Back Pain

You bend down to pick up some of your child’s toys off the floor or try to lift that heavy box of books you’ve been meaning to take to the garage. And just like 39% of the adults who have experienced pain in the past three months, you feel pain in your back. Read on to learn some vital information about back pain and how our physical therapists can help you address it.

What Are Common Types of Back Pain?

Some of the most common types of back pain that people experience include:
Lower back pain

It’s estimated that as many as 84% of people will experience lower back pain in their lifetime. This makes lower back pain the most common form of back pain. Research also reports that women tend to experience lower back pain more than men.

Mid-back pain
Also known as thoracic back pain, mid-back pain (MBP) is far less common than lower back pain in adults. One study found that 17% of female and 9% of male subjects experienced thoracic back pain. However, MBP can be more common in younger people. Another study reports that during any given one-month period, 13% of children and 35% of adolescents experienced MBP.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition that affects up to 5% of people every year. It occurs when one of two sciatic nerves become pinched or damaged. These two nerves branch off the spinal cord in the lower back and run through the buttocks and down the back of your legs. Sciatica tends to cause shooting pains that start in the lower back and run down one leg.

What Could Be Causing Your Back Pain?

There are many injuries and conditions that can cause back pain, including:
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Poor posture.

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Pinched nerves.

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Herniated discs.

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Vertebrae fractures.

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Spinal inflammation.

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Misaligned vertebrae.

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Spinal ligament sprains.

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Back muscle strains and tears.

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Degenerative conditions like degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis.

What Are Some Common Ways People Experience Back Pain?

Back pain is the most common symptom of the injuries and conditions that cause it. However, that doesn’t mean everyone experiences back pain in the same way. Some of the ways you may experience back pain include:

  • Aching pain that decreases once you start moving around.
  • Pain that increases when you move in certain ways.
  • Pain that worsens when you lie down or sit for long periods.
  • Pain that runs from your lower back into your buttocks or legs.

What Are Other Symptoms That Often Occur With Back Pain?

There may be other symptoms that occur along with your back pain. Some of the other symptoms you may also be experiencing are:

Stiffness in specific areas of your back.

Tingling sensations in your back, legs or feet.

Numbness or weakness in your back, legs or feet.

A decreased ability to bend or do other normal activities.

What Back Pain Treatment Options Can You Find in Physical Therapy?

Forever Fit’s physical therapists know that back pain can make your daily life much more difficult. However, they can also create a personalized treatment plan for your back pain. Our therapy plans are designed to help you take control of your body again and can include PT techniques like:

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