Physical therapy exercises for low back pain

Physical Therapy Exercises for Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a common problem experienced by most people at some point in their lives. It is estimated that about 8 out of 10 Americans suffer from this condition every year making this one of the prominent causes of disability. Low back pain occurs due to many factors and can range from mild to severe. Lumbar disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, back muscle or other soft tissue strain, conditions such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis and scoliosis can cause back pain.

The signs and symptoms of this condition differ from one person to another and may depend on the type of injury that causes the pain. The pain may be mild, or it can be so severe that you are unable to move. It can also be chronic (coming suddenly after an injury) and either last for a short time or a longer period. Some of the common symptoms include: •

Weakness in your legs or feet

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Tingling or burning sensation

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Sharp pain

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Muscle spasms or stiffness

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Dull ache

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There are different treatment modalities for this debilitating condition and physical therapy is an effective pain management technique that can be considered.

Physical Therapy Exercises This technique blends physiology with exercises and applies these principles to the body when an injury is sustained. Physical therapy for back pain focuses on the structures that potentially support the spine and its joints including muscles, tendons and ligaments. This treatment approach helps to strengthen the core muscles (that support the low back), reduce radicular pain (pain radiating down the leg) thereby increasing mobility and function.

Patients who experience low back pain are often referred for physical therapy exercise programs for four weeks as an initial conservative (nonsurgical) treatment option before considering other more aggressive treatments (like back surgery).

These programs will include different types of exercises which are mentioned below Stretching – Stretching exercises will help maintain normal range of motion and provide considerable relief for muscle atrophy (shrinking muscles due to low activity) or muscle spasm resulting from inappropriate posture or nerve irritation.

Patients having this condition are advised workouts that stretch the lower back muscles, abdominal muscles, hips and legs. Some of the common stretching programs include – •

Neck and shoulder stretches

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Flexion stretch (chin to chest)

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Lateral flexion (ear to shoulder)

Stabilization – This technique helps to strengthen the secondary muscles of the spine thereby supporting the spine through various ranges of motion. These include a variety of workouts which may be done using exercise balls or balancing machines.

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Strengthening – Strengthening exercises strengthen the abdominal muscles and low back muscles (erector spinae). These workouts may include – •

Abdominal strengthening exercises such as sit-ups, crunches, and leg raises.

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Low back workouts (hyperextensions) use the lower back muscles to 'hyperextend' the spine.

Apart from the above mentioned, physical therapy includes other therapeutic programs such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS), ice or heat, massage and myofascial release, traction and rehabilitation.

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