Back Bliss: Reliable Remedies for Low Back Pain Relief
Have you noticed that back pain is limiting basic activities like sitting, lifting, or bending? Are you frustrated that your back pain never seems to go away completely? At PhysioWorks, we offer well-researched interventions and clinical experience to guide our patients to successful outcomes!
Low back pain is by far one of the most common ailments ever experienced. Just about everyone deals with low back pain at one point. It is estimated that 80% of all Americans experience lower back pain some time in their lives. It is also one of the most common reasons people miss work and is the second most common reason people visit the doctor’s office.
For some, the lucky ones, perhaps, the pain lasts just for a few days. For others, the low back pain lingers for years and never really heals or goes away.
Sometimes we can identify the exact reason for back pain, resulting from a particularly grueling day of yard work, improper or prolonged postures, or a slip-and-fall accident. At other times it seems to come for no apparent reason.
At PhysioWorks, we are experts at treating lower back pain and have solutions that will work for you. Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly trained therapists!
Lower Back Pain in the United States
Low back pain has consistently accounted for the most significant number of years lived with disability in the US population. It has been reported that close to 40% of adults in the US had lower back pain in the prior three months, and the rates of low back pain had been steadily rising in the United States. Unfortunately, despite the lack of evidence, opioids are still being used to alleviate back pain.
In the United States, the total cost of healthcare per person for those with chronic back pain can significantly vary depending on the specific treatments and services utilized. However, the healthcare costs for adults with spinal problems have gradually increased throughout the years. In fact, data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shows that the National Health Expenditure (NHE) grew from $2.6 trillion in 2010 to an estimated $4.1 trillion in 2021. This represents an increase of approximately 58%.
According to the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, healthcare costs for those with low back and neck pain were substantial. This study reports that in the year 2020, $76.9 billion was paid by private insurance, $45.2 billion was paid by public insurance, and $12.3 billion was paid by individuals out-of-pocket. Additionally, a recent study of 55,945 patients with chronic lower pain shows that the median total cost per person was $6,590.
A further interesting find is that of those who experience lower back pain, only 58% opted to seek help to address the pain. The majority of people try to rest, use over-the-counter medicine, or try their exercises at home. For those seeking treatments that have been shown to work, a physical therapist could significantly improve their outcomes!
How Physical Therapy Can Help Your Back Pain
Physical therapy is an excellent resource for lower back pain because it addresses the cause of the pain rather than simply attempting to hide the symptoms.
Working with a physical therapist can help you experience an improved range of motion, restore strength to muscles in your lower back, and reduce tension in your lower back muscles through targeted manual therapies.
According to the evidence on back pain, physical therapy treatments are effective for acute and chronic conditions. Physical therapy remains the first-line treatment and should be routinely used to get impactful results.
Here are some steps you can take on your own to make sure your daily life is as pain-free as possible:
- Move your joints more often throughout the day. Don’t sit for more than 30 minutes.
- Don’t overdo it; stop if you notice swelling in your joints.
- Keep the impact low. Low-impact exercises like stationary bikes or exercising in water reduce the stress on your joints.
- Apply a heating pad to the affected joints before exercise to relax the joints and relieve pain. Heat treatments should be applied for about 10-15 minutes.
- Ice afterward. Apply a cold compress to your joints for 10-15 minutes as needed after activity, especially if you notice your joints swelling.
Reach out to one of our physical therapists for information and support overcoming lower back pain, and finally, find long-term relief.
What to Expect in Physical Therapy
At your first appointment, your physical therapist will ask questions about your health history and perform a physical exam.
Understanding the history of your back pain helps your therapist identify any “red flags” that would indicate a more serious condition (i.e., fracture, tumor, infections, or systemic inflammatory disease).
The physical examination involves a series of specific movements to allow your therapist to classify your condition. Based on the results, your physical therapist will be able to determine the most effective treatment options based on well-researched interventions and their clinical experience.
This approach eliminates guessing and provides a clear direction for your care. Your physical therapist will design an exercise program that will alleviate your pain and get you back to doing what you love!
Contact Us for an Appointment
At PhysioWorks, our physical therapists use researched interventions that are the most effective treatments for eliminating your pain and helping you overcome your back pain with everyday activities.
Call today for a comprehensive assessment and learn what steps you can take to alleviate your pain and prevent further episodes!
Sources: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3487631/, https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/37/6/677/1783477?login=true, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10067-020-05054-y
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Exercise of the Month
Pecking With Arms Extended
Start by lying flat on your stomach with your arms down by your sides and your palms down. Your forehead should be face down and resting on a towel. Keeping your head in neutral, raise your chest, head, and arms straight up and then lower them back down. 3 Sets | 10 Reps
Feel Better by Eating Better!
Cilantro Lime Chicken & Avocado Salsa
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lb. boneless
chicken breast - 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Avocado Salsa:
- 4 avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 3 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Directions:
Add 1/4 cup of lime juice, olive oil, 1/4 cup of fresh cilantro, ground cumin, and 1/4 tsp of salt to a small bowl. Whisk until mixed. Add chicken and marinade to a large ziplock bag. Let chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place chicken on grill and grill each side for 4-6 min, until chicken is no longer pink. Remove and let sit. For avocado salsa: add avocado, 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, 3 tbsp lime juice, red wine vinegar, red pepper flakes, garlic clove, and salt to a small bowl. Gently toss to mix. Top the cilantro lime chicken with the avocado salsa and serve.
Staff Spotlight
Danny Beeman
CEO, MPT, CFCE, PGAP
Karl Lange
PT, CFCE, Clinic Director
Luda Moskvich
Lead PTA, COEE
Alicia Ables
PTA, CES
Iryna Hrytsyuk
COTA, Industrial Rehabilitation Supervisor, CI
Natalia Zhuk
COTA/L
Leah Salius
Administrative Supervisor
Michaela Caragiorgio
Billing Supervisor
Sherlyn Dagohoy
Patient Care Coordinator
Jeric Tumaob
Patient Care Coordinator