If you have a degenerative back condition, even sitting, bending, or standing can be uncomfortable. You might wonder if there is a way to feel better without surgery or taking medicine for the long term.
Here is some good news—physical therapy could help. It can ease your pain, help you move better, and improve your daily life. This article will show how physical therapy can make a difference for your back.
What is a Degenerative Back Condition?
A degenerative back condition happens when parts of the spine, like the discs, joints, or ligaments, wear out as you age. A family history of the condition, injuries, or habits like slouching or not staying active can cause or accelerate the problem.
Some common types of degenerative back conditions are osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal stenosis. The symptoms can vary, but the most common ones are:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Mobility problems
- Nerve problems in severe cases
This can make activities you used to enjoy feel harder or more frustrating.
How Physical Therapy Can Improve Your Degenerative Back Condition
Physical therapy is a science-driven and personalized approach to managing back pain and discomfort. A licensed physical therapist evaluates your specific condition, symptoms, and needs. Afterward, they create a customized plan to improve your mobility and eliminate pain.
Here are the ways it can help:
1. Reduce Pain Without Relying on Medication
Managing pain is a big concern for people with degenerative back conditions. Physical therapy can help using hands-on therapy, stretches, and exercises targeting painful areas.
For instance, gentle massage or techniques like myofascial release can help improve blood flow. They can also relax tight muscles that might be causing pain. Strength-building exercises can also reduce stress on overworked parts of your back, providing lasting relief.
With time, physical therapy can lessen your need for strong pain medications. This offers a safer, healthier way to manage your pain.
2. Improve Range of Motion and Flexibility
Stiffness is a common problem for people with back issues. It can make even simple movements feel tough.
Physical therapy can help by using specific stretches to make your back more flexible. Therapists use stretches and techniques to loosen up the muscles and tissues around your spine. These also help relax tight ligaments and muscles, which often get stiff from things like poor posture or not moving enough.
With better flexibility, you will find it easier to move around. You will also feel less discomfort in your daily activities.
3. Strengthen Supporting Muscles
Strong muscles around your spine are key to managing back problems. Physical therapy focuses on exercises that strengthen your core and lower back. It also targets other important muscles that support your spine.
For example:
- Building core strength helps take some of the load off your lower back.
- Making your back muscles stronger eases strain on your spine’s discs and joints.
- Strengthening areas like your glutes helps balance your body and support movement.
By doing these exercises regularly, your muscles will work together better. This lowers the chance of more injuries and keeps your spine healthier.
4. Correct Poor Posture and Alignment
Poor posture, like slouching or sitting for too long, can make back problems worse. Physical therapy helps by fixing posture problems and teaching you better ways to sit, stand, and move.
Therapists use exercises to improve your posture. They may also give advice on how to set up your workspace to reduce back strain. For example, adjusting your chair or desk height can make a big difference. Better posture takes pressure off your spine and can slow down back issues, making life more comfortable.
5. Promote Better Balance and Stability
Back problems can make it harder to keep your balance, especially if you have nerve damage or weak muscles. Physical therapy helps by using balance exercises to improve your stability and coordination.
Therapists might have you try things like standing on one leg, using a stability ball, or practicing shifting your weight. These exercises strengthen weak muscles and help your body feel steadier. Better balance can give you the confidence to move around safely and worry less about falling or getting hurt.
6. Prevent Further Damage and Relapse
Physical therapy is not just about feeling better now—it also helps protect your back from more problems later. By building stronger muscles and learning how to move the right way, you can keep your spine healthier for the long run.
Your orthopedic physical therapist will also show you how to take care of your back at home. This might include doing the right exercises and improving how you sleep. You can also try gentle activities like swimming or yoga. Staying consistent with these habits can help prevent back pain from returning.
7. Tailored Treatment Specific to Your Needs
No two degenerative back conditions are the same. This is why physical therapy’s personalized approach is effective.
Your therapist will create a plan tailored to your specific diagnosis, pain level, and physical capabilities. They will provide you with a truly effective solution.
Treatment for Degenerative Back Conditions in Bismarck, ND
Degenerative back conditions can feel overwhelming, but there is hope. Physical therapy offers a clear and effective way to manage your back pain and regain control over your life. It does so through personalized exercises, targeted therapies, and long-term preventative strategies.
At The Bone & Joint Center, our licensed physical therapists specialize in addressing back conditions. We have helped countless patients achieve relief from their symptoms and feel more confident in their mobility. Call us today at (701) 946-7400 or (866) 900-8650 to book a visit at one of our 11 locations across North Dakota. You can also request a consultation on our website. For any questions, you can also reach us at (800) 424-2663.
We look forward to serving you with the best lower back pain treatments near you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/4290-low-back-pain-coping
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/back-pain
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain
