Lower Back Pain Treatment In Manhattan
The area of signs and symptoms originating from the lumbar spine can present and radiate into the upper and lower back, buttock region, hip, knee, upper and lower leg, ankle and foot. It can also present symptoms into the stomach, groin and peroneal region (saddle region). Getting the right back pain treatment from Manhattan PT & Pain can make a world of difference in your level of pain and quality of life.
What Functions Are Affected By Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can affect functions such as sitting, walking, ascending and descending steps, lavatory function, coughing, sneezing, sleeping, bending and lifting. If you have any signs and symptoms in these areas, a proper assessment and diagnosis is needed to treat your condition.
Who Can Diagnose The Cause Of My Lower Back Pain?
Diagnosis is your doctor’s responsibility. Assessment and correct treatment of your back pain is your physical therapist’s responsibility. At Manhattan PT & Pain, many diagnoses and differential diagnoses are assessed and treatable, such as:
- Lumbar strains and sprains
- Myofascial pain syndrome
- Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)
- Lumbar disc herniation and prolapse
- Spondylitis (arthritis)
- Spondylosis (degenerative disc disease)
- Sacro-iliac arthritis (hip and pelvic pain)
- Spondylolisthesis
- Lumbar instability
- Spinal canal stenosis (narrowing of the spine)
- Hypomobility lesions (facet joint syndrome/stiff back/Strains and sprains)
Back Pain FAQ
Q: What causes back pain?
A: Back pain can be caused by a variety of things from physical strain to chronic medical conditions. Lifting something that is too heavy, strenuous exercise without proper stretching, walking and standing in unsupportive shoes, poor posture, and other behaviors can cause back pain, as well as medical conditions such as scoliosis, arthritis, a bulging or ruptured disk, osteoporosis, and other serious back problems. Accidents and injuries are another major cause of back pain, including whiplash from car accidents.
Q: When should I seek treatment for back pain?
A: Many people with minor back pain will push through the pain or treat it with regular strength over the counter pain relievers and heating pads. But if the back pain persists for 2 weeks or more, it is best to seek treatment. Your primary care doctor should be your first avenue for diagnosis. Once your doctor determines what the problem is, they will recommend treatment of some type.
Q: What are the best treatment options for back pain?
A: Typical treatment for back pain may include oral and topical medication, physical therapy, massage, heat, and ice. More advanced pain relief strategies may be used if none of the previous options are successful. Physical therapy is the best option for back pain relief as it provides a long term solution. PT treats the source of the pain, correcting the issue that is causing the pain in the first place rather than just masking the pain with medication.
Q: What is suspension therapy and how does it work?
A: Suspension therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses equipment to suspend various parts of the body up off the floor or table. Suspension helps patients to relax the parts of the body that are not being worked in order to target just the body parts that need to be strengthened. The suspension apparatus looks like a series of hanging swings. The swings can be positioned under various parts of your body to suspend you horizontally across them. Each swing relieves pressure on an individual body part from the head to the feet. Suspension therapy is a relatively new strategy that allows patients to see results 10 times faster than traditional physical therapy.
Q: How can I avoid back pain?
A: There are a variety of ways to avoid back pain and back injuries:
- Exercise, preferably low impact, can help to strengthen your back muscles and keep them loose, which can lessen your chances of pulling a back muscle. Swimming and walking are good examples of low impact exercises.
- Strengthen your core muscles, which include your back and abdominal muscles. Exercising them to make them stronger and maintain that strength can alleviate back pain. Yoga, pilates, and other exercises that work the core muscles are ideal.
- Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. People who are overweight or obese carry that extra weight around constantly, putting strain on the back and legs. Keeping a healthy weight decreases your chances of experiencing back pain.
- Avoid straining or injuring your back. If you’re careful when you move, sit, and perform certain activities you can avoid injuring your back. Use good posture when sitting or standing. When lifting heavy objects, bend your legs and lift from your knees rather than bending over and using your back muscles.
Ready To Get Relief From Back Pain Through Physical Therapy?
To schedule your first appointment call (212) 213-3480 or for more information contact us here. A personalized home exercise program to strengthen your lower back will be advised and instructed. Your doctor can provide you with a prescription for our specialized services. You have the right to see any physical therapist. A referral for ankle and foot pain Physical Therapy can be obtained from your doctor. Please advise your doctor of our services.