Physical Therapy

Common Causes of Back Pain and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Back pain is something that many of us have dealt with at some time. Whether it’s that dull ache after sitting too long or a sharp twinge after lifting something heavy, it can affect your day-to-day life in ways you wouldn’t expect. But you don’t have to simply endure the back pain. Physical therapy, especially one-on-one physical therapy in Tucson, can offer the relief you want. Before we learn more about physical therapy, let’s learn about the most common reasons for back pain.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain stems from different sources, and it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. However, some common culprits tend to show up again and again. Let’s break them down so you can better understand what’s causing that discomfort.

1. Poor Posture: The Silent Back Killer

Do you spend hours in a hunched posture while using your computer or phone? If so, your posture could be the reason behind your back pain. Over time, slouching and poor alignment of the body end up putting unnecessary strain on your spine, resulting in discomfort. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help

One-on-one physical therapy in Tucson can teach you exercises to strengthen the muscles supporting proper posture. The exercises will help you sit and stand straighter and have better posture. Your therapist will also guide you through the ergonomic adjustments required for your workspace, helping you maintain good alignment throughout the day.

2. Muscle Strain: Overworking Your Back

Have you lifted something heavy and suddenly felt a sharp pain? Muscle strains are one of the reasons for acute back pain. Whether from lifting, twisting, or an awkward movement, strained muscles can end up causing intense discomfort. When your muscles are asked to do too much too quickly, they respond with pain.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

A physical therapist will develop a personalized stretching and strengthening program that helps target the strained area. They can use manual techniques to help relieve tension, speeding your recovery.

3. Herniated Discs: When Cushioning Slips Out

Your spine consists of bones (vertebrae) cushioned by small discs. These discs act like shock absorbers. But sometimes, they can slip or herniate, pressing on nearby nerves and causing sharp pain, numbness, or even weakness in the legs. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy can help relieve pressure on the nerves by strengthening your core and back muscles. Therapists may use gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy techniques to ease the pain and prevent further disc issues.

4. Degenerative Disc Disease: Wear and Tear Over Time

As we age, the discs in our spine naturally begin to wear down. This is called degenerative disc disease. Over time, the discs lose their ability to absorb shock, leading to pain and stiffness. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy can’t reverse aging, but it can help you manage the symptoms of degenerative disc disease. Your therapist will create a customized plan that focuses on strengthening the muscles around your spine, improving flexibility and reducing stiffness.

5. Sciatica: Nerve Pain That Travels

Have you ever felt a shooting pain from your lower back down your leg? Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is inflamed or irritated. It feels like a lightning bolt traveling down your leg and can be incredibly uncomfortable.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

One-on-one physical therapy provides exercises that help relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. Your therapist will focus on stretches that improve flexibility and exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting your spine, helping reduce flare-ups.

6. Scoliosis: A Curved Spine

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine curves abnormally, leading to back pain. This spine curving causes extra stress on certain parts of the spine, causing discomfort. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help

In cases of scoliosis, physical therapy can help by providing exercises that strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improving alignment and reducing pain. Sometimes, therapists use manual therapy techniques to help improve mobility and flexibility.

7. Osteoarthritis: When Joints Wear Down

Osteoarthritis is another common cause of back pain, especially in older adults. This condition occurs when the cartilage cushioning your joints wears down, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. 

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapists can help reduce the pain caused by osteoarthritis through a combination of stretching exercises, strengthening routines, and manual therapy. By improving the flexibility of the joints and muscle strength, physical therapy can help you move more comfortably.

Why One-on-One Physical Therapy in Tucson Is Different

What sets one-on-one physical therapy in Tucson apart from other forms of treatment? Personalized care. When you work directly with a therapist, every session is tailored to your needs. It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, it’s like having a coach who guides you through a program designed just for you.

Your therapist will assess your posture, movement patterns, and pain triggers and create a plan that targets the root cause of your back pain. This personalized approach helps you achieve better and faster results.

What Happens During the First Physical Therapy Session

During your initial visit, your therapist will ask questions about your pain, medical history, and daily activities. They’ll also perform a physical evaluation to assess your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. From there, your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan. Sessions may include exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle recommendations. The goal is to not only relieve your current pain but also prevent future issues.

Wrapping It Up: Finding Relief Through Physical Therapy

Back pain can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your life. Understanding the common causes of back pain and working with a skilled therapist can help you find lasting relief. One-on-one physical therapy in Tucson offers a unique, customized approach to help you get back to doing the things you love without pain.

Whether your pain is due to poor posture, muscle strain, or a more serious condition like a herniated disc or sciatica, physical therapy can help. Are you ready to take the first step towards leading a pain-free life? Reach out to Restore Health & Wellness for personalized, one-on-one physical therapy and start your journey to recovery today.