Physical Therapy for Lumbago

AT EVOLVE

Physical Therapy for Lumbago

HOW CAN PHYSICAL THERAPY HELP MY LUMBAGO?

Lumbago is a more outdated term used to refer to low back pain. Low back pain can have many causes but will affect 4 out of every 5 people at some point during their lives. This means that if you are experiencing low back pain, you are in good company! While lumbago is often self-limiting, meaning it will resolve on its own, chronic, recurrent or painful episodes of low back pain can benefit from treatment. Physical therapy is an excellent and conservative treatment option for lumbago. By getting to the root of the cause, many people find long-term relief from physical therapy.

WHAT DOES PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR LUMBAGO LOOK LIKE?

While every case of low back pain is different, my staff and I will apply the best, evidence-based techniques to address your pain. We will start with an initial evaluation to better understand your medical history and the pattern of symptoms you are experiencing. We will discuss your goals for physical therapy and examine your spine and any other areas of the body that may be contributing to your symptoms. With all this knowledge, we will create a custom program that may consist of hands-on techniques performed by our therapists to your spine and nearby areas combined with carefully prescribed movements and exercises performed by you in the clinic and at home.

WHEN WILL I BEGIN TO SEE RESULTS?

While full resolution of symptoms can take some time, you may begin to see some results right away. You should experience improvements in many symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation within a couple of weeks but returns in strength, flexibility and overall mobility may take longer. Achieving long-lasting results may take some time, but dedication to your program will not only help you achieve these results but will help to decrease the likelihood of symptoms recurring in the future.

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GETTING TO KNOW THE LOWER BACK

The adult spine consists of a series of vertebrae stacked atop the sacrum and the coccyx or tailbone. The lower back, also known as the lumbar spine, consists of five vertebrae and sits between the lower ribcage and the top of the sacrum. The lower back is meant to move in several different planes but adequate control of the spine is important. The spinal cord runs through a canal created by these vertebrae. Through small holes in the vertebrae, spinal nerves that control motor and sensory function of the lower body and pelvic organs, exit the spinal canal.

Intervertebral discs sit between each vertebrae providing cushion, shock absorption and support. Ligaments provide stability to the spine while muscles surround the spine and lower trunk. Deeper muscles help control and stabilize the spine while more superficial muscles move the spine, ribcage and even the arms. Any of these anatomical structures may be involved in back pain or injury and your physical therapist will perform a series of tests and measures to help them localize the cause.

CAUSES OF LUMBAGO?

Low back pain may be caused by conditions affecting the bones, nerves, intervertebral discs or soft tissue in the lumbar spine. Here are some possible causes of lumbago that we see in our clinic:

Degenerative disc disease
Disc herniation
Fracture
Muscle strain
Postural dysfunctions
Spinal stenosis
Sciatica
Lumbar radiculopathy or pinched nerves
Spinal tumor
Osteoarthritis
Bone spurs
Movement dysfunction
Back ligament strain

WHAT SYMPTOMS OF LUMBAGO CAN IMPROVE WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Aching, burning, sharp or dull pain in the lower back
Aching, burning, sharp or dull pain that radiates into the buttocks, thighs, lower legs or feet.
Numbness or tingling in the legs, back or groin area*
Muscle weakness in the legs
Foot drop
Changes in bowel and bladder function*
Difficulty walking

*Changes in bowel and bladder function, severe or bilateral symptoms in the back or legs, numbness or sensation changes around the groin or buttocks can be signs of cauda equina syndrome, a compression syndrome of the end of the spinal cord. This is a medical emergency and should be assessed by a doctor right away. Additionally, if symptoms of lumbago arise after a back injury it is a good idea to see a doctor to rule out a spinal injury that could cause paralysis.

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End Injury Progression

Physical Therapy for lumbago has proven to prevent injury, slow and even stop pain issues, improve performance, and reverse injury progression in many cases.

**Relieve Pain**
The movements used in this technique can target your entire body helping you to manage discomfort and pain during the course of your physical therapy treatments.

**Improve Range of Motion**
Posture awareness is an important area to focus on due to the fact that certain positions may cause you further discomfort and pain.

Restore Mobility

You can regain mobility and flexibility by taking part in the stretches and exercises as prescribed by your physical therapist.

How Long Will Physical Therapy for Lumbago Last?

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help correct your lumbago issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

HOW DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS ADDRESS LOW BACK PAIN?

If you have not already seen a doctor, your physical therapist will screen you for signs and symptoms indicating they need to refer you to a spinal surgeon, orthopedist or emergency room for evaluation before proceeding with physical therapy. Some causes of lumbago require treatment by a physician or surgeon first.

The goal of physical therapy treatment for lumbago is to relieve symptoms while addressing any underlying or contributing factors that may predispose you to the recurrence or progression of your pain. As mentioned above, my team and I will create an individualized treatment plan based on your unique presentation and the findings of our exam but here are some treatments commonly used to manage lumbago:

Reduce pain, inflammation and irritation: While completely eliminating your symptoms may take time or not be fully possible, making you more comfortable is an important first step in your rehabilitation. Applying ice or heat, ultrasound or electrical stimulation to the affected area can often give you some relief. Soft tissue mobilization or gentle joint mobilization may also be employed by your physical therapist to reduce tissue irritation.

Improve flexibility: When a joint lacks the flexibility needed to perform a movement optimally, extra stress and strain may occur in the spine. Your back PT program may include stretching, myofascial release techniques, joint mobilization and mobility exercises to improve flexibility in the back itself but also in other areas of the body such as the ankles, hips, and shoulders.

Build up your strength: Just as a lack of flexibility around joints of the arms and legs can lead to pain or tightness in the back, a lack of strength and stability can too. You will learn exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the back and abdomen to properly control the spine and also in the arms and legs to minimize excess strain transfer to the back.

Optimize your movement: Learning proper biomechanics and enhancing the neuromuscular control of joints and muscles is an essential component of healing and preventing back injuries. Physical therapists are movement experts and through analyzing your movements, can guide you in improving how you move and train your muscles to perform those movements in the safest and most effective way possible.

If you are dealing with lumbago and ready to find a long-lasting solution to your symptoms call Evolve Physical Therapy today to learn more about our services and schedule an evaluation.