While it is often an uncomfortable condition, back pain is also an extremely common problem which will affect many of us at one point or another. The good news is that a majority of cases are not considered to be serious problems and may simply be the result of muscle or ligament strain. Additionally, there are several measures you can take to prevent or relieve back pain, such as visiting your physical therapist if you experience chronic episodes. The spine, or backbone, is one of the strongest parts of your body. It is important to resume your normal activities as soon as possible in order to keep it functional and encourage a full and faster recovery. 

Common Types:

  • Spondylolisthesis: This degenerative arthritic condition most commonly occurs at the vertebral body or nerve roots at the base of your spine causing low back pain. 
  • Sciatica: Back pain that is also associated with numbness or tingling in your legs due to a compressed nerve in the spine. 
  • Spinal Stenosis: Compressed nerves in the middle of your spine can lead to pain in the legs which may be noticeable while walking but gets better when sitting down or resting.  
  • Cervical Radiculopathy: Pain, weakness or numbness in the general upper body including neck, shoulders and arms may be the result of a compressed nerve root near the cervical vertebrae. 

Causes: 

  • Poor posture – most of us sit for long hours, hunched over our desks and devices
  • Lack of exercise – a sedentary or minimally active lifestyle contributes to back problems 
  • Strained muscles – heavy or repetitive lifting, twisting, reaching in awkward angles can stress the back muscles
  • Disc injuries – from accidental injuries to postural issues to degenerative changes, problems associated with the disc may be caused by different factors 
  • Arthritis – while usually brought on by age, it can also occur among younger individuals
  • Osteoporosis – bone density issues can lead to spinal degeneration and back pain
  • Tumor – invisible to the eye, this may be a cause of back pain
  • Fungal or bacterial infection of the spine – deterioration of the spine’s health due to infection may lead to back problems
  • Kidney infection or kidney stones – with this important organ’s malfunction, back pain may become a related issue 

Treatments:

  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Heat or ice therapy 
  • Exercise and stretching 
  • Painkillers and muscle relaxants
  • Topical ointments or muscle relief gels 
  • Steroid injections 
  • Surgery 

If you are experiencing back pain and need immediate relief, contact our team of physical therapists at Medical Rehabilitation Centers of Pennsylvania. From minor aches and pains to traumatic injuries, we can help you get back to feeling your best by providing you with an individualized care plan that is tailored to your specific rehabilitation needs.

For comprehensive diagnostics and tailor-made physical therapy treatments in and around Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Area, contact MRCP. Visit us at one of our convenient locations or contact us online.