Do you need a rehabilitation expert to help with low back pain?

Low back pain is a common ailment that can severely affect a person's quality of life. If you're experiencing low back pain, there are many ways that a rehabilitation specialist can help you manage and treat your symptoms.

1. Physical therapy: A physical therapy program can help you stretch and strengthen the muscles in your back, improve your posture, and reduce your pain. Research studies have shown that physical therapy can be an effective treatment for low back pain (1,2).
2. Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, can help reduce your pain and improve your range of motion. A study conducted in 2015 found that spinal manipulation was an effective treatment for low back pain (3).
3. Posture education: A rehabilitation specialist can teach you proper posture techniques to reduce your pain and improve your spinal health. A study published in 2018 found that a posture education program significantly reduced low back pain in patients (4).
4. Core strengthening: Strengthening your core muscles can improve spinal stability and reduce low back pain. A study published in 2019 found that core strengthening exercises were effective in reducing chronic low back pain (5).
5. Cardiovascular exercise: Cardiovascular exercise can increase blood flow to the affected area and reduce inflammation, helping to alleviate low back pain. A study published in 2020 found that aerobic exercise was an effective treatment for chronic low back pain (6).
6. Education: Education about the causes of low back pain, how to prevent it, and how to manage your pain is crucial for successful treatment. A study published in 2017 found that patient education was an important component of low back pain treatment (7).
7. Ergonomic assessments: An ergonomic assessment of your workspace can help improve your posture and reduce low back pain. A study published in 2015 found that ergonomic interventions significantly reduced low back pain in workers (8).
8. Pain management techniques: Various pain management techniques, such as deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness meditation, can help manage low back pain. A study published in 2018 found that mindfulness meditation was effective in reducing chronic low back pain (9).
9. Aquatic therapy: Aquatic therapy is a form of physical therapy that takes place in a pool, and the buoyancy of the water reduces the weight-bearing load on your spine. A study published in 2019 found that aquatic therapy was effective in reducing low back pain (10).
10. Coordination with other healthcare professionals: A multidisciplinary approach to low back pain treatment can be beneficial. Working with other healthcare providers, such as primary care physicians, chiropractors, and pain management specialists, can help ensure the best possible outcomes. A study published in 2018 found that a multidisciplinary approach was effective in reducing low back pain (11).

In conclusion, there are many ways that a rehabilitation specialist can help you manage and treat your low back pain. From physical therapy and manual therapy to posture education and pain management techniques, a rehabilitation specialist can provide you with a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Contact us at Upswing Health and we can provide you with your own personal rehabilitation expert.

References:

1. Rubinstein SM, van Middelkoop M, Assendelft WJ, et al. Spinal manipulative therapy for chronic low-back pain: an update of a Cochrane review. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2011;36(13):E825-E846.
2. Delitto A, George SZ, Van Dillen LR, et al. Low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012;42(4):A1-A57.
3. Coulter ID, Crawford C, Hurwitz EL, et al. Manipulation and mobilization for treating chronic low back pain