Back Pain Slowing You Down? Physical Therapy Can Help!
Here’s a fact about back pain that may bring you some comfort: it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the world. Around 80% of people will have back pain at least once. So, if you’re suffering now, you probably aren’t the only one!
Of course, that thought does little to help if your back pain keeps you from performing day-to-day activities, as it often does. Back pain is often accompanied by mobility restrictions that make walking, rising from sitting, or bending over difficult. And if left untreated, it can sometimes lead to long-term pain and dysfunction.
At National Physical Therapy, we know how debilitating back pain can be. Our team of dedicated physical therapists will help you understand the cause or causes of your back pain and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will let you get back to the activities you love to do.
Call our clinic today to set up your initial consultation!
What Causes Back Pain?
Most back pain is nonspecific, meaning it’s not caused by a specific disease or structural problem but by mechanical issues. In many cases, these issues can develop after a motor vehicle accident, so it’s important to get any post-accident back pain evaluated by one of our physical therapists so it doesn’t worsen.
In fact, the first step in treating your back pain is understanding what’s contributing to it. Even if you haven’t had an MVA, our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us learn as much as possible about your experience with back pain, including screening for any mobility limitations or weakness you’re struggling with.
Here are some of the more common sources of back pain that we see at our clinic:
Strains and Sprains
A strain occurs when you injure the muscles in your back. A sprain occurs when you injure the ligaments that link your spinal vertebrae. Both can cause pain and limited mobility, and they often result from lifting with improper form (such as twisting while lifting) or attempting to lift something too heavy.
Herniated Discs and Sciatica
Soft, flexible discs separate and cushion your spinal vertebrae. If one of those discs protrudes out and irritates the nearby sciatic nerve, it can lead to sciatica. Sciatica can cause lower back pain and additional symptoms, including sharp shooting pain, numbness, and tingling that radiate down the affected leg.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis worldwide. It occurs when the cartilage and bone tissue in a joint degenerate and become inflamed. While we often associate it with the hips, knees, or hands, it can also occur in the spine. Spinal osteoarthritis is sometimes called spondylosis.
Lifestyle Factors
Several factors can contribute to lower back pain, including improper posture, prolonged sitting, or weakness in the muscles that wrap and support your spine (your core muscles).
Why Physical Therapy at National Physical Therapy Is Your Back Pain Solution
While back pain often resolves on its own within 1-3 months, physical therapy is an excellent choice for people with sciatica, intense pain, or restricted mobility. And because it’s noninvasive, physical therapy should be your first choice after your pain develops, rather than defaulting to pain medication or surgery.
We customize all our back pain treatment plans according to your specific needs: the location and severity of your back pain, any additional symptoms or mobility restrictions, your ability level, and overall goals. We’ll work to address the underlying issues causing your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms.
How will we do this? Through a blend of the following techniques:
- Manual therapy helps manage pain, promote blood circulation, and improve mobility.
- A personalized therapeutic exercise plan improves the strength and endurance of your back and core muscles. Muscle weakness significantly contributes to lower back pain, so exercise is a must.
- Specialized training, such as proper techniques and activities that simulate functional movements you’ll need to perform (i.e., squats, lunges, lifting, etc.).
- Prevention strategies help reduce future back pain incidents. These strategies might include postural corrections or suggestions for at-home exercises, such as a walking program or regular strength and mobility practice.
Get Moving Again with Physical Therapy!
Back pain is more than just pain. It can severely restrict your mobility, leading to less exercise and movement, further contributing to pain and dysfunction. The National Physical Therapy team is here to help you break that cycle and find relief from back pain for good.
Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Exercise of the Month
BIRD DOG
Start on your hands and knees on a mat or table. Brace your abdominals and keep your back flat. Slowly raise one arm straight out in front of you while simultaneously raising your opposite leg back behind you until both limbs are straight and parallel with the ground. Lower
them back down and repeat with your other limbs.
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
8 Nutrition Tips for A Healthy Summer
Summer weekends at the beach, backyard barbecues, and outdoor dinners are finally here, but these gatherings are often loaded with high-calorie pasta salads, chips, ice cream, cocktails and beers. Enjoy your warm-weather favorites while keeping your nutrition in check with the tips below.
1. Drink green tea instead of sweet tea. Green tea has a natural component that helps speed up your metabolism. Skip the box tea and opt for the brew-it-yourself with boiling water and a tea-bag-type tea.
2. Serve seafood. Summer is the ideal time to get the freshest catch from your local grocer. Grill salmon, tuna, lobster, steamer clams, and calamari for a low-calorie, protein-packed lunch or dinner.
3. Don’t skip breakfast. When you wake up in the morning, your body is running on fumes. Eating a breakfast with protein, carbs, and healthy fat kicks your metabolism into high gear and provides energy for the day.
4. Enjoy summer fruits and veggies. It’s easy to sink into a vegetable rut, eating the same boring veggies week after week, but with summer comes fresh choices. Including a mix of in-season colorful veggies in your meals gives your body a nutrient kick.
5. Snack at work. Bring snacks to work and graze throughout the day. When you eat more often—five to six times per day—you’re far less likely to overeat and more likely to stay energized.
6. Hydrate often. The summer heat makes you more susceptible to dehydration. Start off your day by drinking two glasses of water and keep drinking at each meal, as well as before and after your workout, to stay hydrated. Carry a water bottle with you as a reminder to stay hydrated.
7. Recover with a post-workout shake. After exercising, blend your favorite summer fruits and a scoop of whey protein into a shake to kickstart the muscle-building process, help your body recover from training, and boost your energy levels.
8. Pre-plan your meals. You plan your weekend getaways and activities for summer. Why not your meals? Make it easy by preparing all of your food on Sunday so that you have enough meals for the week. The best part: You’ll save money.
August Word Scramble
laatrioenx
kbaracyd
mrmesu
aicgmnp
aryopunldg
fosrnwlue
Answer Key
relaxation
backyard
summer
camping
playground
sunflower
Local Deal for You!
Special savings from our trusted community partners.
Hanover Has Moved!
We’re excited to announce that our Hanover location has moved! The new clinic offers more treatment space, and the same friendly team you know and trust.
New Address:
1207 Washington St Suite B5,
Hanover, MA 02339
Phone: (781) 412-1549
If your plan resets in August or if you’ve already met your deductible for the year, you could be eligible for physical therapy at little to no cost.
Whether you’ve been putting off care for a nagging injury, recovering from surgery, or want to get ahead of pain before it worsens — now could be the perfect time to start. Taking advantage of your benefits can save you money and help you feel your best heading into the second half of the year.
At National Physical Therapy, our team can quickly verify your insurance benefits and walk you through what your current coverage means for your care.
Call us today to check your benefits and schedule your next appointment.
Our Patients Get Great Results
“I came here to get PT for a work injury. Was skeptical at first, but from the first time I called, I spoke to Kayla, and I felt confident I made the right decision. Had trouble with my insurance and coverage at first, but Kayla at the front desk was exceptionally knowledgeable and very helpful with the process. After getting it all squared away, I met the staff, led by Jill, John, and the rest of the staff who was just as helpful and knowledgeable about their craft. They helped me achieve my goals in getting my motion and strength back, and I credit them for their help. Not only did they help me with my injury, but they have a family dynamic there that can’t be matched by any other office. So much so that during my time, I had moved away to another state and I didn’t mind doing the 2 hour plus drive to train with them! That speaks volumes about how they treat their patients. I will miss them for sure. Awesome people, the crew was amazing. Good luck to all.”
– Lito V.
Savor the cozy, caramelized goodness of Maple Roasted Root Vegetables with Pecans and Thyme—a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors. This warm, rustic dish makes a delicious and nourishing addition to any late night cozy meal.
Enjoy This Healthy Recipe!
Maple Roasted Root Vegetables With Pecans and Thyme
Ingredients:
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 2 large carrots, peeled and diced to 1″ cubes
- 2 large parsnips, peeled and diced to 1” cubes
- 1 large orange sweet potato, diced to 1” cubes
- 1 large purple sweet potato, diced to 1” cubes
- 1 bunch radishes, ends trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp sea or kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- ⅓ c chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme
Heat oven to 425°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Combine olive oil, maple syrup, and apple cider vinegar into a small bowl or 1-cup measuring cup and whisk until smooth. Place the prepared root vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Pour the maple oil over the vegetables and toss until they’re evenly coated. Spread the vegetables evenly between the two baking sheets. Ensure that none of the vegetables are too tightly packed together. There will be residual maple oil at the bottom of the bowl, so pour that over the vegetables and toss on pan until evenly coated. Sprinkle the vegetables with salt and pepper. Transfer the baking sheets to the oven and roast for 20 minutes. Remove the sheets from the oven, stir the vegetables, then return to the oven and roast an additional 20 minutes. Remove the sheets from the oven one final time and sprinkle the pecans over the vegetables. Return to the oven to roast for 5 additional minutes. Remove the baking sheets from the oven and sprinkle with fresh thyme. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately.
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Our purpose at National Physical Therapy is to leave a greater impact on the community around us. In order to achieve our goal we want to change as many lives as possible as we become a beacon of positivity in our community.
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Meet Our Team
Lisa Gusti
PTA,RN
