Lower Back Pain

Low Back Pain (Lumbosacral spine)

The lower back is a complex region consisting of multiple joints, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. The lower back integrates with the pelvis and hips via the sacrum (tailbone). This area is largely responsible for stability and houses the nerve roots that extend from the spinal cord into the legs to control pain, muscle strength, and sensation. Between each of the lumbar vertebrae are discs, which act as a shock absorber and cushion for impact movements and to decrease stress on the joints. Higher impact activities, lifting, and poor movement patterns can increase pressure through the area, thus causing pain, irritation, and altered sensation. Symptoms can range from tightness to sharp pain to shooting numbness or tingling in the legs.  

• Sciatica 

• Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)

• Disc Bulge/Herniation

• Strain/Sprain

• Sacroiliac Joint Pain (SIJ)

• Lumbar Fusion

• Lumbar Laminectomy 

 

Physical Therapy can help to identify the cause of pain, improve movement patterns, and reduce tightness in the musculature. Treatment often includes various manual therapy techniques to increase joint mobility and soft tissue extensibility. As pain subsides, movement patterns, exercises, and stretches will be prescribed to improve strength, stability, and motor control through the area to help reduce symptoms and prevent future dysfunction.

Physical Therapy is also utilized for post-operative procedures to the lower back, including fusion and laminectomy. In these instances, there are often post-operative precautions and limitations that will be followed to influence healing in a safe and effective manner. Recovery time will vary based on the type of procedure, and Physical Therapy will be there every step of the way, providing treatment to address symptoms and education on expectations and home interventions. 

 

Contact us today if you have questions regarding how physical therapy can help with your low back pain!