What Is Causing My Lower Back Pain?

Here at Island Sports Physical Therapy, the month of October is a time for celebration. October is National Physical Therapy Month, making it the perfect time to discuss some of the causes of lower back pain and how physical therapy can help! Our team is here to facilitate your return to pain-free movement and help you achieve optimal wellness! Continue reading to discover some of the causes of lower back pain and how we can help! 

What Are The Causes Of Lower Back Pain?

Almost everyone experiences lower back pain at some point during their lifetime. This sensation is not always severe and often improves on its own over time. However, your lower back pain could be an indication that something is not right. Lower back pain can stem from a variety of causes, including:

• Muscle Strain – Lower back pain is usually caused by muscle strain. This can occur after lifting something heavy or after sudden, awkward movements. Muscle strains can also be caused by poor posture or repetitive motions.
• Herniated Disc – Herniated discs are another common cause of lower back pain. This condition occurs when the cushions between your vertebrae compress and put pressure on your nerves. Herniated discs can be very painful and may require surgery to fix.
• Degenerative Disc Disease – Degenerative disc disease is a condition that occurs when the discs in your spine begin to break down. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in your back and legs. Degenerative disc disease is often caused by aging or injury.
• Spinal Stenosis – Spinal stenosis is a condition that causes the spinal canal to narrow, putting pressure on the nerves. This can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs and arms. Spinal stenosis is often caused by arthritis.
• Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes the cartilage in your joints to break down. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is often caused by aging or injury.

Lower back pain can be treated with over-the-counter medications, physical therapy, and exercise. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to fix the underlying problem. If your lower back pain is severe or persists for more than a few days, it is essential to see a physical therapist. 

Physical Therapy For Lower Back Pain

Our professionals at Island Sports Physical Therapy can help you identify the underlying cause of your pain and develop a treatment plan to alleviate it. Physical therapy is often an effective treatment for lower back pain, as you can learn exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles in your back and improve your posture. If you’re wondering whether physical therapy can help your back pain, here are some of the benefits you can experience when working with our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy:

• Individualized Care – One of the main benefits of physical therapy for lower back pain is that our therapists will provide you with a personalized treatment program. We will consider your age, lifestyle, and overall health and monitor your response to different movements throughout your treatment. 
• Reduced Pain – Through our targeted programs, our team will suggest exercises to decrease your pain caused by movements. We can also employ other modalities like manual therapy to address your discomfort and minimize your symptoms. 
• Improved Mobility – Lower back pain can seriously hinder your mobility. Our physical therapists look for the root cause of your discomfort and suggest treatment that enhances your physical strength and increases your range of motion. 
• Injury Prevention – If repetitive movements cause back pain, our team can help you learn proper mechanics to prevent future pain and injuries. 

Contact Us

Island Sports Physical Therapy strives to help our patients return to pain-free and active lifestyles. Lower back pain can quickly rob you of your ability to perform the activities you love. If you are interested in trying physical therapy for your back pain, start your journey during National Physical Therapy Month! Be sure to contact our office today to learn more and request an appointment!