Back Pain: A Comprehensive Guide to Injury Management
Back injuries can strike suddenly. One minute, you’re helping a friend move a heavy piece of furniture; the next thing you know, you can barely move due to back pain. No matter the reason, back pain from injury can dramatically affect your daily life.
Fortunately, there’s good news—physical therapy at Elliott Physical Therapy offers effective solutions that target the root of the problem, helping you fully rehabilitate. Our team can assess your specific injury and create a program to reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent future issues. With the right exercises and hands-on techniques, you can start feeling better and get back to your routine sooner.
Are you dealing with back pain from injury and wondering how physical therapy can help? Keep reading to explore how physical therapy can address injury-related back pain.
Understanding Common Back Injuries
There are several ways you can injure your back. Understanding your type of injury is the first step in getting the right treatment for your needs, which is why we always start with a comprehensive assessment to help us understand the details of your particular injury.
Here are just a few of the common back injuries we can help address at Elliott Physical Therapy:
Strains
- Back strains occur when your back muscles tear or overstretch. This typically happens when you lift something too heavy or use improper lifting techniques. Symptoms include pain, back stiffness, and mobility difficulties.
Herniated Discs
- Your spinal vertebrae are separated by intervertebral discs, which act as cushions to prevent the bones from rubbing against each other. If one of those discs bulges and presses on a nearby nerve, it can cause pain in the lower back and radiate pain down the leg.
Sprains
- A back sprain involves overstretched or torn ligaments, the tissues that connect bones. Sprains typically result from falls, sports injuries, or other sudden impacts, leading to pain and limited mobility.
Finding Back Pain Relief After an Injury
At Elliott Physical Therapy, we’ll help you manage back pain from injury by treating both the symptoms and the underlying cause, such as core weakness or gait imbalance. Our physical therapists will assess your specific needs and design a personalized treatment plan using various evidence-based strategies.
A common approach to managing injury-related back pain includes a combination of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and patient education.
Manual Therapy
- Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques like soft tissue manipulation or joint mobilization to release tension, reduce stiffness, and improve your range of motion. These techniques help create an environment where your back can heal naturally and effectively.
Therapeutic Exercise
- Targeted exercises help strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improving mobility and enhancing overall stability. We’ll guide you through each exercise, ensuring proper form and progression for safe and effective results.
Education
- Our physical therapists will teach you proper body mechanics, helping you avoid movements that could lead to re-injury. This guidance, combined with strengthening exercises, significantly reduces the risk of future injury.
Don’t Let Back Pain from an Injury Slow You Down!
At Elliott Physical Therapy, we know how difficult it is to live with back pain. But our tailored programs will address your symptoms, rehabilitate your injury, and help keep your back safe and healthy in the future. Schedule an appointment at one of our conveniently located clinics near you today to get started.