Dealing With Lower Back Pain? Here Are 3 Tips To Reduce Your Discomfort

Do you have back discomfort in your lower back? If you have, you are aware of how debilitating it can be. It may appear simple to take medication to relieve pain, but with prescription medication overuse becoming a national epidemic, many people with lower back pain are looking for a more straightforward alternative.

According to a study published in BMC Health Services, physical therapy has been shown to minimize total health costs associated with pain management and to prevent habit-forming reliance on prescription medications.

In fact, your physical therapist will not only help relieve your lower back pain during your sessions, but they can also provide simple pain-relief strategies that you can carry into your daily life.

Our clinic GoodLife Physical Therapy has put together some of the best pain-reducing techniques that you can undertake both at home and during physical therapy. Keep reading to learn what they are, and give us a call when you’re finished to set up your physical therapy appointment.

1. Pay attention to your hamstrings.

While not typically considered by back pain patients, your hamstring muscles can influence whether or not your lower back joints become over-stressed. To compensate for the tightness in the backs of your upper thighs, your lower back has to work extra hard. Stretching your hamstrings lengthens those muscles, which can assist to relieve pain in your lower back, especially if it’s in spasm.

A physical therapy session can assist you in identifying precise stretches for your hamstring muscles and explaining how the two muscles interact. In the meanwhile, try bending over twice a day and reaching for your toes. Reach down without straining, and avoid locking your knees. If you experience any pain during the workout, stop and consult your physical therapist about other hamstring lengthening activities.

2. Alternate between ice and heat remedies.

Using hot and cold compresses or packs alternately on your lower back can assist to relieve pain. It is not required to switch every time if you prefer one remedy over the other, but alternating the two extremes can often help provide a broader variety of benefits.

Heat increases circulation, and when your body receives more blood, your body’s healing properties are activated in the bloodstream. Hot compresses and packs also help to relieve pain by blocking the painful “signals” that go from your lower back nerves to your brain. Cold packs, on the other hand, can help by numbing pain, stopping spasms, and reducing swelling in the affected area.

These ice and heat therapies will be applied by experts during physical therapy. Your physical therapist can also advise you on the best heat and cold treatments for your ailment. Ice packs and heating pads, in general, are fantastic all-around solutions because they are effective, affordable, and widely available.

3. Find a natural balance between your rest and exercise.

In some circumstances, bed rest is a popular first-line treatment for lower back pain. This is especially true if the pain is caused by an injury or re-injury. Resting while applying ice packs is a tried-and-true method of lowering swelling in the first few days. Moving around, on the other hand, is a much better treatment for persistent lower back pain than lying down. Physical activity releases endorphins, which have antidepressant and pain-relieving qualities.

Of course, before talking with your physical therapist, you should not overdo your workouts! Keep it easy by going for a small walk or doing some housework to limber up your back and produce those beneficial endorphins. Wear a brace to support your lower back as you move if it helps to relieve your pain.

Physical therapy is a useful form of exercise. It provides the benefits of exercise as well as the supervision of an expert to ensure that you are employing the right technique and remaining wise. Your physical therapist will be able to advise you about moves that could cause re-injury and will work with you on both flexibility and strength.

These exercises are meant to build up the muscles that support your spine, in order to ease pain on your lower back. They also help provide greater range-of-motion as you work through that back stiffness.

Ready to start eliminating your pain?

Contact our office now to book a consultation if you’re not sure where to start when it comes to addressing your lower back discomfort. You can begin learning how to make basic modifications that will reduce the severity and frequency of your lower back pain episodes during your first session. Our caring physical therapists will be there for you every step of the way, ensuring that you achieve all of your objectives on your path to long-term pain relief!

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Is a Herniated Disc The Culprit of Your Back Pain?

Chronic back pain is one of the most common reasons patients come to see our physical therapist. In fact, it’s the most common cause of pain in the United States. Back pain can be caused by a variety of medical disorders, but herniated discs are the most common cause.

It is estimated that about 60-80% of people will experience some level of lower back pain in their lives, and many may experience the issue due to a herniated disc.

Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but they are most common in the lower back. Other terminology for a herniated disc that physical therapy patients may be familiar with include “protruding disc,” “ruptured disc,” and “bulging disc.”

Nevertheless, the treatment for a herniated disc remains the same. While they can be very painful, our licensed physical therapists can help patients of all ages find fast relief and learn to manage their pain with regular physical therapy appointments. Contact us Today at Our office GoodLife Physical Therapy .

Signs you may have a herniated disc

Symptoms associated with a herniated disc may vary, depending on where the injured disc is located. Some of the most common symptoms people experience with a herniated disc include:

  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in the back, buttock, legs, and/or feet.
  • Weakness in the legs.
  • Pain when bending or twisting.
  • Pain that intensifies when bending, sitting, coughing, or sneezing.

You may have a herniated disc if you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms. Physical therapy, fortunately, can help relieve pain caused by a herniated disc or any other type of back discomfort.

To treat the discomfort before it worsens, we recommend scheduling an appointment with one of our physical therapists as soon as possible.

Reasons for herniated discs

When you are young, your spinal discs have a high water-content level, made up of almost 80% water. However, as you age, the water content in your spinal discs lowers. This causes the discs to become less pliable, thus increasing the risk of tears or other defects.

Spinal discs are soft, rubbery cushions that sit between the bony vertebrae that help to support the spine. They’re made up of a thick cartilage outer ring and an interior gel-like substance that acts as a shock absorber. Your spinal discs assist in protecting your spinal cord and the delicate nerves in your back by allowing you to bend your back easily.

If the cartilage in your spinal disc somehow tears or develops a defect, the inner gel-like substance, also known as the “nucleus,” can break through. This bulging or herniation can then put pressure on the nerves, resulting in intense pain. In fact, even small amounts of pressure on your spinal nerves can cause pain, numbness, or weakness.

Herniated discs in the lower back can be especially painful because they press against the sciatic nerve, causing sciatica. The sciatic nerve is made up of many spinal nerve branches that run down the leg from the spine. Pain can spread from the buttocks area, down the back of the leg, and into the shin and foot if the sciatic nerve is pinched. Fortunately, physical therapy can help to alleviate the discomfort produced by this illness.

Some of the other common causes of herniated discs include:

  • Traumatic injury.
  • Repetitive twisting movements.
  • Heavy or incorrect lifting.
  • Excessive body weight or obesity.
  • High-impact sports.

How does physical therapy decrease herniated disc pain?

Physical therapy is a pain treatment option that is both safe and non-invasive, and it is meant to help patients of all ages heal from the inside out.

Our expert physical therapists can ease back pain, reduce inflammation, boost blood flow, and restore range of motion by applying tailored physical therapy treatments.

A physical therapist’s active treatments address joint mobility, stability, flexibility, strength, and posture. To strengthen the back muscles, a physical therapist will teach you core stabilizing exercises.

To improve and condition the body, you’ll also participate in body muscle exercises. In addition, you will be taught flexibility exercises and proper strengthening techniques by a physical therapist.

If you have back pain, know that you can turn to physical therapy for help. A physical therapist will do a comprehensive exam and review your medical history to determine if you have a herniated disc. Once a proper diagnosis is made, a physical therapist will then create and implement a personalized treatment plan targeted to the affected area.

Get to the root of your pain today

If you’re living with back pain, know that you’re not alone. There are treatment options available to help you! Call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and highly-trained physical therapists, and learn more about how our services can benefit you.

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It’s Time For Herniated Disk Pain To Pack Its Bags!

Your journey to real pain relief begins here.

According to The National Institute of Health, “The highest prevalence [of herniated disc cases] is among people aged 30-50 years, with a male to female ratio of 2:1. There is little evidence to suggest that drug treatments are effective in treating herniated discs.” This is especially important because so many people try to lean on medication for relief, creating other health problems for themselves!

Do you ever complain of lower back pain that just won’t cease no matter what you do? You might have a herniated disc.

Herniated discs can occur anywhere along the spine, but the lower back area is the spot most commonly affected. Back pain can be caused by tons of different medical conditions, but it is the result of a herniated disc in many cases.

If you’re living with herniated disc pain, know that help is around the corner. Call GoodLife Physical Therapy today to find out how physical therapy can help you conquer your herniated disc pain once and for all!

Signs of a herniated disc

Symptoms associated with a herniated disc may vary depending on where the injured disc is located on your spine.

Some of the more common symptoms you may experience include:

  • Weakness in the legs
  • Pain when bending or twisting
  • Pain that intensifies when sitting, coughing, sneezing, or bending
  • Burning, numbness, or tingling in the back, buttock, legs, and/or feet.

There is a solution to your problem that doesn’t involve expensive surgeries or addictive medications. If you think you may have a herniated disc or other back pain issues, physical therapy can help! We recommend scheduling a consultation with our physical therapist as soon as possible.

Causes of herniated discs

It is estimated that 60% to 80% of people will experience lower back pain during their lifetime. We know that’s scary (and certainly not something to look forward to!) but physical therapy is a natural and safe method of treatment for this condition, should you experience it.

There are many other names used in reference to a herniated disc, such as a “bulging disc” and “ruptured disc.” Regardless of the name, the treatment for this painful condition is the same, and physical therapy can help. Patients of all ages can receive relief and learn pain management techniques with regular visits to a physical therapist!

Spinal discs are kind of like shock absorbers. They are soft and rubbery pads located between the bony vertebrae that help make up the spine. Spinal discs are made of a thick outer ring of cartilage and an inner gel-like material. They work to allow our backs to easily bend.

The spinal column also helps to protect the fragile nerves and your spinal cord. If the cartilage in your spinal disc is damaged or develops a defect, the gel-like substance can breakthrough. This herniation will result in added pressure on the nerves. The result is intense pain in your lower back.

Small amounts of pressure on your spinal nerves can cause numbness, weakness, and pain. It’s important to seek care for this pain as soon as you notice it, to prevent it from getting worse over time!

The sciatic nerve and herniated discs

Sciatica is a disorder that might develop if you have a herniated disc. The sciatic nerve is made up of several spinal nerve branches that run down into the leg from the spine. You will feel acute, excruciating pain radiating from the buttocks area, down the back of the leg, and into the shin and foot if the sciatic nerve is pinched due to additional pressure.

The good news is that physical therapy can work to reduce the pain caused by the condition! When you’re younger, your spinal discs are almost 80 percent water. As you get older, though, the water content lowers. This causes the discs to become less flexible and increases the risk of tears or other issues.

 Some of the other common reasons for herniated discs include:

  • Heavy lifting, or lifting things incorrectly
  • Impact sports
  • Excessive body weight or obesity
  • Traumatic injuries
  • Repetitive twisting movements (workplace or sports injuries)

How can physical therapy help with herniated disc pain?

Physical therapy is an alternative pain treatment. It is completely safe, effective, and non-invasive. It is intended to assist patients of all ages in recovering from injuries or age-related illnesses. To minimize and relieve back pain and inflammation, enhance blood flow, and restore range of motion, our professional physical therapist will use focused therapy treatments.

Physical therapists are professionally trained to evaluate your condition and provide the correct exercises to meet your needs. Most of the exercises they will teach you can be done on your own at home, so you can continue treatment outside of appointments.

Request an appointment on our website!

Living with back pain because of a herniated disc can truly be a damper on your mood and overall quality of life. The good news is that physical therapy treatment is available to you at GoodLife Physical Therapy, and we’re happy to assist you in any way we can!

Call our clinic today to schedule an appointment, and begin your own recovery journey!

Dealing With Neck and Back Pain? Physical Therapy Can Save The Day!

Call our clinic today to find true pain relief!

Back and neck pain are extremely common conditions that many people struggle with over the course of their lives. According to the National Institute of Health, back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a doctor or miss days at work. Even school-age children can have back pain.

Unfortunately, it’s not always an easy task to pinpoint the exact source of the pain you’re feeling in your neck or back. Pain can often radiate into your arms, legs, and head.

Oftentimes people end up paying for expensive surgeries to find relief or falling back on addictive medication that can cause harmful health effects later in life. However, there is another solution for back and neck pain: physical therapy at GoodLife Physical Therapy .

What Physical Therapy Does For Neck & Back Pain:

There are many different techniques in physical therapy for targeting neck and back pain. Physical therapy for these conditions is focused on the structures supporting the spine. These include the tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. Typically, physical therapists include stretches, exercises, and adjustments to relieve neck and back pain.

Some therapists even use aquatic exercises to make therapy even smoother. Aquatic therapy is helpful because the buoyancy of water takes pressure off of the cervical and lumbar spine while you’re performing the exercises.

Passive physical therapy also includes a variety of modalities like heat or ice therapy, massage therapy, electrotherapy, and ultrasound therapy. Heat or ice therapy can increase blood circulation to speed up the healing process and reduce swelling and inflammation. Massage therapy will relax muscles to reduce pain.

With electrotherapy, electrical pulses are sent directly into sensory nerves to prevent the pain signals from reaching your brain. Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues and provide a soothing sensation to affected areas.

How will a physical therapist help me?

A full assessment of your physical condition will be done, and a personalized treatment plan will be created to target the cause of your back or neck pain.

Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough examination to pinpoint the root cause of your back or neck pain. He or she may use a tool called a goniometer to measure your range of motion. They will also most likely perform a strength test on you.

Spinal mobility will be measured along with palpation to locate sore or tight muscles. Your physical therapist will also ask you to complete certain tasks in order to figure out what your functional mobility levels are.

Your physical therapist will take a look at your medical history as well to see if there are any factors that might correlate to the pain you’re currently feeling, such as recent injuries or surgeries. During this time, you can discuss the things that you are now not able to do as a result of any past injuries you might have sustained.

Why is a treatment plan so important in physical therapy?

Your physical therapist will create a customized treatment plan that is specific to your pain levels and needs. This treatment plan might be different for you than it would be for someone else, since the cause of your back or neck pain can vary.

For example, you might be experiencing pain because of a herniated disc, a degenerative disc disease, whiplash from an auto accident, a sports injury, arthritis or poor posture.

A few conditions that could be the root cause of the pain you’re feeling are as follows:

  • A herniated disc: This condition occurs when the gel-like material of the disc bulges or leaks out.
  • Degenerative disc disease: This condition occurs when there is wear and tear on the discs.
  • Osteoarthritis: Arthritis is developed due to wear and tear on the facet joints. This causes friction when bending, can result in pinching a nerve root, or in sciatica.
  • Strains & sprains: This is a very common issue that sends people straight to a physical therapist. It is not uncommon for athletes to incur sprains and strains to the neck or back regions when engaging in sports that require aggressive overuse of a body part or muscle.

Call today to find help for your condition

Neck and back pain is absolutely not easy to deal with no matter what age you are! The good news? Physical therapy has been proven to help with neck pain or back pain regardless of its root cause. It’s a totally safe, natural, and effective mode of treatment for anyone looking to avoid expensive surgeries or harmful medications.

If you’re suffering from neck pain or back pain, call our office today to see how physical therapy can help get back to living a pain-free life. Our physical therapists are certified and waiting for you; they’ve helped many others and you’re next in line!

Give our office a call today, and learn how we can get you on the path to recovery. There’s no reason to suffer in pain when we have the solution right here!

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Sit Up Straight: Could Poor Posture Be To Blame For Back Pain?

You may be surprised about the true reasons for your pain symptoms!

The majority of people have difficulty sitting and standing up straight. Many of us can recall our parents and instructors telling us that excellent posture was the key to good health later in life!

We all rolled our eyes at the time since the requirement seemed inconvenient! However, we learn that proper posture is about more than just looking good as we become older! Back discomfort can be avoided by sitting and standing with proper spinal alignment.

It’s possible that bad posture is the source of your back pain. Allow our clinic GoodLife Physical Therapy to assist you in learning about the advantages of physical therapy for back pain. Request an appointment today to learn more about the benefits of good posture and how physical therapy can help you to achieve it for yourself!

The link between back pain relief and good posture

Your spine is meant to operate in a specific way. Each time you move, sit, or stand in ways that disrupt the correct position and operation of your spine, you can end up creating long-term problems.

One strategy to work to reduce back pain is to practice excellent posture with the guidance of a qualified physical therapist. When you start physical therapy, you’ll learn how to develop proper posture, notice when you’re not doing so, and discover a variety of ways that healthy movement patterns can help you manage your back pain.

Some ways that developing good posture through physical therapy can help you with avoiding back pain are as follows:

1. Improved Posture With Everyday Activities

When we hear the words “good posture,” we usually think of how we sit or stand, yet good posture is vital in all aspects of our lives!

Your therapist will teach you how to maintain proper posture during sports and everyday activities like running or walking during physical therapy. Improving your overall posture will reduce the daily wear and tear on your spine. This will also reduce your chances of experiencing back pain as a result of these activities.

2. Good Posture Encourages Flexibility and Strength

According to the Mayo Clinic, “Correct posture can enhance your productivity and attitude, as well as help you use your muscles more efficiently.”

It’s generally wise to consider that learning to maintain good posture won’t be easy if you haven’t had it for a long time. Physical therapy may take some time to help you build the strength and flexibility you need to maintain proper posture and spinal alignment

Your general fitness will improve as a result of the work you perform and the effort you put in with your physical therapist to attain your objective. The more flexible you become, the more strength you’ll have, and the less likely you will be to experience back pain.

3. Avoiding Incorrect Anatomical Changes

Did you know that the way you utilize your spine might induce structural changes in your body? That is correct. Excessive tension from sitting slumped over can harm your spinal discs, muscles, joints, as well as the nerves and blood vessels that run through your spine.

Physical therapy treatment at GoodLife Physical Therapy, fortunately, can usually reverse the issue. Your body can learn to sit and stand appropriately with targeted workouts, stretches, and information!

4. Encourages Good Circulation

Your veins will not be as constricted by pressure on your vertebrae if you maintain good spinal alignment. Many components of your spine rely on good circulation to function properly and to recover from regular wear and tear.

It may seem difficult at first, but as your physical therapist walks you through the many physical therapy exercises and techniques for maintaining excellent posture, you will become more adept at maintaining the alignment essential for optimal circulation.

5. Prevents Back Pain Caused by Improper Lifting

If you frequently move large objects, you must ensure that you have proper posture! When it comes to lifting something without injuring yourself, good posture is essential.

If you lift something and don’t employ appropriate posture, you’re more likely to injure your back.

Inquire with your physical therapist about maintaining the correct lifting posture. They will be able to demonstrate proper lifting techniques as well as lead you through exercises to maintain proper posture.

Choosing physical therapy for back pain relief 

Have you considered alternative back pain management choices, such as drugs or a costly surgery? Physical therapy is a safe, natural, and, most importantly, effective treatment of back pain caused by improper posture!

When it comes to teaching patients how to maintain excellent posture, physical therapists are the experts. Your physical therapist will explain its significance to you and provide you with the instructions you need to maintain an excellent posture every day.

During your appointment, your therapist will do a full body assessment and determine the origins of your pain. Once that is understood, they will create a comprehensive treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve your posture.

The important thing to remember is that your physical therapist is your #1 supporter. If there is ever a moment where you doubt your ability to continue on with treatment, we’re here to help and reassure you!

Therapy is something that we consider a “work in progress,” and everyone’s treatment is different. Don’t be afraid to consult with your physical therapist at GoodLife Physical Therapy if you doubt your ability to recover!

Don’t delay; request an appointment today!

If you are suffering from back pain, chances are it could be the result of poor posture. Contact our physical therapy office today to get set up for a consultation with one of our licensed physical therapists!

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Is A Painful Herniated Disc Throwing Off Your Routine? PT Could Help

Did you know the spine is made up of 24 bones? Five of such bones are found in the lower back. The spine also contains nerves and intervertebral discs in addition to these bones. Because the spine is such a complicated component of the body, discomfort might arise from time to time.

Pain, on the other hand, can sometimes be the result of an underlying problem, such as a herniated disc. One of the earliest signs of a herniated disc is lower back discomfort, which can range from mild to severe.

You might also have weakness, numbness in the legs, or severe and shooting sensations. Patients have also reported losing bladder control as a result of a herniated disc in certain extreme situations.

Herniated discs occur when the jelly-like nucleus protrudes from an intervertebral disc. This happens when the cell wall of the disc is not strong enough to keep the nucleus secure, therefore allowing it to push through the outer ring and begin to bulge.

A herniated disc can develop anywhere along the spine; however, they are most common in the lower back. If you are experiencing back pain and you think it may be caused by a herniated disc, contact GoodLife Physical Therapy office today to find out how we can help.

Signs you may have a herniated disc

If you believe you may be suffering from a herniated disc, it is important to consult your primary care physician first. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to assess muscle strength and sensation to see if your disc is herniated, and he or she may also conduct a neurological exam.

If your doctor believes your disc is herniated, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan may be done to confirm the diagnosis. From this scan, your doctor will be able to clearly see if there is a herniated disc in the lower back region.

If the disc is putting pressure on the spine, it can be detected. Your doctor will then provide you with a treatment plan, and will likely recommend physical therapy for pain relief.

How does a herniated disc occur in the first place?

Herniated discs are typically associated with aging, as the spine begins to wear down and become more brittle. This is known as “disc degeneration.” The discs in the spine contain a high water content when we’re young, but as we age that water content gradually decreases. This causes the discs to shrink. Therefore, the older we get, the more prone we become to disc degeneration. Other risk factors that can make you more prone to herniated discs include:

  • Driving frequently.
  • Being overweight.
  • Being between the ages of 20-50.
  • Being male.
  • Engaging in improper lifting techniques.
  • Engaging in a sedentary lifestyle.

Physical therapy can provide much-needed relief

Your physical therapist will design a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. This will begin with passive treatments such as manual therapy, traction, ice and heat therapies, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or hydrotherapy to relieve pain and enhance function.

After your passive treatments are finished, active treatments will commence. This could include back-strengthening core exercises, stretching, and flexibility activities to improve range of motion, and any other muscle-strengthening exercises recommended by your physical therapist. In addition to these exercises, your physical therapist will advise you on any lifestyle modifications that he or she thinks may help you avoid future pain and injury.

Call our clinic today for help

Our physical therapy office is equipped with the best resources and methods for helping you recover and get back to your life. If you are looking for a natural, safe, and non-invasive way to treat your herniated discs, look no further. Call us today to get started on the first steps toward relief!

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Is Your Posture Suffering? Physical Therapy Can Provide Improvements!

If you find yourself struggling to sit up straight on a daily basis, you most likely have an ongoing posture issue. It is common for back pain to develop as the result of poor posture. If your posture is not correct, it can cause stress on other parts of your body, resulting in pain, inflammation, or dysfunction. Fortunately, posture can be improved with the help of physical therapy.

According to a study, approximately 3% of all emergency room visits tend to be the result of back pain or injury. Back pain is the most commonly reported area of pain, which can cause significant limits to one’s daily life.

To learn more about how we can help improve your posture and relieve your back pain, contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today.

How did I develop poor posture?

When you hear the term “poor posture,” you might think of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, but not every case is this severe! In fact, poor posture isn’t something to be ashamed of. Few people have ideal posture, and the majority of people engage in terrible posture behaviors in some form. We get so caught up in whatever task we’re working on that we neglect to pay attention to how our bodies are positioned.

Perhaps you’re working on a project at work, it’s late at night, you’re exhausted, and you’re slouched sideways in your desk chair, one eye on the computer and the other on the clock. This isn’t your regular position, but you’re getting into the most efficient position for typing up the rest of that file and then zooming out the door.

Poor posture isn’t due to laziness or apathy; rather, it generally has something to do with a physical weakness within our bodies. We slouch, slump, hunch, and droop over when we get feel drained because our bodies literally get tired of holding us up.

Even if you exercise regularly, you may have a few weak muscles that are contributing to poor posture that you are unaware of. Your posture is influenced by the muscles in your shoulders, back, belly, buttocks, and pelvic floor. Your core will be affected if even one of these is weak, and your posture may suffer as a result.

Why does my posture affect my back?

If you are suffering from persistent back pain, there is a good chance it is due to your posture. Poor posture is one of the most common causes of back pain. Do you slouch at your desk? Do you lean forward when you’re reading your emails? Do you hunch over your keyboard? These are all things that people do subconsciously, without even realizing the toll it takes on the body.

Your posture affects how your body moves throughout the day, whether you’re sitting, standing, walking, jogging or jumping. Your posture may change depending on what you’re doing; for example, your posture may be great when you’re standing, but when you sit at a desk or lie down, your body begins to hunch and fold in ways it’s not supposed to.

Physical therapy can help you sit up straight!

Your physical therapist will create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This will concentrate on reducing discomfort, increasing strength, and improving posture as rapidly as feasible. Treatment strategies may include focusing on mobility, balance, flexibility, or stability, depending on the type of your problem.

Our physical therapists at GoodLife Physical Therapy are highly experienced and dedicated to helping patients relieve pain and improve their posture. When you arrive for your first appointment, your physical therapist will conduct a comprehensive exam to find out where your pain is originating and what the best treatments will be for relieving it.

Call us today for more information

Is your posture causing your back pain? Contact GoodLife Physical Therapy today to find out. We’ll provide you with the treatment you need so you can get back to your pain-free life. Getting better doesn’t have to take years or even months, and fixing your posture can be quite easy when you’re guided by a skilled physical therapist. What are you waiting for? Schedule an appointment today!

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When To Seek A Physical Therapist For Sciatica Pain

While sciatica does not always require physical therapy treatments, it can help relieve your pain and speed up the healing process.

Did you know that the sciatic nerve is the longest nerve in the human body? It stretches from the lower back down to the legs, ending at the feet. People living with sciatica typically describe their discomfort as “shooting pains,” typically down one side of the body.

It can be hard to determine whether or not your symptoms are in need of specialist intervention, but GoodLife Physical Therapy in Homer Glen, IL put together a list of the three most prominent symptoms for your condition.

If you’re struggling to live a normal, comfortable life as a result of sciatica, know that the solution to your pain is just a call away. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

1. What you’re doing at home to manage pain stops working.

You might already be trying these basic home remedies to help alleviate some of your sciatica pain, but when using ice and heat compresses alternately, or sleeping with a pillow between your knees, for example, no longer relieves discomfort and stiffness… there’s a problem.

These are some commonly used at-home treatment methods for pain management, but they, unfortunately, do not always work. If your home treatments are having a little-to-no effect in reducing your pain and restricted motion, or if your symptoms persist for more than a week without improvement, you should seek the aid of a physical therapist. If your symptoms worsen, be sure to consult with your primary physician. Physical therapy can provide you with the treatment you need to alleviate your aches and pains.

2. You notice your pain getting worse instead of better.

The severity of pain you feel can change depending on how compressed your sciatic nerve becomes. The more compressed it is, the more painful it will be. Symptoms may include severe shooting pain, weakness or numbness on one side, or the inability to move your feet. If your sciatic nerve becomes compressed in the area that controls your bladder or bowel function, you may lose control of those functions.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with both your primary doctor and your physical therapist to discuss a treatment plan for easing your pain and getting you back to your normal function. Your doctor may also run a number of tests to rule out any other underlying conditions.

3. You suffered an injury that caused sciatica to form.

Your symptoms may worsen over time with moderate sciatica, or they may go away on their own. However, if your sciatica symptoms appear suddenly after an injury or trauma (such as a vehicle accident, sports injury, or a hard fall), you should see your doctor and physical therapist very away.

Because these symptoms are the result of a powerful impact surrounding the sciatic nerve, they are likely to be severe, and it is critical to assess the extent of the injury. Physical therapy will almost always be recommended by your primary physician, regardless of the course of treatment he or she advises.

Get a physical therapist’s help today

Are you experiencing pain from sciatica? If this is the case, physical therapy may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’re ready to get rid of your sciatica problems.

Targeted stretches and exercises will be used in physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles surrounding the sciatic nerve. Treatments may also focus on increasing the range of motion and improving posture to reduce stress on the sciatic nerve and prevent pain from recurring.

We’ll provide you with an individualized treatment plan to help you get back to your normal life as quickly as possible!

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Chronic Back Pain Doesn’t Have to be Your Story. Understand 3 Physical Therapy Can Help.

Chronic back pain is pain that persists for three months and longer. This type of pain can be due to a variety of reasons, including arthritis of the spine, aging, disc problems and myofascial pain syndrome. With arthritis of the spine, there is a slow thinning of the cartilage inside the spine which can cause pain. A herniated or bulging disc may be compressing a nerve. With spinal stenosis, there is a narrowing of the spinal pain that can lead to nerve pain. Myofascial pain syndrome is unknown muscle tenderness and pain. Whatever the cause of your chronic back pain, it doesn’t have to be a part of your daily life.

How Physical Therapy Helps Alleviate Chronic Back Pain

If the back pain is due to spinal stenosis or a bulging disc, a physical therapist may initiate a repeated movement program to reduce numbness, pain or weakness. Progressive movement exercises like the McKenzie exercises may be included into the physical therapy treatment program. To treat a variety of causes of chronic back pain.  Stabilization exercises may also be included to retrain the deep muscles. Your physical therapist will show you how to use the right spinal and abdominal muscles before beginning any exercises to stabilize the spine. Manipulation is another technique to alleviate chronic back pain. Short and rapid thrusting movements are done over a joint to reduce pain and increase mobility.

Multiple passive modalities are also used by a physical therapist to reduce chronic back pain. Heat and cold therapy may be used to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation and lessen pain. Ultrasound is a common passive modality that physical therapists utilize. Ultrasound uses sound waves for deep heating that penetrates the soft tissue. Not only does this method alleviate back pain, it enhances healing of the affected area. A transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulator (TENS) unit may be ordered by a physical therapist. This unit helps override painful signals sent to the brain. It can be used at home and on a long-term basis. Deep tissue massage is another common treatment for chronic back pain. This manual method increases oxygen and nutrients to the affected areas for healing and also helps reduce muscle spasms and stiffness.

According to the NCBI, ” In chronic low back without serious pathology, recommended primary conservative physical treatment preferences include exercise, yoga, biofeedback, progressive relaxation, massage, manual therapy, physical therapy and interdisciplinary rehabilitation. A recent literature review with meta-analysis in patients with chronic lower back pain found moderate- to high-quality evidence that McKenzie exercises in physical therapy were superior to other rehabilitation interventions in reducing pain and disability.”

If you’re suffering with chronic back pain, it’s time to take action. Go for an evaluation by a physical therapist. A physical therapist will collaborate with your doctor and develop a personalized treatment plan targeted to your specific condition. With both active and passive treatment methods, you’ll be on the road to reducing or eliminating your pain. At the end of the road, you’ll be able to engage in your regular activities with reduced or no pain.

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If You Have any of These 5 Symptoms, You May Need Physical Therapy.

Did you know that physical therapy is a natural form of pain relief treatment that can be used to manage a variety of different conditions? Unfortunately, many people don’t realize that physical therapy treatments are a great way to reduce their chronic pain and other recurring symptoms until after they’ve tried other traditional treatment methods like surgery and prescription pain killers. If you are experiencing any of our top 5 most common aches and pains, you may be a good candidate for physical therapy. Keep reading to learn more about common conditions that can be treated with physical therapy and some of the top recommendations for natural healing from our experienced physical therapist.

5 Common Reasons to See a Physical Therapist

1. Back Pain

Back pain is one of the biggest reasons that Americans visit the doctor each year. Back pain can be the result of a wide variety of different injuries, illnesses, and chronic conditions. You may be experiencing back pain due to an overuse injury, a degenerative disease, sports injury, or other common environmental factors. But whatever the cause, there’s a good chance that your back pain is preventing you from completing simple everyday tasks like getting out of bed or climbing the stairs without feeling pain.

Physical therapy can help to address the root cause of your pain, increase mobility, reduce inflammation and much more.

2. Headaches

Recurring headaches are no laughing matter and can make getting through the day seem nearly impossible. In many cases, frequent headaches are a sign of injury in the neck or back. Working with a physical therapist to target the cause of your recurring headaches can reduce the severity of your head pain or eventually eliminate them altogether.

3. Neck Pain

It’s common to experience neck pain for a variety of different reasons. You may notice neck pain spring up after an auto accident or as a result of poor posture. Neck pain is often very difficult to cope with and treat with traditional medicine. However, physical therapy and massage can relieve the muscles in the neck, reduce swelling, and help to restore your natural mobility.

4. Joint Pain

Arthritis and other forms of joint pain can increase in severity as we age. However, people of all ages are at risk of developing joint pain, especially following another traumatic injury. And for those who are overweight or obese, joint pain can become a chronic health issue that prevents one from enjoying the simple things in life like taking a walk after mealtimes or getting in and out of the car with ease. Working with a physical therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan can help to manage your joint pain and other symptoms naturally.

5. Traumatic Injury

After experiencing a traumatic injury, your body requires plenty of time to heal and recover. But in today’s busy world, many people must get back to work as soon as possible following an injury. Physical therapy can help your body to heal more quickly and efficiently after a traumatic injury or surgery. Physical therapy is an ideal post-surgical healing option and designed to help you reach your rehabilitation goals without the use of prescription pain medications.

Contact Our Physical Therapy Office Today

If you or a loved one are struggling with recurring pain after an injury or as the result of a degenerative condition, physical therapy can help your body to heal naturally. Interested in learning more about the benefits of physical therapy for pain management and healing. Contact our knowledgeable and friendly physical therapist for more information and be sure to schedule your initial consultation today.