Why You Should Get Physical Therapy For Your Back Pain

I recently treated a patient with leg pain that radiates from his back. It goes into his thighs and even down below his knees. This pain began 3-4 months ago, and he is unsure how it started. Before his session, I knew his walking had been problematic because when he stood up in the lobby, he significantly stooped over and could barely get his balance. He was using furniture and walls to hold onto. So my initial goal was to find an exercise that would immediately improve his ability to stand up and walk. 

I treated him for 10 minutes with one or two exercises lying on the mat. Then he stood up tall and walked easily back to his chair. He could not believe he was walking that well because since his symptoms began, he has the most pain and difficulty with initially getting out of a chair to walk.

So if you have back pain, you could possibly be only a few minutes away from pain relief. Schedule your Physical Therapy today!

Which Health Professional Should I See?

If you are experiencing pain or have an injury, there are many options for health professionals to treat your painful condition. So who should you see first? Going to your family doctor is usually the best first step, and he/she will direct you with initial treatments and referrals. However, sometimes you can go straight to another health professional or ask your doctor for a referral to someone on this list. I selected these few to emphasize because many patients have asked me about these options.

1. Physical Therapist: joint pain, new injury, old injury, chronic pain, weakness, balance/walking issues, shoulder pain, elbow pain, neck pain, mid back pain, low back pain, sciatica, pelvic pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle/foot issues, gross motor delays in babies or children, muscle pain/strain, neurological injury (such as a stroke) 

2. Occupational Therapist: pain/injury of any part of the arm/hand, difficulty with fine motor tasks, hand/arm weakness, difficulty performing usual daily tasks, neurological injury (such as a stroke), developmental delay in babies or children

3. Chiropractor: new episode of spine pain, car accident, whiplash, chronic back pain, some areas of joint pain, alignment issues, low back/pelvis pain, sciatica

4. Massage Therapist: fibromyalgia, chronic pain, tight muscles, stress

MD Specialists for some common painful conditions:

1. Neurologist: nerve problems (numbness, tingling), neuropathies, neurological conditions (stroke, TIA, MS), unexplained weakness

2. Pain Management: chronic pain, need for injections (such as Cortisone), back pain

3. Orthopedist: specific for each joint. For example, find a shoulder specialist/surgeon if you have shoulder pain.

4. Neurosurgeon: new or chronic spine pain that may radiate away from the spine into the arm(s) or leg(s)

Always remember that you can choose your own health professional just like you select your pharmacy. Even if your doctor refers you to a specific therapist or specialist, you can request a referral to someone of your choice.

The difference between Chiropractors and Physical Therapists

Let's imagine you have back pain, and you need some help. Who do you call? The good news is that you have options: primary care doctor, spine specialist, physical therapist, chiropractor or even alternative medicine (such as accupuncture).

So what is the difference between the treatment you get from a chiropractor and a physical therapist?

Chiropractors specialize in manipulating (popping) various joints and segments of the spine and pelvis. They usually take x-rays to determine the areas that are not properly aligned. Then they develop a treatment plan, which includes manipulations to many different joints of your back. Depending on the chiropractor, you may also get electric stimulation, heat, ice, and decompression (a form of traction). More rarely, you may get some exercises. Most health insurances cover chiropractic care, but you will likely have co-pays. And anything your insurance does not cover (certain procedures), you pay out of pocket. Many chiropractors recommend that you continue treatment for weeks-months and then come back periodically for spine adjustments.

Physical Therapists specialize in decreasing pain and restoring normal physical function through exercise, education, hands-on techniques (which may include tissue or joint mobilization and joint manipulations), posture/body mechanics training, functional activities, modalities (such as electric stimulation, heat, ice, decompression/traction, ultrasound), gait training (improving walking patterns), balance training, stretching and/or strengthening. All health insurance covers Physical Therapy, but you will likely have co-pays. To see a PT, you simply need a doctor's prescription (if you want your health insurance to pay for it). PT's aim to find out the cause of your pain/symptoms, to treat them and to teach you how to prevent them again in the future. The goal is to make you independent in managing your own symptoms so that you no longer need PT. Depending on your injury/surgery, you may need PT for 1-2 visits or up to several months.



References:
American Physical Therapy Association (www.apta.org)
American Chiropractic Association (www.acatoday.org)

The time I needed PT

I knew I wanted to be a PT since high school. But in college I actually needed Physical Therapy for knee pain. Every time I ran, the back of my knees would hurt during the run and afterward. I actually had to stop running because the knee pain made it hard for me to climb stairs. I lived on campus at King College (a small school in Bristol, TN), where I had to walk and climb stairs a lot.

So I saw a PT here in Columbia on one of my breaks from school. He showed me several exercises, and as I did them for the next weeks-months, my pain progressively decreased. However, I was afraid of the pain returning, so I stopped running completely. At the gym I did the elliptical machine instead, which did not bother my knees.

I went through the rest of college and grad school without returning to running. I did other forms of cardio but stayed off the treadmill. Several years later, I finally decided to try jogging again. Everything I learned in PT school kept me from having knee pain. I learned how to warm up, do the right stretches and avoid hurting my knees again. So now I can jog regularly without pain! I actually do the treadmill now much more than the elliptical.

All this is to say that PT works! If you have an injury or frequently painful area, find a good PT near you! But ideally, you can learn how to think like a PT now to prevent future pain.

ABC's of PAIN PREVENTION

This was my 2-year-old's idea, when I asked him what to blog about today.

Always Be Cautious (especially when lifting).
Do Everything with a safety Focus.
Get out of the House and Into shape!
Jump into preventive medicine/wellness!
Keep your body moving.
Look for More Nutrition.
Over-exaggerate Proper body mechanics (even when your spouse teases you).
Quit making excuses.
Eat Right most of the time.
Splurge on occasion without feeling guilty.
Think like a PT!!!
U can have a more Vibrant body: With more eXercise!
Yoga, pilates and Zumba are great tools to improve your health!