Low Back Pain Treatment
Lasting Relief for Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain
Almost everyone deals with low back pain at some point. Sometimes a little rest is all it takes to feel better. Other times, that pain sticks around and becomes chronic. Whichever it is for you, our team is here to help you find lasting relief.
What Is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain, including pain that radiates into the hips, is sometimes called lumbar or sacral pain, named for the two lowest sections of the spine. This area runs from the bottom of your back into your pelvis and includes 5 mobile bones in the lumbar spine and 5 fused bones in the sacral spine. It affects millions of people worldwide, with discomfort ranging from mild to severe.
What Causes Low Back Pain?
There are countless things that can lead to low back pain, but our therapists most often treat the following:
Strains and Sprains
Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can all be overstretched or slightly torn. When it happens to a muscle or tendon, it’s called a strain. When it happens to a ligament, it’s called a sprain. These often come from lifting something heavy or making a sudden movement, and if the tissues in your back are already weakened, even a small amount of force can cause one.
Osteoarthritis
As we age, our joints naturally experience wear and tear, and the spine is no exception. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage between the vertebrae wears down, allowing the bones to rub against each other. This can cause significant pain along one or several spots in the spine.
Referred Pain
Sometimes low back pain isn’t caused by a back problem at all. It can be referred pain from an underlying condition like kidney disease, fibromyalgia, or endometriosis. Our therapists are trained to screen for referred pain and refer you to a physician when needed, since treating the root condition is key to relieving this type of discomfort.
Structural Abnormalities
The spine can become misaligned, putting pressure on nearby muscles or nerves and causing pain that ranges from mild to severe. Some people are born with skeletal differences, like scoliosis, while others develop conditions like degenerative spondylolisthesis over time. Both may need ongoing medical care.
Fractures
Osteoporosis can lead to small fractures in the vertebrae as bones become thin and porous. While this is common in older adults, a fracture can also result from a traumatic injury, known as spondylolysis.
Problems with Spinal Discs
Spinal discs cushion the vertebrae and absorb shock throughout the back. Ongoing stress or a traumatic injury can lead to a herniated, torn, or bulging disc, or general disc degeneration.
Spinal Stenosis
Stenosis happens when the spinal canal narrows, sometimes due to bone spurs. This can cause moderate to severe pain that radiates from the low back down through the legs.
Treatment Options for Low Back Pain
Physical therapy is often the most effective place to start, and your plan may include:
- ✓Simple exercises to strengthen muscles, correct posture, and improve flexibility
- ✓Manual therapy, including manual traction, joint mobilization, and soft tissue mobilization
- ✓Myofascial release
- ✓Dry needling with electrical stimulation
- ✓Taping
- ✓Nerve or dural glides
- ✓Stretching
- ✓Posture education and strengthening
- ✓Jones strain counterstrain, a technique to ease muscle tension
- ✓Activity reintegration back to work, daily tasks, or sport
We also screen for more serious conditions and, in severe cases, refer you to a physician for further testing and a coordinated care approach.
Depending on your situation, your physician may also discuss other options alongside your therapy plan, such as rest, hot or cold therapy, medication, muscle relaxants, chiropractic adjustments, injections, or, in severe cases, surgery.
How to Prevent Low Back Pain
There’s a lot you can do to protect your back and avoid future pain, including:
- ✓Maintaining a healthy weight
- ✓Practicing good posture
- ✓Strengthening your hip and core muscles
- ✓Stretching your back and hip muscles
- ✓Exercising regularly
- ✓Avoiding long periods of standing or sitting
- ✓Managing other conditions, like arthritis
- ✓Avoiding strenuous lifting or activities that risk injury
- ✓Avoiding smoking, which can impair circulation and contribute to spinal degeneration
When Should I See Big Stone Therapies for Low Back Pain?
If you’ve tried resting, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, or ice and heat without much relief, it may be time for a more effective approach. The first step is always figuring out what’s actually causing your pain.
Our specialists are here to help you understand your condition and guide you through every step of the treatment process. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
If rest, ice, heat, or over-the-counter medication haven’t helped, or if your pain is chronic or getting worse, it’s a good time to have it evaluated.
Yes. Physical therapy is often a key part of managing disc-related pain, using targeted exercises and manual therapy to reduce pain and improve function.
Pain that radiates from the low back into the legs can be a sign of spinal stenosis or nerve involvement. It’s worth having evaluated so we can identify the cause and build the right treatment plan.
Contact Us to Get Started
If you have questions or concerns about your low back pain or any additional symptoms, contact us today to schedule an appointment with our specialists.
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