About 80 percent of the population will have back pain at some point, and it is a common cause of missed days at work. You might wonder what you can do about it and whether surgery or physical therapy is the best option. Keep reading to learn more.
Common Types of Spine and Back Conditions
Many conditions can affect your spine, making you feel that surgery for back pain is the only option. Some disorders can include degenerative issues, herniated discs, arthritis, and scoliosis. Even cancer can cause a range of pain issues.
The condition determines the cause of your pain. Not every reason is known, but issues like inflammation, falls, inherited disorders, and infection can be at fault.
Does Physical Therapy Work for Back Pain?
You might be comparing physical therapy vs. surgery for back pain and thinking which is better. Usually, doctors try to go with the least invasive method. Many people with back pain benefit from stretching. It does not take a lot of time, even though it might be hard to remember to do it, mainly if there is no pain. A physical therapist can help you learn about stretches to do each day to alleviate the pain.
How Physical Therapy Helps Back Pain
Many people find that lower back physical therapy helps alleviate their symptoms. PT treatment modalities can include massage, stretches, traction, electrical stim, and more. Your therapist might recommend doing specific exercises to do at home for 30 to 40 minutes
Even if you have a busy schedule, you can often maintain an exercise routine that includes aerobic conditioning, stretching, and strengthening. These are all forms of physical therapy that work.
When Therapy Doesn’t Work
Physical therapy for back pain may not always work. It is a conservative approach to managing pain. If the patient did not see success from PT treatment, pain management procedures and surgery might be the best option for back pain.
If you have a degenerative condition, the initial response is to strengthen your spine’s core muscles. But these treatments might not always help get your vertebra back to the correct locations to reduce the spinal nerve pressure. Chiropractic care can also help back pain.
Physical Therapy and other treatments do not always work because they do not address spinal ligaments’ issues. These are types of connective tissues that can hold the vertebra in the right locations. Your doctor can help you decide which is best for you.
Closing Thoughts
Every year, 50 percent of working Americans have admitted having back pain symptoms. The good news is you can benefit from physical therapy for back pain. Making an appointment today is the first step.
About Us
Serving Long Island, Oceanside, and Valley Stream NY communities and their surrounding areas, Comprehensive Healthcare Group (CHG), is a multi-specialty provider of health & rehabilitation services.
With over 20 years of excellence in treating patients in the Nassau County area, our expanded facility will provide service excellence.
The state-of-the-art healthcare services we provide include:
Schedule Your Appointment Today
If you have an injury, it is best to seek care as soon as possible. That way, you can reduce the chances of it negatively impacting your life. Schedule an appointment today with an experienced auto injury doctor near you. Our services are available from Monday through Friday.
We accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault insurance. To book your appointment, call our Oceanside, NY office at 516.764.7760 or our Valley Stream, NY office at 516.593.7990.
Sources:
https://spinenation.com/treatment/physical-therapy/why-you-should-try-physical-therapy-before-back
