Back pain is one of the most common reasons why people see a doctor. Most cases of back pain occur in the lower back (lumbar) region of the spine, and this is often due to the high prevalence of obesity (excess weight putting pressure on the back), professions that require a lot of bending or heavy lifting, and natural disease such as arthritis.
With how prevalent this issue is, there is a whole range of treatments available to those who suffer from lower back pain. Physical therapy is one of the most popular interventions for lower back pain, particularly because it is noninvasive.
Let’s talk about the benefits of physical therapy as lower back pain treatment, and where you can go here in Dover, NJ for efficient and effective physical therapy for your back.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy involves doing specific exercises and undergoing special types of therapy under the supervision of a trained physical therapist (PT). These techniques focus on increasing mobility, flexibility, and strength.
Through targeted exercises that focus on the core muscles, patients undergoing physical therapy as lower back pain treatment usually enjoy a significant increase in mobility and independence. This is because core exercises stimulate blood flow to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your back, so the back muscles can support the spine and thereby reduce pressure on the spine itself.
A personal physical therapy program is meant to be gradual but progressive, as you gain the ability to accomplish various movements and capabilities. Your physical therapist will tailor-fit your recommended exercise program based on your circumstances, fitness, and progress.
In addition to stretching and exercise, your PT may also incorporate TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). Your therapist will adhere small electrode pads to your skin, and the therapist will administer brief electrical impulses which can help to quell your lower back pain. This type of physical therapy addresses nerve-related pain.
Benefits of Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain
Your physical therapist can help you regain your strength and range of motion in your back and spine. Physical therapy can work so well to address lower back pain that it has successfully helped patients go from being bedridden to returning to their daily activities. Your physical therapist can give you expert tips on caring for your lower back, such as how to lift objects without putting undue pressure on the spine.
Physical therapy can also be a complementary treatment for lower back pain, such as recuperating safely after having back surgery. Today’s back surgery is often done on an outpatient basis, via minimally invasive methods, and recovery is much faster than after having back surgery in prior decades.
Back Pain Treatment in Dover, NJ
Physical therapy enables you to keep your lower back pain under control and to recover well from back surgery. By providing a gradual and safe method of building mobility and strength, physical therapy can help you regain your full independence while enjoying a more pain-free lifestyle.
For effective and lasting back pain treatment in Dover, NJ, look no further than the Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey. We provide comprehensive treatment for back pain and other orthopedic conditions, such as arthritis and muscle pain.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our outstanding orthopedic doctors, call us today at (973) 989-0888 or request an appointment now via our online form. We look forward to restoring your health!