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Lower Back Pain

Summit Physical Therapy AZ Our Services Lower Back Pain

Summit Physical Therapy AZ

Physical Therapists & Rehabilitation Specialists located in Gilbert, AZ & Mesa, AZ

Lower back pain afflicts almost all Americans at some point during their lives, causing significant stress and lost work time. Most adults don’t realize the best thing they can do for lower back pain is to seek medical treatment like physical therapy. Hannah Frost, PT, DPT, COMT, Cert MDT, RYT, and her staff at Summit Physical Therapy AZ give you an advantage over lower back pain with physical therapy. Schedule an appointment at the Gilbert, Arizona, practice online or over the phone to make progress toward recovery.

Lower Back Pain Q & A

What causes lower back pain?

If you’re like the average American who sits 12 hours a day, you probably have weak core muscles and tight hip flexors. Combined with the amount of pressure you put on your lower back every time you walk, twist, or lift, you have the perfect conditions for lower back pain.

Any type of disruption to the complex structures inside your back can cause pain. The injuries and health conditions that tend to cause lower back pain include:

  • Sprains and strains
  • Herniated, or ruptured discs
  • Sciatica
  • Fracture
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Osteoarthritis

Age-related wear-and-tear on your back and genetic factors also play a role in your susceptibility to lower back pain.

How can I prevent lower back pain?

At Summit Physical Therapy AZ, Hannah Frost provides a wealth of information and guidance to help you prevent lower back pain.

The following general guidelines help you avert lower back pain from happening or recurring:

  • Practice proper posture and ergonomics
  • Stay active to keep your body strong
  • Practice proper form during physical activity
  • Strengthen your core
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Use supportive footwear
  • Sleep on a medium-firm mattress

Your lifestyle and habits go a long way toward back health. Although these strategies sound simple on paper, they can be difficult to put into practice.

When should I see a physical therapist for low back pain?

Low back pain usually resolves on its own within a week or two. If it doesn’t, you may want to make an appointment with Summit Physical Therapy AZ. Delaying treatment could set you up for chronic pain, so it’s important to act fast.

The following signs indicate it’s time to make a PT appointment:

  • Your doctor recommends seeing a physical therapist
  • Your pain doesn’t improve or worsens after several days
  • Numbness and loss of function accompany the pain
  • An accident or injury caused your pain

You can always give Summit a call to discuss whether or not physical therapy is appropriate for your situation.

What is the treatment for lower back pain?

Treatment for lower back pain depends on the cause and never looks the same for two people. However, Hannah provides any combination of the following services for lower back pain:

  • Hot or cold therapy
  • Range-of-motion exercises
  • Cardiovascular training
  • Core strengthening exercises
  • Posture and gait training
  • Therapeutic massage
  • Traction
  • Ultrasound therapy

If you’re looking for a physical therapist to help relieve your lower back pain, contact Summit Physical Therapy AZ online or over the phone to set up your initial consultation.

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