If you’ve ever had low back pain, you know how it pretty much takes over your life when it happens.  There are several reasons you might be experiencing low back pain… it could be as simple as needing a new mattress, or perhaps you pulled a muscle lifting something heavy.  But what if your back pain is linked to something else?  Read on to see 3 of the reasons many of our low-back pain patients come to us for help.

Sciatica

Sciatica is one of those conditions that tends to mask itself as lower back pain in many people.  Some people have it worse than others, but in many cases, we can help manage it with some strategic movements and stretches.  The relief our patients experience is so rewarding… not just for them but also for our physical therapists!  

Harvard Health Medical School says, “Sciatica is one of the most common, yet misunderstood, types of pain. As many as 40% of people will get it during their life, and it becomes more frequent as you age.” 

Your Hips

It seems like hip pain would be linked to, well, just the hips.  But think about it: the lower back and hips are very close in proximity, so the idea that something being wrong with the hips could lead to pain in the lower back might make sense. For example, if you pulled or strained a muscle in your hip, those muscles and joints that eventually connect to the lower back could also be strained.  And it works the opposite way, too!  Imagine having a pinched nerve in your back. That pinched nerve can cause pain that radiates through the hips and down the legs as well. 

Herniated Disc

According to the National Institutes of Health, “Lumbar disc herniation is one of the most common spinal degenerative disorders which may lead to low back pain (LBP) and radicular leg pain. However, it remains difficult to diagnose a degenerative herniated disc as the LBP generator in clinical practice.” We agree!  We’ve seen those cases when someone comes into our practice with low back pain, and they have no idea that that cause is a herniated disc. The pain can be excruciating, and physical therapy is one of the key steps in healing from that herniated disc as quickly as possible. Other measures include painkillers, rest, and, if needed, spinal injections. 

Physical Therapy For Low Back Pain

Are you experiencing low back pain? If you live in or around the Irving area, call us at Physical Therapy NOW to schedule your first appointment. We’re accepting new patients now and will accommodate your schedule with an appointment time that works best for you.  You can reach us at (214) 225-0291.