Low Back Pain | Physical Therapy

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy, affecting approximately 80% of adults at some point in their lives. While it can be debilitating, the vast majority of low back pain responds well to conservative treatment, including physical therapy, without the need for surgery or long-term medication use.

Causes

Low back pain can result from many factors, including:

Muscle strain or ligament sprain from lifting, twisting, or sudden movement
Disc herniation or bulging disc pressing on spinal nerves
Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis
Poor posture and prolonged sitting
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Weakness in the core stabilizing muscles

How Physical Therapy Helps

Your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation to identify the underlying cause of your pain and develop a targeted treatment plan. Treatment typically includes manual therapy to restore joint mobility, specific strengthening exercises for the core and spinal stabilizers, flexibility training, and education on posture, body mechanics, and ergonomics.

Prevention

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, practicing proper lifting technique, and taking breaks from prolonged sitting are the most effective strategies for preventing recurrent low back pain. Your therapist will design a home exercise program to help you maintain your progress long after your sessions are complete.