Back Pain & Physical Therapy

In our modern industrial society, back pain is the most common cause of loss of activity among adults under 45. It’s estimated that over 80% of all American workers suffer back pain at some time during their careers. American industry loses billions in productivity, and consumers and insurers pay billions more for treatment.

Most “bad backs” respond well to rest and conservative treatment. And most injuries can be prevented. Your body depends on the spinal column for structural stability. The spine is constructed of 24 jointed bones or vertebrae, stacked from the pelvis to the skull in a gentle “S” curve. Between the vertebrae are spongy discs that cushion the bones and bond the stack together. Pairs of bony projections, called facets, connect the rear of each vertebrae to form a series of interlocking joints. The column is wrapped tightly in ligaments and supported by muscles.

By far the most common site of back pain and injury is the lumbar region – the low back. Your lumbar spine bears the brunt of bending, stooping, sitting and worst of all, lifting.

Genesis Physical Therapy brings a unique perspective to caring for your back. The patient is the most important participant in the healing and prevention process. Our physical therapists will involve you in your care, teaching you to be, in a way, your own therapist, so that as you go about the routine of daily life, you’ll be healing yourself, not causing re-injury. It all starts with a careful evaluation. Your therapist will take the time to talk with you and perform a thorough physical evaluation to identify the dysfunction that causes your pain.

At Genesis Physical Therapy, we will plan a treatment regimen suited to your individual problem and begin working to restore flexibility and ease discomfort. Treatment may include heat, cold, massage, traction, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization and exercises for strengthening, conditioning and restoring range of motion. Our goal is to return you to normal life as soon as possible with the skills you need to prevent re-injury.