The Global Burden of Low Back Pain
Low back pain is the leading cause of global disability, affecting over 80% of adults at least once. Annually, over $200 billion is spent on its management, with up to 23% of people worldwide developing chronic symptoms.
1.Understanding the Causes
Back pain stems from various sources: mechanical (spinal/muscular), degenerative (arthritis), inflammatory, infectious, and oncologic. Crucially, over 90% of cases are mechanical or non-specific – and preventable.
2.Recognizing the Symptoms
Presentation varies significantly but often includes:
- Achy muscle pain or spasms
- Shooting, burning, or stabbing pain
- Reduced mobility (bending, twisting, standing, walking)
- Weakness, tingling, or numbness
This variability makes diagnosis challenging. Unmanaged pain risks becoming chronic and disabling.
3.When to Seek Help: Red Flags
Contact a healthcare provider if pain:
- Lasts longer than a week
- Is severe and doesn’t improve with rest
- Radiates down one or both legs (especially below the knee)
- Causes weakness, tingling, or numbness
Seek immediate care if accompanied by bowel/bladder issues, unexplained weight loss, night-only pain, sweating, or fever.
4.Why Physical Therapy is the Solution
For most non-emergency back pain, physical therapists (PTs) at Orthopedic & Spine Therapy are your musculoskeletal and movement experts. We
- Thoroughly Assess: Review history, perform specific tests, analyze movement.
- Accurately Diagnose: Determine if physical therapy is appropriate or if referral is needed.
- Treat Safely: Our strong manual skills and diverse techniques (dry needling, Osteopathic techniques, myofascial release) are combined with tailored exercise programs.
5.Our Holistic Approach to Healing
Many providers focus solely on a diagnosis. At Orthopedic & Spine Therapy, we look at the whole patient. We consider vital factors often missed:
- Diet, Stress, Sleep
- Relationships, Work, Social background
- Emotional state, Loss
Addressing these is essential for achieving true, lasting outcomes and returning you to your desired activities.
6.Your Road to Recovery & Prevention
Recovery requires:
- Proper Spinal Loading: Moving safely without fear.
- Learning Functional Movement: Essential for recovery and preventing recurrence.
Back pain is often recurrent; prior episodes are the biggest risk factor. Seeking early professional help prevents future, potentially worse, episodes. Our therapists collaborate with you to develop: - A personalized plan of care.
- A manageable home exercise program fitting your lifestyle and resources.
This empowers you with independent skills to manage and prevent future pain.
There is Hope
While recovery timelines vary, a path to better function and an improved quality of life always exists. Orthopedic & Spine Therapy is committed to helping you return to the activities you love.
