Back Pain

80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point their lives.

Back pain is one of the leading pain complaints in the world, and it's almost certain that you will experience it at some point in your life. Pain can range from a dull ache to a sudden stabbing pain. Acute back pain begins suddenly and typically lasts several days or weeks. Back pain is considered chronic if it lasts for longer than three months.

Treatments for Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most common complaints seen in outpatient physical therapy clinics; however, there is a negative connotation associated with the term "back pain" and similar diagnoses despite the fact that our back is one of the strongest parts of our body.

A leading cause of fear and negativity associated with back pain is the premature diagnostic imaging that is performed before conservative treatment for at least four weeks in order to determine the severity of the injury. Low back pain is very often misdiagnosed due to surrounding area muscular dysfunctions and/or weakness. Once the root of the pain is discovered just like with many other body parts, it is important to assess/treat joint mobility, ligaments, tendons, and muscles.

The focus, as with other body parts, tends to lean on a pattern of mobility, stability, controlled mobility, and skill. Patients that understand a proper stretching routine coupled with specific muscular strengthening exercises to help carry over manual interventions performed in the clinic are key to their success.