Did you know you are not alone with your back pain. One quarter (¼) of all Americans have had low back pain which has kept them from sleeping, sitting or working in the past 3 months? If you are among the millions of Americans with low back pain, the information in this resource guide is for you. Economic research has found that low back pain costs our national economy approximately 100 billion dollars each year1. Throughout this guide, techniques will be shared to help you heal, ease your pain, and avoid any future disability. These revolutionary techniques will essentially unlock your inner healing potential, and everyone LOVES it.
Common causes of low back pain may include an injury like: trying to lift a heavy or awkward object without assistance, repetitive bending and twisting. But did you know many people who suffer from back pain actually begin to hurt from sitting too much, and being sedentary? A common myth of low back pain involves advice often related by some healthcare providers. Did you know prolonged bed rest after a back injury might actually lead to a longer recovery time? A simple way to test yourself for back pain would be to stand still for 5 minutes. If your back aches when you stand still then you have low back pain, and you are an excellent candidate for Physical Therapy.
If you do find you have pain in your back, then you should immediately call us at Siskiyou Physical Therapy and set up an appointment for evaluation and treatment. You could also take advantage of a quick screening if you prefer. You can contact our office via our outstanding website found at: http://www.siskiyoupt.com.
To help your low back pain, Physical Therapy interventions may cost you as little as $49 per visit, depending upon the severity of your condition. When investigating ways to help heal your low back pain, you should be wary of solutions which will require a large initial investment of time and money without a 100% cash back guarantee. If your back hurts with prolonged driving, then pull over every 20 minutes, and get out of the car to stretch and walk for 1-2 minutes.
I just hurt my back, what should I do?
– Stop normal activity for a day or two, this allows your symptoms and inflammation to reduce gently. Bed rest IS NOT recommended!
– Use heat or ice on your low back (which ever feels better to you) as soon as possible. One rule of thumb which might help is to use ice for the first 1-3 days to reduce any localized inflammation, followed by moist heat to help loosen up the muscle spasms which normally come with low back pain.
– Begin GENTLY stretching and moving your back to keep the muscle tissues relaxed after a day of decreased activity.
– Talk to your Pharmacist or Doctor about over-the-counter medications which might be good pain relievers. These include Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, and Naproxyn based medications. If you are taking any other medications, be sure to consult with the Doctor or Pharmacist before selecting one.
– Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for healing, but can be quite difficult when you have severe low back pain.
– Try taking a warm bath or practicing relaxation techniques before going to bed.
– Lie in a curled-up, fetal position on your side with a pillow between your legs.
– If you usually sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to relieve pressure from the hips and back.
– A firm, but comfortable, mattress is often recommended.
– You should see your doctor the first time you have back pain for a full examination. And, be sure to call us immediately to schedule early interventions.
If you have any of the following symptoms, be sure to contact your doctor immediately:
– Fever
– Severe pain that is not resolving with conservative measures
– Numbness, tingling, weakness or loss of sensation of your legs
– Loss of bowel or bladder control
Remember:
Keeping your core strong and flexible will greatly enhance your ability to work, play and live pain free. If you do experience sudden back pain for the first time, contact your physician, then immediately call us to schedule your initial screening to determine if Physical Therapy will help you with your condition. Remember, your low back pain is probably different from your neighbors, and finding the right combination to unlock your inner healing potential may require multiple methods. No single treatment protocol is right for everyone, and in fact if not performed appropriately, may lead to serious injury. Contact us immediately for further information regarding our revolutionary techniques.
Resource Box Jesse Elliott, DPT is a therapist at Siskiyou Physical Therapy. He has worked and studied in outpatient orthopedic clinical settings for over 10 years, and enjoys helping his clients unlock their inner healing potential. Here at Siskiyou Physical Therapy, our Physical Therapists are highly trained clinicians who are Doctors of Physical Therapy. We specialize in improving your mobility, and training you, the individual, to become fully independent in a short amount of time. You can contact us directly at 1-800-958-2588, or via our website at http://www.siskiyoupt.com for more information regarding our revolutionary treatments available.
How Can You Prevent Low Back Pain?
- Keep your back, stomach, and leg muscles strong and flexible.
- Keep your body in alignment, so it can be more efficient when you move.
- Don’t slouch! Maintain good posture in your spine.
- Use good body positioning at work, at home, and during leisure activities.
- When lifting, keep the load close to your body and use your legs rather than your back to lift with.
- Ask for help or use an assistive device when lifting something heavy.
- Maintain a regular physical fitness regimen, staying active can help to prevent injuries.
- If your back does begin to hurt or ache when doing something, stop every twenty minutes to change positions or take a brake.
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1. COPYRIGHT © 2006 BY THE JOURNAL OF BONE AND JOINT SURGERY, INCORPORATED
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Lumbar Disc Disorders and Low-Back Pain: Socioeconomic Factors and Consequences
BY JEFFREY N. KATZ, MD, MSC
