The Most Effective Back Pain Treatment Options Backed by Physical Therapists
The best way to recover from an injury is to get back to normal function using the safest, most effective methods possible. Below, we discuss the evidence behind movement-based physical therapy and highlight the most effective back pain treatment options used by Northern Colorado Spine & Sport here in Loveland, CO. Understanding your options is the first step toward becoming an active participant in your recovery.
Why Resting Is NOT the Answer
For years, patients with an “acute” or “thrown out” back were instructed to lie flat on the floor on a hard surface for a period of time until the pain resolved. Fast forward 20 years, and research shows us that too much rest can actually be one of the leading causes of stiffness and muscle wasting.
Think about it, when you sleep or rest, what do you do? You…don’t move. Movement is medicine. When we stop moving, the tissues around our spine start to tighten up and weaken. Not only does this cause a problem in its own way, but it also means that your spine no longer has the support system it needs to function optimally. That is why movement-based PT is Northern Colorado Spine & Sport’s jumping-off point for treatment.
When you move, you are lubricating your joints and supplying your discs with much-needed nutrients. By carefully and gently moving in pain-free ranges, you are signaling to your nervous system that it is ok to turn off the alarms. Our goal is not just pain relief, we want you to get back to hitting the slopes with your grandkids or enjoying a hike through Colorado.
What Are The Most Effective Back Pain Treatment Options?
As you can imagine, there is no magic bullet when it comes to achieving spinal health. If there were, we would all be doing it, and we wouldn’t need clinics like Northern Colorado Spine & Sport. Your spine works in conjunction with dozens of muscles and joints. In order to treat it correctly, we must have an arsenal of tools that can combat all your problems.
The following manual therapy techniques are used regularly by Northern Colorado Spine & Sport to allow our patients to find success. Understanding what each treatment entails can help you take an active role in your recovery journey.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on work from a trained physical therapist. This does not mean just a massage. Manual therapy is very specific and treats the joints and soft tissues that are restricted or contributing to your pain.
Joint Mobilization
Applying a specific force to a joint to increase its range of motion. This can be super helpful if you feel like you are stuck or locked up in your lower back.
Targeted Strengthening (core and glutes)
Your spine doesn’t exist in isolation. It relies heavily on its supporting cast, especially the glutes and deep core muscles. If these muscles are weak, your lower back will take over. Let us help ensure they are firing appropriately to give your body a solid foundation.
Dry Needling
A modern treatment used to decrease muscular pain and increase movement. A thin needle is used to penetrate trigger points or “knots” which can cause a local twitch response. Dry needling is a powerful tool for muscle release.
Soft Tissue Release
Similar to myofascial release, this treats the “stickiness” or scar tissue that can develop in your fascia and muscles. This helps increase the quality of the soft tissues, which increases blood flow and decreases pain.
How Do You Create a Customized Back Pain Treatment Plan?
As mentioned before, every patient who walks through our doors has a unique story to tell. Unfortunately, that is why those “stretch in 10 minutes and FIX your back” Instagram pages don’t work. Everyone has a different problem!
Some people have poor discs, some people have weak muscles, and some people have stiff joints. The beauty of working with a trained professional is that they can put a diagnostic lens on your pain and tailor your treatment accordingly.
After a thorough evaluation looking at movement, posture, and specific weaknesses, we can create a truly custom plan that will change your life. Whether you are a professional athlete or sit at a desk all day, we can make your plan work for you and your lifestyle. Not only will this allow you to feel better, but you’ll also prevent future episodes because you’ll understand what caused them in the first place.
Tips to kick-start Your Back Pain Treatment Journey
So you decided that TODAY is the day you break the cycle. Congratulations! Use the following tips as a general guide to ensure you are taking care of your spine as we start your journey together:
- STOP doing the “nothing” approach. Stop making yourself miserable by lying on heating pads for hours or icing yourself endlessly. Sure, they feel good, but they are not correcting the problem.
- Audit your lifestyle. How long do you sit at a desk without getting up? Set a timer to walk around for two minutes every hour.
- Pick your “green light” activity. What movements don’t hurt? Walking? Pelvic tilts? Do these every day.
- Book your consultation with us here at Northern Colorado Spine & Sport. We will determine what is causing your pain and tailor your treatment so you can START healing.
Lastly, BE CONSISTENT! Changing muscles and joint function takes time, and the only thing you should sacrifice is patience. If you do the above, you cannot go wrong!
Conclusion
No one knows your story quite like you do. Chronic back and neck pain can feel debilitating, but there is hope! If you’ve been scrolling through social media searching for “back pain treatment,” you’ve likely heard every “expert” under the sun tell you what will and will NOT work. At Northern Colorado Spine & Sport, we strive to use science and customize your treatment so YOU get the results you deserve. Take control of YOUR health today and schedule your free consultation with us here in Loveland, CO.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exercises should I avoid with back pain?
The exercises YOU should avoid will be specific to your injury. In general, workouts that punish the lower back, like traditional sit-ups, Russian twists, and heavy weight lifting, should be avoided until you are symptom-free. Our certified clinicians will work with you to create a safe environment so you can exercise confidently while your back heals.
How long should I wait before exercising with back pain?
Often, patients assume they should stop exercising when their back hurts. This is false. While you should avoid the activities listed above, staying completely sedentary is just as bad for your back. Learn what movements are safe for you to perform and get moving as soon as possible. Just be sure to take “relative rest” from the activity that caused your pain.
How long does lower back pain last after exercise?
Every patient is different! Some people feel better after a few sessions, while others may take a few weeks to recover. Consistency is key with any physical therapy program. After meeting with our experts here in Loveland, CO, you will understand exactly what to do to recover FAST.
Does acupuncture help with back pain?
In some cases, yes! Our cold needle injection helps kick-start your body’s natural healing abilities by injecting a dextrose solution into your trigger points. This can reduce local inflammation and provide lasting relief from back pain.
Should I see a chiropractor or physical therapist for back pain?
If you are debating between Colorado back pain treatment options, know that physical therapists and chiropractors can work together to provide you with the best care possible. While chiropractors typically focus on making your spine “feel better,” physical therapists focus on function and long-term healing. If you are looking for lasting results, we suggest reaching out to NCSS first and then seeing a chiropractor as a supplemental treatment.
Do I need to be referred to a physical therapist for back pain?
No! Here in Colorado, we are fortunate to have “direct access” to physical therapy. This means that you do NOT need to visit your PCP before starting physical therapy. You can walk into our office TODAY and get started on your recovery!
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