A Guide To Lower Back Pain: Everything You Need To Know
Low back pain is a widespread issue and is often misunderstood and mismanaged. People often panic when they experience low back pain, but it is a common occurrence and is rarely serious. This is a good thing! And more good news is that there are ways to ensure you don’t deal with this lower back pain for the rest of your life. If this is the first time you’re dealing with lower back pain, don’t fret. Here’s everything you need to know about dealing with a hurt back.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Lower Back Pain
Though this pain can feel severe, it’s unlikely that you’ll deal with it for the rest of your life if you treat it correctly. Most people recover within six to eight weeks without the need for medical treatment. However, the decision to seek medical help can result in a cycle of over-treatment, including ineffective tests and treatments, as well as harmful medicines. Invasive treatments like surgery should be avoided whenever possible, as they often result in higher costs and risks with no improvement in outcomes.
Can You Have A Disc Or Bone Go Out Of Place In Your Back?
People often hear that they have a slipped disc or a bone out of place. Discs and bones in the back do not “slip” out of place and the “crack” you experience during manipulation is short-lived and due to changes in the nervous system and muscle relaxation. If you’re experiencing pain and it feels like something is “out of place,” it’s not all in your head. However, the pain you’re likely experiencing is due to something else.
Should You Get An MRI For Lower Back Pain?
One of the first things ordered for back pain is often an MRI. And while this may be helpful in some regard, MRI results for low back pain are often misinterpreted and misused, leading to unnecessary stress and treatments for patients. It is important to understand that MRI results show the anatomy of the back, but not necessarily the source of pain. Many people without low back pain have disc bulges, disc degeneration, disc protrusions, and facet joint degeneration, which are normal aspects of the aging process. While scans can show abnormalities, these findings are often not linked to low back pain.
Therefore, if you or your doctor decide to go ahead with an MRI, it is crucial for your doctor to interpret the results of an MRI in the context of the your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination before deciding on any treatment. In many cases, it is recommended to avoid MRI scans and instead focus on physical examination and a detailed understanding of the person’s symptoms and activities that trigger or worsen the pain. These normal aging processes like disc bulges and degeneration should not be a cause for concern.
The Most Effective Way To Manage Lower Back Pain
The most effective way to manage low back pain is to understand its triggers and what to do and not do. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including exercise, proper posture, and avoiding prolonged sitting, can help prevent low back pain. Engaging in physical activity, such as swimming, cycling, or yoga, can improve strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of low back pain.
Additionally, psychological factors like stress, anxiety, and depression can contribute to low back pain. Mindfulness and stress management techniques can help reduce psychological stress and relieve back pain.
Contact A Franklin Physical Therapist For Low Back Pain
A physical therapist can play a crucial role in managing back pain. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand the underlying cause of the pain and develop a customized treatment plan. Physical therapy techniques such as manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, and posture correction can help reduce pain, improve mobility and function, and prevent future back pain. Additionally, a physical therapist can educate patients on proper posture and body mechanics, as well as provide advice on safe exercises and activities to prevent further injury. They can also collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide a comprehensive and integrated approach to managing back pain.
If you are experiencing low back pain and looking for a physical therapist in and around Franklin, TN, Beyond Physical Therapy can help. With some of the best physical therapists in the Nashville metro, you’ll be taken care of and on your way to no back pain! Contact us today at (629) 239-3170 to book an appointment.