Managing Low Back Pain: What You Should Know
Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor or physical therapist. Whether it’s from an injury, bad posture, or simply the wear and tear of daily life, most of us will experience some form of back pain at some point. While it can be uncomfortable and frustrating, the good news is that most low back pain can improve with the right care.
At Elevate Therapy, we follow the latest guidelines from healthcare professionals to help you manage your low back pain effectively. Here’s what you need to know about managing your pain and getting back to living your life.
1. Stay Active, Don’t Stay in Bed
One of the first things you need to know about low back pain is that staying active is important. In the past, doctors often recommended complete bed rest for back pain, but we now know that continuing to move is the best way to heal. Simple activities like walking, stretching, and gentle exercises can help reduce stiffness and strengthen your back, so you can return to your normal activities faster.
2. Physical Therapy: A Key to Recovery
Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for low back pain. Our physical therapists will create a personalized plan for you, which may include stretching, strengthening exercises, and manual therapy to help reduce pain and improve mobility. The goal is to improve your movement, so you can get back to doing what you love, whether that’s playing sports, working, or taking care of daily tasks.
3. Manual Therapy for Pain Relief
In addition to exercises, manual therapy can also help. This hands-on treatment includes techniques like joint mobilizations and soft tissue work to relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve flexibility. It can be especially effective if your back pain is caused by tight muscles or joint stiffness.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Medications and Imaging
It’s important to understand that most low back pain does not require imaging like X-rays or MRIs right away. In fact, unnecessary imaging can often lead to confusion or misdiagnosis. Instead, we focus on active treatments like physical therapy and exercises to address your pain.
While medications like NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs) may help with pain in the short term, they are not a long-term solution. We typically avoid stronger pain medications, like opioids, unless absolutely necessary, because they can have harmful side effects and don’t address the root cause of the pain.
5. For Chronic Pain: A Multidisciplinary Approach
If your low back pain has lasted longer than three months, it may become chronic. Chronic pain can be more challenging to treat, as it often involves physical, emotional, and psychological factors. For these cases, we recommend a multidisciplinary approach that combines physical therapy, psychological support, and sometimes medications. This comprehensive care helps address all aspects of your pain, leading to better long-term outcomes.
6. Self-Care and Prevention
An important part of managing low back pain is learning how to care for your back every day. We’ll help you learn strategies like proper posture, safe lifting techniques, and exercises you can do at home to strengthen your back and prevent future pain. Education is key—understanding your body and knowing how to protect your back is crucial for lasting relief.
Getting Help
If you’re struggling with low back pain, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional early on. At Elevate Therapy, our team of physical therapists is here to guide you through a personalized treatment plan designed to get you moving and feeling better. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse—schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
Getting Help
If you’re struggling with low back pain, it’s important to seek help from a healthcare professional early on. At Elevate Therapy, our team of physical therapists is here to guide you through a personalized treatment plan designed to get you moving and feeling better. Don’t wait for the pain to get worse—schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
