Physical therapy is used for many cases involving lower spine injuries and pain. The focus in lower back therapy is to strengthen the core. Building strength in the abdominals and lower back muscles support the spine and also allow less pressure to be put on the back.
Here at the Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we are devoted to the proper diagnosis and education for the patient. It is a common misconception that exercise to any degree causes injuries and pain to worsen. Although healing and rest are necessary, physical therapy is essential for pain management progress.
In therapy, stretching is widely considered an imperative portion of rehabilitation. In many cases resulting from injury, muscle spasms occur restricting range of motion and inducing pain. Pertaining to the lower back, it is fairly frequent that one or both of the lumbar muscles will tighten up while supporting your injured spine. Stretching the abdominals, lower back, hips, and legs loosen up those essential muscles that help support your spine, allowing for increased range of motion and recovery.
Along with stretching, stabilization exercises are incorporated to build strength in the muscles subsidiary to your spine. Body weight exercises are typically utilized with the addition of exercise balls and other objects to aid in dynamic stabilization. Abdominal workouts most likely include leg raises, planks, and crunches. Lower back exercises include hyperextensions, which can be done lying on your stomach, or on a machine that fastens your legs allowing you to bend and contract.
Some of these activities might be difficult at first, but progressively get easier to perform. Physical therapy is more often than not beneficial for pain management. In the case that therapy is not effective, more invasive measures are most likely sought out. However, physical therapy is typically exceptionally effective, and following proper exercises and education, the activities become apart of everyday pain management just as other treatment options.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
©Medical Marketing Solutions, 2014