Back Pain Slowing You Down?
Physical Therapy Can Help!
Here’s a fact about back pain that may bring you some comfort: it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the world. Around 80% of people will have back pain at least once. So, if you’re suffering now, you probably aren’t the only one!
Of course, that thought does little to help if your back pain keeps you from performing day-to-day activities — as it often does. Back pain is often accompanied by mobility restrictions that make walking, rising from sitting, or bending over difficult. And if left untreated, it can sometimes lead to long-term pain and dysfunction.
At Back in the Game Physical Therapy, we know how debilitating back pain can be. Our team of dedicated physical therapists will help you understand the cause or causes of your back pain and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will let you get back to the activities you love to do. Call our clinic today to set up your initial consultation!
What Causes Back Pain?
One of the reasons that back pain is so common is that it’s associated with several different injuries, underlying conditions, or lifestyle factors. That said, most back pain is non-specific, meaning it’s not caused by a specific disease or specific structural problem, but caused by mechanical issues. Mechanical issues are difficult to pinpoint and may include multiple tissues in and around the spinal joints.
The first step in treating your back pain is understanding what’s contributing to it. Our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us learn as much as possible about your experience with back pain, including screening for any mobility limitations or weakness you’re struggling with.
Here are some of the more common sources of back pain that we see at our clinic:
- Strains and Sprains: A strain occurs when you injure the muscles in your back. A sprain occurs when you injure the ligaments that link your spinal vertebrae. Both can cause pain and limited mobility, and they often result from lifting with improper form (such as twisting while lifting) or attempting to lift something too heavy.
- Herniated Discs: Soft, flexible discs separate and cushion your spinal vertebrae. If one of those discs herniates — that is protrudes out — and irritates a nearby nerve, it can lead to intense pain, feeling “stuck” in a stooped over position, and often pain down the leg known as sciatica.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the world, occurring when the cartilage and bone tissue in a joint degenerate and become inflamed. While we often associate it with the hips, knees, or hands, it can occur in the spine, too. Spinal osteoarthritis is sometimes called spondylosis.
- Lifestyle Factors: Several factors can contribute to lower back pain, including improper posture, prolonged sitting, or weakness in the muscles that wrap and support your spine (your core muscles).
Why Physical Therapy at Back in the Game Physical Therapy Is Your Back Pain Solution
While back pain often resolves on its own within 1-3 months, physical therapy is an excellent choice for people with particularly intense pain or extremely restrictive mobility. It’s also useful for people with chronic back pain — defined as pain that lingers past that three-month mark.
We customize all our back pain treatment plans according to your specific needs: the location and severity of your back pain, any mobility restrictions, your ability level, and overall goals. We’ll work to address the underlying issues causing your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms.
How will we do this? Through a blend of the following techniques:
- Manual therapy helps manage pain, promote blood circulation, and improve mobility.
- A personalized therapeutic exercise plan improves the strength, flexibility, and endurance of your back and core muscles. Muscle weakness significantly contributes to lower back pain, so exercise is a must.
- Specialized training, such as proper techniques and activities that simulate functional movements you’ll need to perform (i.e., squats, lunges, lifting, etc.).
- Prevention strategies help reduce future back pain incidents. These strategies might include postural corrections or suggestions for at-home exercises, such as a walking program or regular strength and mobility practice.
Get Moving Again with Physical Therapy!
Back pain is more than just pain. It can severely restrict your mobility, leading to less exercise and movement, further contributing to pain and dysfunction. The Back in the Game Physical Therapy team is here to help you break that cycle and find relief from back pain for good. Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Staff Spotlight:
Melissa Albert | PT, DPT
Director of Practice Operations
Melissa graduated from the University of North Georgia with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2015. She has completed advanced training in dry needling (CIDN) and spinal manipulative therapy. Melissa enjoys working in outpatient physical therapy and has extensive experience treating chronic pain, sports injuries, vertigo and dizziness, as well as post-surgical conditions. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, staying active, wake surfing, boating on Lake Lanier, and spending quality time with her husband, their two children, Hailey and Ethan, and their dog.
We’re Hiring – Join Our Team!
Are you passionate about helping patients get back in the game? We’re growing and looking for dedicated Physical Therapists and team members to join us! If you—or someone you know—are interested in building a rewarding career in a supportive, patient-focused environment, we’d love to connect. Know a great PT? Share this newsletter with the Physical Therapists in your life and help us spread the word!
Patient Success
“My experience with Back in the Game Physical Therapy has been excellent, and life-changing. They were recommended to me by a nurse who is a family member and was on the team with my surgeon when I had a knee replacement. Within just a few weeks after surgery, I could fully bend my knee, and straighten my leg. BIG in Dacula has a lot to offer in alternative therapies, like dry needling and cupping, shock wave, and much more. I am currently in treatment for scoliosis that started in the base of my spine, and it’s working its way up. Just a few months ago I could hardly walk across the room, but, I am basically pain free now. The place is inspirational to walk into, with inspirational quotes on the walls, sports memorabilia, and a joke of the week to keep the levity going. The therapists honestly do care about each other, and their patients. The front office staff is caring and welcoming, and so helpful. They are all kind, sympathetic and empathetic. My therapist, Nate, has me “back in my game”, as I work on my feet. He is quick to figure out which therapy will be effective for my ongoing treatment, and has nailed it, every time. Thanks BIG in Dacula, for being on my team!” – Linda
Prevent Back Pain and Mobility Restriction Before It Starts!
Do any of these statements apply to you?
- I have a job that requires me to sit at a desk.
- I struggle to find time to exercise regularly.
- I never learned proper lifting techniques.
- People frequently tell me I slouch.
If so, you may be at a higher risk of developing back pain. Several lifestyle factors can increase the likelihood of an injury leading to back pain. Fortunately, physical therapy at Back in the Game Physical Therapy is a great choice not only for resolving back pain but for stopping it before it even begins!
Three Simple Back Pain Prevention Tips
Tip 1: Exercise.
Tip 2: Minimize Sitting.
Tip 3: Ask for Help.
While these tips can get you started, the Back in the Game Physical Therapy physical therapists can help you develop a customized back pain prevention plan. We’ll help you identify any lifestyle factors that might put you at risk of developing back pain and then work with you to address them.
Exercise of the Month
Front Raise
- Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand, arms resting in front of your thighs and palms facing your body.
- Keeping your arms straight (but not locked), slowly raise both arms in front of you to shoulder height.
- Pause briefly, then lower back down with control.
- 3 Sets, 10 Reps. (Materials needed: dumbbells)
Recipe of the Month: Overnight Oats
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup old-fashioned oats
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- ⅔ cup milk
- ½ cup sliced banana
- Drizzle of maple syrup or honey, if desired
Instructions:
- Mix everything together, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- Serve with your favorite toppings.
- Makes 1 serving.
