The Low Back Problem: Part I
Raise your hand if you’ve experienced low back pain at some point in your life? Yes? No? If no, this is great! If yes, you are among the majority of people who experience back pain and so let’s spend some time chatting about it!
Skeletal image of spine and pelvis.
Low back pain (LBP) is a common condition throughout our life cycle, affecting an estimated 80% of adults at some point in their lives. LBP is also the leading cause of disability worldwide, significantly influencing daily function as well as causing a staggering number of lost workdays per year.
There are a multitude of causes of LBP, and research has shown that as few as 15% of patients can be given a specific diagnosis or exact reason for the pain. Even with advanced imaging such as an x-ray or MRI, it is rare that we can point to one joint, one disc, or one facet and confidently state that it is the cause of pain. In fact, many people without pain may have abnormal findings like a “bulging disc” on an MRI.
Person grabbing low back as if in pain.
Symptoms of LBP could range from a dull ache to pain radiating down the legs. Most cases of low back pain resolve within a few weeks or months, although some individuals will experience chronic or recurrent symptoms and/or pain. Research suggests that individuals who experience an episode of LBP do have a higher likelihood of experiencing future episodes, especially if they do not participate in preventative exercise and specific education regarding their symptom presentation.
So how can physical therapy (PT) help in cases of low back pain? Individualized PT refers to a treatment approach that is specifically designed to address an individual’s unique needs and characteristics. When PT is applied to LBP, there are many benefits including:
Targeted assessment and treatment
With this approach, a thorough and skilled assessment is conducted to understand contributing factors of your LBP. This allows your physical therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan that directly targets identified issues.
So often there are internet videos that tell you “Do this if you have back pain”, but without understanding the origin of the pain and symptom, then some exercises can actually make the underlying problem worse!
Optimal treatment progression
PT allows us to progress treatment at a pace that is suited to your individual needs. The intensity, duration, and frequency should be adjusted according to your specific needs and the specific reason for the pain!
Improved treatment outcomes
Research has shown that individualized PT resulted in better outcomes, and a decreased cost burden versus patients receiving a standardized approach to care.
Prevention of recurrence
PT not only focuses on current symptoms, but emphasizes preventing future painful episodes. Through targeting exercise, manual therapy, and education, we work with you to optimize long-term back health!
See Part 2 of this series for additional information about the benefits of physical therapy for low back pain, supported by available research!
Please, do not hesistate to contact Summus for an evaluation of your symptoms. The sooner you address your LB symptoms and pain, the quicker we can get you feeling better and back to the activities you love!
Written by Lara Baum PT, DPT and Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
REFERENCES:
Fritz, J. M., et al. (2019). Physical therapy dosage in low back pain: A matched-pair analysis of patients with low back pain and healthy controls. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 49(12), 901-910.