Millions of Americans are adversely impacted by back and neck pain each year. Studies show that, at one point or another, approximately 80% of the U.S. population will be affected by back pain. Back aches and back pain may occur for a variety of reasons. Most people experience back pain as a result of sprains/strains, injuries, lifting improperly, or sitting for prolonged periods. While there are a lot of options available to treat back pain, many of these only address the symptoms and don’t target the actual cause of your pain. Our physical therapists find the actual causes of your back pain, which may include muscle weakness, poor movement, and poor spinal coordination.
Neck pain is also very common and can generate pain or limited mobility in the shoulder, arm, or hand. Headaches and even migraines are often triggered by an underlying neck problem. For example, many patients complain of aches or tenderness in the neck, and sometimes shooting, sharp pains in nearby areas. Often, the primary problems causing your neck pain are tightened muscles and poor posture from daily stress, sitting at computers, and inactivity.
At Springfield Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are experts in helping patients quickly resolve their back and neck pain. During your evaluation, our physical therapist will discuss your history, examine your spine, and evaluate your movement, strength, walking, and coordination. This will help our physical therapists pinpoint the exact cause of your back pain or neck pain. We will work closely with your physician to design a treatment plan that best suits your needs and offers the quickest relief from pain and return to function.
Contact us at Springfield, PA center or use the “Make Appointment” button so our physical therapist can help reduce your back and neck pain and get you back to optimal function today!
FAQs
How do I know if my back pain is serious?
The pain you experience in your back may either be acute or chronic, depending on how it was sustained. Acute pain means that it lasts for a short time and is usually severe. Chronic pain means that it lasts generally three months or longer and it can either cause dull or severe persistent pain. The pain you experience is typically either rooted in your back muscles or the bones in your spine. If your pain is severe enough to hinder you from doing daily tasks, if it suddenly worsens, or if it has lasted longer than three months, then it is time to seek the help of a physical therapist.
How do I get relief from back pain?
You can treat your back pain with physical therapy. Physical therapy can address back pain by helping to improve your range of motion, strengthening the muscles in the affected areas, and using targeted massage to reduce tension. In many situations, working with a physical therapist to improve can significantly reduce the severity of your back pain, and may even help you avoid more invasive procedures, such as surgery.
What is the best physical therapy treatment for back pain?
Your physical therapist will design a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Your individualized treatment plan will incorporate the best methods possible for relieving your pain, facilitating the healing process, and restoring function and movement to the affected area(s) of your back. Your initial appointment will consist of a comprehensive evaluation, which will help your physical therapist discover which forms of treatment will be best for the orthopedic, neurologic, or cardiovascular condition you are experiencing. The main stages of your plan will focus on pain relief, which may include any combination of ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, posture improvement, targeted stretches and exercises, or any other treatment that your physical therapist may deem fit. While there is no singular method for relieving back pain, your physical therapist will make sure you receive the best treatments for your needs.
How do you relieve back pain without drugs?
While medication is easy, it only helps your pain subside for a short amount of time. Over time, certain drugs can cause some unfavorable side effects, and in some cases, they can be habit-forming. With NSAIDs, you run the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. With corticosteroids, you run the risk of cataracts, high blood sugar levels, and bone loss. Luckily, there is a much safer and healthier alternative to treating persistent back pain: physical therapy. At your initial consultation, your physical therapist will ask you several questions regarding your medical history, lifestyle, and painful area(s). This information will assist your physical therapist in creating the best treatment plan for you and your specific needs, so you can be provided with long-term results.