Low back pain is the most common diagnosis seen in many physical therapy clinics, and it affects nearly 85-90% of Americans at one time or another. It is the second leading cause of visits to a doctor, after the common cold. Low back pain is also the leading cause of lost time at work, and billions of dollars are spent each year diagnosing and treating low back pain.
The three most common causes of low back pain are poor sitting posture, frequent forward bending, and lifting heavy items.
Although damage may be a cause of low back pain, most often there is no apparent reason for the beginning of symptoms. Therefore, it is thought that repetitive strain on the structures around the lumbar spine is the main cause of low back pain.
What to Expect From Physical Therapy
When your lower back pain is persistent or interferes with everyday activities, a visit to a physical therapist may be necessary. When you go to a physical therapist, your PT will perform an initial evaluation on the first visit. Be prepared to move around quite a bit, so be sure to wear comfortable clothing and make sure that your low back is accessible.
An initial evaluation will consist of several different parts. First, a history of your present problem will be taken. Be ready to discuss your symptoms and what activities or positions make your symptoms better or worse. Some specific questions will be asked to help the therapist determine the nature of your problem and to discover anything that needs immediate medical attention.
The physical therapist will also take measurements of how you are moving. This may include measurements of your range of motion and strength. A postural assessment will also be included in the initial evaluation. From the results of the evaluation, a specific treatment plan will be devised and started. It is important to remember to be an active participant in your treatment and ask questions if you are unsure of what to do.
Please know, if your experiencing lower back pain or another kind of injury, you can contact a physical therapy office directly!
Call 781.284.0559 to become patient today!
Located:
185 Squire Rd, Revere MA 02151
781.284.0559 T 781.284.0698 F
https://www.bptrehab.com/
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