Back Pain and Physical Therapy
The American Medical Association estimates that 5 out of 6 people experience back pain at some time in their life. Given the fact that the back houses 33 vertebrae, 30 muscles, joints, ligaments and disks, it is easy to understand why back pain is so common. If any part of the back in injured, pain in the result.
If you have experienced back pain, then you are aware that every movement that we make uses some part of the back. Even raising your arm to scratch your nose involves the back! Daily stretches and a regular exercise routine assists in preventing most back injuries. When we consider how busy our lives have become, this is easier said than done. That in addition a sedimentary lifestyle, contributes to the high number of back injuries today.
There is a misconception that people who exercise regularly are at less risk for suffering back injuries. Despite the utilization of proper lifting techniques, an unexpected twist or force will injure the back. Not having an ergonomically correct workstation can cause injuries to a person’s back while they are sitting still. Women in general are afflicted by osteoporosis, which is a disease that reduces bone density. As a result, the bone tissue is thin and susceptible to fractures from something as innocuous as a sneeze.
Physical therapists work with you to stretch and exercise all 30 muscles in your back and the supporting muscles in your abdomen. Even a minor back injury needs physical therapy in order to heal correctly. Physical therapy is the most successful, non-invasive back treatment available. If you are suffering with any kind of back injury, work with your physician to determine what physical therapy treatment plan is correct for you.