| Pain affecting the lower part of the back | | | | seek professional physical therapy treatment for |
| characterizes the common condition simply called | | | | chronic low back pain. A qualified physical therapist |
| low back pain. Usually, low back pain goes away | | | | is knowledgeable on the specific needs of a |
| after a few days or weeks. You have acute low | | | | person suffering low back pain and will be able to |
| back pain if you have been experiencing pain for | | | | design and administer individualized physical |
| less than six weeks. However, if the pain persists | | | | therapy treatment for chronic low back pain. |
| for more than twelve weeks then you have a | | | | Physical therapy treatment for chronic low back |
| chronic condition. | | | | pain starts with educating the patient about |
| Low back pain may occur suddenly or gradually. | | | | correct movement and posture. Some physical |
| Although the lower back is the main body part | | | | therapists use methods of therapy that apply |
| affected, the pain may go into other areas of the | | | | heat, electric stimulation and ultrasound to the |
| body such as the buttocks down to the legs and | | | | affected area. Physical therapy treatment for |
| feet. Strain to the muscles, ligaments, tendons | | | | chronic low back pain involves specific exercises |
| and bones are the main causes of low back pain. | | | | to improve flexibility and strengthen back muscles |
| However, what causes the strain differs from | | | | especially those that support the spine. |
| one person to another so it best to consult with | | | | Physical therapy treatment for chronic low back |
| your doctor. | | | | pain may include one or a combination of any of |
| For acute low back pain, it is important not to | | | | these exercises: low-impact aerobics, swimming, |
| overexert yourself nor stay completely inactive. | | | | biking, walking, strength training exercises on the |
| You may feel like staying in bed will get rid of the | | | | lumbar extension, regular flexibility exercises, |
| pain but in fact doctors do not recommend long | | | | contraction exercises that retrains back muscles, |
| periods of bed rest in this case. It is best to | | | | and yoga, tai chi, or Pilates exercise programs. |
| continue with your normal activities but at a | | | | According to some studies, the exercises above |
| gradual pace. Some exercises may not be helpful | | | | are some of the effective ways to treat chronic |
| at all at the onset of pain. However, after a | | | | low back pain. Again, theories and approach as to |
| couple of weeks you may do some aerobic | | | | what is the best treatment varies but exercise |
| exercises. Avoid putting pressure on your lower | | | | and physical therapy done with consistency and |
| back when you exercise. | | | | professional guidance definitely play an important |
| If the pain continues for three weeks, it is best to | | | | role. |