When and How Should I Address Chronic Back Pain Treatment?
on Thursday, February 21, 2019If you struggle with chronic back and neck pain, you’re not alone. Back pain and related symptoms are among the most common medical complaints. Chronic back pain, arguably defined as pain that has been present for longer than three months, is a serious, recurring condition that affects a person’s everyday life. Because there are so many potential causes for chronic pain, we do not recommend waiting that long to get an assessment from a physical therapist. Due to the multiple causes of chronic back pain, you will want a professional to do a thorough subjective evaluation and a biomechanical examination. Both can be completed during your initial appointment at Renew Physical Therapy. This is essential in establishing the root cause of the patient’s symptoms and designing an appropriate individualized treatment program addressing that root cause.
What are the Risk Factors for Back Pain?
Almost every movement your body makes is dependent on your back. This is one reason why back pain can be so prevalent. It is also why you can injure your back without the following risk factors for back pain. Generally speaking, the primary culprits for back pain are aging, genetics, occupational hazards, a sedentary lifestyle, excess weight, poor posture, pregnancy, and smoking. It seems that smoking gets a bad rap for everything and once again it is associated with prolonging chronic back pain. Smokers are at increased risk for developing back pain compared to non-smokers. In addition, smokers who suffer from back pain will heal at a 50% slower rate versus a non-smoker with back pain.
How Can I Prevent Back Pain?
You can get more details on how to prevent back pain at our physical therapy blog. Here are a few prevention ideas while you are here:
- Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts stress on your back.
- Develop strong abdominal muscles. It may seem counterintuitive that strength in your front provides support for your back, but it all supports your spine.
- Try stretching.
- Be more aware of your posture.
- Be careful when you lift.
- You can also do this one easy stretch to help prevent backpain.
What Should I Do for Relief During Back Pain Recovery?
The biggest key to recovering from back pain is to keep your activities to a minimum. When it comes to pain, there are several modalities that can be implemented that do not require medication, such as cold and hot therapy.
Diet and weight are also two important factors in the process of returning your back to good health. Make sure you are sleeping with proper lower back support.
The biggest tip? Consult a professional. See your physical therapist for help in determining the best recovery plan for your back pain.
If you are suffering from neck and back pain or chronic pain in general, Renew Physical Therapy can help.
Visit our About Us page to learn more about our practice, clinic, and staff. Call us at 503.928.4914 to schedule an appointment.
Renew Your Body, Reclaim Your Life!