Healthy Fluids

Yes! Physical therapy can significantly help you in case of persistent lower back pain. When lower back pain is an issue and it keeps occurring without a dare cause, then a physical therapist can help. Physical therapists have been operational for a long time and for all this time, they have helped people tackle different issues with their body.

What is Physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a care that aims to ease pain and help you regain your initial functionality. If you have had any form of injury, pain due to surgery or any other issue, your doctor may suggest this type of treatment. A physical therapist is a specialized personnel that helps you in this case. They are highly educated and licensed health care providers who can help you beat the pangs of pain and get back to your normal life.

In most cases, a physical therapist can help to relieve your pain without the need of any surgical operation. They usually teach you how to manage and prevent their conditions so that they will achieve long-term benefits. Physical therapists examine your situation and develop a plan using their advanced techniques and skills to help a patient regain their full control and start walking and doing their normal work again. They also work in collaboration with the patient and other doctors to prevent the loss of mobility before it develops.

How Physical therapist will help you in case of lower back pain

In the case of lower back pain, Physical therapists will perform an initial evaluation on the first visit. When you visit them, be sure to move quite a bit. For this reason, wear comfortable clothing which will help you move freely and give the doctor access to your lower back.

The initial evaluation will consist of several different parts and questions, for this reason, be sure to answer a couple of questions and discuss your problem to him or her. They will, first of all, inquire about your health history. He will also ask some special questions which will help him determine the root cause. You also should be clear and make your symptoms as clear as possible. Ensure you dont hide any of your history information so that the doctor will be able to get the real picture.

The doctor may as well tell you to move around and observe you and eventually take measurements of how you are moving. The measurements may include the range of motion and the strength. He will also take the time to assess your posture. From all the information gathered from the observations, an appropriate treatment will be devised and started. As I had already stated, the physical therapist needs your coordination and cooperation. For this reason, remember to be an active participant in your treatment. Also, ensure that you get every detail of what the doctor asks you to do and if possible ask questions.

Lower back pain is a very common condition in the United States and several other countries in the world. Although GP's are the first contact providers for patients with both acute and chronic lower back pain, there are several other providers who can help in this case. Primary health care providers can be able to treat this condition after a brief evaluation, reassurance and symptomatic treatment.

In the United States alone, lower back pain is the second leading cause of visits to the doctors. It causes lost time at work and also billions of dollars in treatment. The human lower back has five bones or vertebrae which are stacked upon each other. Between these bones there are soft, spongy shock absorbers which are commonly known as Intervertebral discs. When these bones or the shock absorbers are compromised, then the results is lower back pain.

Three main causes of back pain

There are three main causes of back pain. One of them is bad sitting posture, lifting heavy items or frequently forward bending. However, back pain can be as a result of trauma. It is known that repetitive strain of the lower back bones is the leading cause of pain. However, in most cases, lower back pain can be a normal daily occurrence that can vanish within a shorter period of time without treatment. However, in some other instances, it can be fatal. For this reason, it is good to know when to seek medical attention.

When to seek medical attention

The fact is lower back pain can be a serious problem and hence you should consult a doctor any time you experience the problem for more than 2 days. You should consult a physician, a qualified therapist or another qualified healthcare provider. If lower back pains are present and constantly hindering mobility and limiting body functions, your next stop should be in a hospital. At this point, I am going to discuss some of the signs and symptoms that require swift medical attention.

Loss of Muscular control

If there is an immediate loss of muscular control accompanied by lower back pain, an immediate referral to a physician is warranted. If you are experiencing lower back pain and as a result not able to lift your legs to walk, rise from a chair or even walk upstairs, then there must be an underlying problem that requires immediate medical attention.

Loss of Bowel or Bladder Function

You will know its not a matter to keep calm about if you experience loss of bowel or even decreased bladder function. It is likely that the bones in the lower back are compressing the spinal cord or interfering with the functionality of the nerves that control bowel movements and bladder functions. One of the primary symptoms of this situation is if you are experiencing an inability to urinate. If you are having all these problems at the onset of lower back pain, then dont take chances any more, get to a physician.

Recent Significant trauma

In some instances, lower back pain can be brought about by trauma. Some of the main trauma causes are a recent vehicle accident or falls. If you have experienced a significant trauma, then there may be an underlying cause of back pain that if not treated can cause more trouble. For this reason, pay the physician a visit.

History of metastatic disease or cancer

It is rare but possible that if lower back pain can be caused by the onset of cancer and metastatic diseases. What this means is that if you have a history of cancer and metastatic diseases, dont keep calm when you experience lower back pain. Rush to a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.