There are millions of people around the world that suffer from back pain. It can be debilitating and stop you from working, as well as doing the things you love. So if you’re suffering from back pain, it’s no surprise that you’re interested in physiotherapy.
But you may be wondering how physiotherapy works for back pain. Here we’ll give you all the info you need so you know whether or not physiotherapy is right for you. Let’s get started!
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How Physiotherapy Works For Back Pain
Physiotherapy is a brilliant treatment for individuals suffering from back pain as it can help reduce and manage the symptoms. A physiotherapist will assess your body alignment, muscle strength, and flexibility and develop an appropriate exercise plan tailored to your individual needs.
These exercises should be designed with the aim of restoring normal movement patterns, therefore providing a faster recovery time during periods of pain flare-ups.
The ultimate goal of physiotherapy for back pain is to improve your quality of life by reducing your pain and improving mobility so that you can move freely again without fear of experiencing pain or discomfort.
What Back Conditions Can Physiotherapy Help With?
Physiotherapy can be incredibly beneficial in treating a wide range of back conditions. It is particularly effective in helping to ease lower back pain, reduce muscle tension, and improve flexibility and mobility.
Physiotherapy can also help rehabilitate post-op and address serious conditions, such as spinal stenosis and sciatica.
In addition to offering exercises to improve muscular strength and endurance, physiotherapists may also use hands-on techniques and manual therapy to provide direct relief from pain and help restore your normal range of motion.
Through these treatments, an individual can quickly regain the ability to participate in everyday activities without the burden of nagging pain.
Common Causes of Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most common ailments among adults, yet the causes of it can be surprisingly varied. Factors such as poor posture, obesity, and certain activities can strain your back, leading to discomfort.
Additionally, medical conditions such as arthritis and herniated disks can cause lasting pain that requires special treatments. Other possible causes of back pain include carrying heavy loads improperly or sleeping in an uncomfortable position.
Even sports injuries, such as muscle strains, can cause ongoing issues with the back. Fortunately, an experienced doctor or physiotherapist can help assess your situation and identify the root cause of any back pain you are experiencing.
Should I Consult With My Doctor Before Physiotherapy?
Yes, speaking to your doctor if you’re suffering from pain is always a good idea. For example, spinal stenosis can be helped by physiotherapy, but you may also need further medication or surgery to help solve the problem.
Consulting with a doctor will allow you to look at other treatment options alongside your physiotherapy, and you may even get a referral. That said, you don’t need a referral to a physiotherapist, so you can just go directly to them.
NHS waiting lists can be frustratingly long, and therefore for things like sports injury recovery, you can head straight to a physiotherapist for immediate treatment.
What about an Osteopath or Chiropractor?
Deciding to see a physiotherapist, osteopath, or chiropractor for back pain can be a difficult choice. All three of these types of healthcare professionals have specialized expertise and offer different treatment approaches.
Before making a decision, it is important to do research and understand the unique benefits that each provider has to offer.
A physiotherapist can use manual therapy techniques to help improve joint mobility and muscle strength, while an osteopath involves treating the whole body and its structure. Furthermore, chiropractors specialize in realigning the musculoskeletal system to take pressure off nerves and restore joint function.
Ultimately, you can only make an informed decision about which provider best suits your needs by researching and understanding each profession.
Lifestyle Changes for Back Pain
Living with back pain can be incredibly difficult. Fortunately, various lifestyle changes can be made to reduce and/or manage chronic back pain alongside physiotherapy.
Examples include participating in regular physical activity, using correct posture when sitting and standing, avoiding extended periods of inactivity, maintaining a healthy weight, getting adequate sleep, and avoiding excessive bending and lifting.
Additionally, stress-reducing activities such as yoga or tai chi may benefit some individuals.
Making the necessary lifestyle changes to alleviate your back pain is an achievable goal with patience and perseverance. By engaging in these practice methods time after time, it is possible to take control of your chronic back pain.
How Many Sessions Of Physio Do You Need For Back Pain?
The number of physiotherapy sessions needed to address back pain depends on the severity of the condition and the speed at which somebody wants to see improvement in their symptoms.
In general, between four and eight physiotherapy sessions may be recommended as a starting point so an assessment can be made of the progress that has been made and whether alternative treatments might be useful.
Can Back Pain Be Cured In Physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy has proven itself to be an effective, non-invasive therapy for people suffering from back pain. It is a safe and cost-effective way to treat chronic pain caused by conditions such as disc degeneration, osteoporosis, herniated discs, or sciatica.
That being said, some conditions, such as spinal stenosis, can’t be cured. These are usually degenerative conditions that no medical intervention can fully solve.
A highly trained physiotherapist can assess and diagnose the root cause of any problem through observation, medical history review, and physical assessment.
With a tailored treatment plan, they then work with the patient on specific exercises. Through regular sessions of physiotherapy, it is possible to increase mobility and reduce pain without the need for surgery or medication.
Final Thoughts
Back pain isn’t something you have to live through. Seeing your doctor is an important first step to getting an initial assessment of what’s wrong, and then physiotherapy can help you on your path to a pain-free future. With incurable conditions, physiotherapy will improve your symptoms and quality of life.
