniation in your disc)
What are the Most Common Causes of Chronic Back Pain?
One of the most common causes of back pain is muscle strain. You can get muscle strains from lifting something heavy or doing an activity that requires a lot of twisting and turning.
- Muscle strains can also occur when you put too much pressure on your spine while exercising or playing sports. This type of strain often happens when you play sports involving running and jumping, such as basketball or tennis.
- Another common cause of back pain is arthritis. This is a health condition that causes inflammation in the joints. It usually occurs in adults over age 45, but it can happen at any age.
- Osteoporosis is another common cause of back pain in older adults, especially those who are thin or have small bones (such as women). Osteoporosis causes bones to become brittle and break easily—sometimes even from everyday activities like bending over to pick up something off the floor!
Why is Physical Therapy Important for Individuals with Chronic Back Pain?
It’s no secret that back pain is a common complaint and can be difficult to treat. Many people who experience chronic back pain find that the only thing that offers them relief is physical therapy. Physical therapy can help individuals with chronic back pain in several ways. It can improve:
- Mobility
- Flexibility
- Strength
- Coordination
Breakthru Physical Therapy can help patients learn new strategies for coping with their discomfort, such as using ergonomic seating options or changing their posture when sitting at the computer or driving.
10 Physical Therapy Exercises for Chronic Back Pain
The first step in treating chronic back pain is to identify the cause of it. If you have been experiencing pain for more than three months, it could be a sign that an underlying issue requires treatment. Physical therapy can help you manage your pain and relieve symptoms associated with poor posture, muscle strain, or injury. These 10 physical therapy exercises are a great way to get started on the road to pain relief.
- Wall Pulses
- Knee-to-Chest Stretch
- Bridge Pose
- Child’s Pose
- Cat-Cow Stretch
- Shoulder Shrugs with Chair Support (Prone)
- Leg Circles, Ankle Circles, and Ankle Rotations (Prone)
- Quadriceps Stretch (Prone)
- Hip Abduction Exercise (Prone)
- Side Lying Hip Extension
The primary goal of Breakthru Physical Therapy is to decrease the intensity and frequency of symptoms and increase your ability to function independently at home, in the workplace, and during daily activities.
When Should I See My Physical Therapist for Chronic Back Pain?
If you have chronic back pain, it means that your pain has lasted longer than two to three weeks. Several things, including arthritis or an injury, can cause chronic back pain. If you have chronic back pain, it is important to seek treatment from a professional therapist who can help you make your life easier and less painful.
Why Choose Breakthru for Physical Therapy to Treat Chronic Back Pain?
Choosing the right physical therapy clinic can be a daunting task. There are so many different clinics, each with its unique approach. If you’re looking for a physical therapist who will listen to your concerns and offer customized solutions to your needs, look no further than Breakthru Physical Therapy.
We know what it’s like to live with chronic pain, and we understand how important it is for each patient to feel like they’re getting individualized care. We are proud of our comprehensive approach to chronic back pain treatment at Breakthru. We work with patients on a long-term basis to help them understand their condition and how it affects their lives.
