Low Back Pain
A Custom Treatment Plan for Your Back Pain Symptoms

by Christopher Bertuccini MPT, Cert MDT

Low back pain (LBP) is an issue that nearly all of us will face in our lives. Statistics say that approximately 25% of us will have at least one episode of back pain that lasts longer than months. There are many predisposing factors that can lead to LBP:

• Heavy lifting

• Prolonged positions (such as sitting or bending at a machine)

• Repetitive twisting, etc.

• Injury

  The symptoms of back pain are both obvious and hidden. Everyone can feel the pain in their back or the shooting stabbing pain down their leg. The less apparent symptoms are the leg weakness that is gradual over time or loss of sensation in a certain area. Even the loss of reflexes can be attributed to LBP.

Causes of LBP can be, but are not limited to: discogenic - originating from an intervertebral disk, muscular, bony changes, nerve irritation, visceral (organ-related). Generally one should seek medical intervention if:

• Pain lasts more than just a few days

• Pain continues to intensify versus improving

• Severe leg pain is present

• Bowel or bladder changes occur

• Inability to stand erect

Medical personnel you may see to assist you with your low back pain include your primary physician, an orthopedic physician, a neurologist, or a physical therapist.

We, as STAR physical therapists, can help by performing comprehensive evaluations. We look at the entire client and take into account muscle strength, flexibility, joint ROM, reflexes, posture, and other factors. We take these findings and create a CUSTOM treatment plan to try and correct the issues confronting the client thus decreasing their pain and improving their quality of life.

We often use heat and ice in addition to our manual techniques to aid in improving the client's back health. The exercise equipment in our gym area is designed to help strengthen the areas that are compromised to build a strong core and reduce pain. Cardio-vascular equipment is employed to increase endurance and overall fitness levels. By using the aforementioned techniques and tailoring each client's program to their personal needs, STAR physical therapists attempt to get clients back on their feet and off their BACKS!!!

If you or anyone you know is experiencing back pain, please do not hesitate to give us a call at STAR Physical Therapy. We will be happy to assist you in any way possible.

Christopher Bertuccini MPT, Cert MDT