80 percent of adults experience back pain at some point in their lives, according to the American Chiropractic Association. If your back has been aching, your doctor may consider referring you to a physical therapist. Understanding the exercises you may be asked to do can help you make the most of your treatment.
Function
Physical therapy is appropriate for those who have suffered from back pain for more than two weeks or those whose pain tends to recur. A physical therapist's goal should be to reduce pain, improve physical functioning, and prevent pain from coming back. Exercise is part of the process, although a therapist may also use other methods, such as heat or ultrasound. An effective physical therapy program may consist of stretching, strengthening and low-impact aerobic exercises.
Stretching for Low Back Pain
Stretching is an important part of low back pain relief via physical therapy. The back is designed to move; lack of sufficient movement exacerbates back pain. You can do a flexion stretch while lying on your back, pulling your legs toward your chest until you feel a comfortable stretch through your back. When doing this or other back stretches, stop and tell your physical therapist if you feel pain. Stretching should not hurt.
Strenthening Exercises for Low Back Pain
Lower back pain sometimes comes from weak core muscles. Your core consists of the muscles of your back, abdomen, and pelvis. These muscles stabilize your spine and help keep your balanced. When they are weak, you may be subject to back pain. Fortunately, core exercises are easy to do. One good core exercise is a bridge. To do a bridge, lie on your back with your knees bent at a 90-degree angle and your arms out to your sides. Raise your back off the ground as far as you comfortably can, then return to the starting position.
Low-Impact Aerobic Exercises for Low Back Pain
Low-impact aerobic exercises, such as riding a stationary bike, help reduce back pain and prevent its recurrence by improving blood flow to the area and helping combat stiffness. If you're not accustomed to exercise, start slowly, with 10 to 30 minutes a day, a few days a week. Consult your physician or physical therapist before beginning an aerobic exercise program.
Considerations
Physical therapy for low back pain is not the only method for treating lower back pain, nor is it appropriate in all circumstances. There are many causes of back pain. Ruptured or herniated disks, for example, may require surgical intervention, while arthritis-related pain may respond to drug therapy in addition to, or instead of, physical therapy. You should always speak to your doctor or physical therapist before beginning any exercise program, especially if you have been injured.
References
- American Chiropractic Association: Back Pain Facts and Statistics
- Spine-Health.com: Physical Therapy Benefits For Back Pain
- Spine-Health.com: Stretching for Back Pain Relief
- MayoClinic.com: Core Exercises: 7 Reasons to Strengthen Your Core Muscles
- Spine-Health.com: Low-Impact Aerobic Exercise
- MayoClinic.com: Back Pain Causes
