Banish your back pain!
- Posted on: Jul 30 2013
Tired of avoiding activities you love—tennis, golf, playing with your kids—because you’re afraid you’ll set off that deep ache in your back?
You’re not alone: About 75 to 85% of adults experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Fortunately, there are simple and effective treatments that will help you get your life back. A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that the most effective treatment for low back pain is physical therapy combined with anti-inflammatory medications.
Physical therapy (PT) involves strengthening core muscle groups that support the back, including your abs. During a session, a physical therapist teaches you beneficial exercises and may perform spinal maneuvers that can ease discomfort. Therapists are trained to evaluate your symptoms and design a treatment plan that’s tailored to your needs. A plan usually includes exercises and stretches you can do on your own at home.
At Advanced Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, a physical therapist will evaluate your back pain and work with you to help you achieve your goals. The exercises we prescribe focus on strengthening muscles and improving flexibility, balance and posture. Our goal is to help you recover—and educate you on how to avoid re-injury, which is common with back problems. Our therapists are trained and licensed to provide the highest quality of care.
Also on staff is an acupuncturist who specializes in pain management. That’s important, because acupuncture—which involves placing very thin needles in the skin—has been shown to be helpful for chronic back pain. In a recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine, 60% of patients with chronic low back pain experienced significant improvement in their symptoms after undergoing acupuncture treatments. They were better able to perform household tasks and attend social functions, compared to those who didn’t receive acupuncture treatments. After a year, those who received acupuncture were more likely to continue to experience improvements in pain.
If you’re struggling with back pain, consider making an appointment with us. Physical therapy and acupuncture may be your tickets to a pain-free life.
Tagged with: acupuncture, back pain, low back pain, pain management, physical therapy
