Are you tired of living with chronic back pain? Do you want to learn how physical therapy can help you find relief and improve your mobility? Our Aspen Rehab physical therapists can work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. We will address your pain’s root cause and improve your overall function and quality of life.
Back pain can be one of the most debilitating conditions, affecting up to 80 % of the population at some time. Unfortunately, some studies suggest that up to 90% of low back pain (LBP) diagnoses are non-specific. This means that not only do people suffer from back pain, but the exact cause may be difficult to identify.
When left untreated, lower back pain can lead to long-term pain, dysfunction, and even nerve damage for some people. Back pain can limit one’s ability to reach, lean, kneel, lift, or bend. It can also interfere with one’s time spent with friends and family.
The good news is that with guidance from our physical therapist at Aspen Rehab, you can find solutions to your pain to get back to living the life you enjoy!
Don’t let back pain control your life. Contact Aspen Rehab today to learn more about our physical therapy services and how we can help you achieve a pain-free life!
What is mechanical low back pain?
Mechanical low back pain refers to pain in the lower back that is primarily caused by mechanical factors such as muscle strain, ligament sprain, joint dysfunction, or degenerative changes in the spine. It is the most common type of back pain and typically manifests as a dull ache or sharp pain in the lower back region.
Mechanical low back pain may be exacerbated by specific movements or positions, such as bending or sitting for extended periods of time. Mechanical low back pain usually starts in and around the spine itself.
The contributing factors that are often associated with back pain are:
- Improper posture or prolonged positions (i.e., prolonged sitting)
- Spinal muscle and tissue damage (i.e., lifting strains or trauma from accidents)
- Limited hip, spine, and pelvis mobility
- Limited muscle flexibility
- Spinal/pelvic muscle weaknesses (aka “core” weakness)
- Poor abdominal, pelvic, and back muscle coordination (i.e., compensations due to injury)
Other risk factors for developing mechanical low back pain include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor physical conditioning. It’s essential to determine the underlying cause of the pain to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Back pain solutions at Aspen Rehab!
For most people, back pain resolves on its own. And for those who continue to experience pain, our physical therapy programs can help!
According to research on back pain, physical therapy treatments are effective for acute and chronic conditions. Physical therapy treatments for back pain include manual therapy, joint mobilization manipulation, exercise instruction, education, techniques like the McKenzie Method, and body mechanic modifications. These have all been proven to help alleviate pain and restore function.
Physical therapists at Aspen Rehab assess your particular condition to identify the contributing factors and address all of them. Rather than focusing on your symptoms, our physical therapist will address any limitation or restriction that is causing or contributing to your mechanical back pain.
We are skilled at hands-on intervention and exercise selection for the most comprehensive and appropriate intervention to help you resolve your pain and/or restore your function. In addition, we will incorporate effective back pain prevention guidelines, including the following recommendations:
- Limit Sitting For Too Long: Prolonged sitting is not good for your back or your overall health. Although adjusting your posture while sitting can be helpful, standing up periodically throughout the day is a more effective option.
- Limit your sitting to 30-45 minutes at a time. The results will be noticeable!
- Use Good Posture: Our spine is designed to move, which means our posture should also move. The spine does not like remaining in any position for extended periods. Most people slouch and then hold that position for extended periods of time. By finding a “good” posture, you can counteract the slouch.
- Use Strength Training: Your body has hundreds of muscles, including those that protect and control your spine. Our team can design a safe and effective strength training program to strengthen these muscles, including your core muscles, hips, and pelvis.
At Aspen Rehab, we know that prevention is essential for spinal health and resolving your back pain. Our physical therapists can teach you how to find a good posture that works for you and help you maintain it throughout your daily activities.
Request an appointment today!
Don’t wait until back pain becomes a chronic issue. Contact Aspen Rehab today to schedule an appointment with one of our physical therapists and start your journey to a pain-free life!
Sources:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30252425/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32669487/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29602304/
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006555.pub2/full?highlightAbstract=back%7Cexercise%7Cpain%7Cexercis
- https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004057.pub3/full?highlightAbstract=back%7Cpain
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27285608/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2200681/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/dont-take-back-pain-sitting-down



