Age-Related Chronic Back Pain Can Be Treated With Orthopedic Physical Therapy

If your back is hurting, it might be due to age. As you grow older, your muscles begin to lose mass. Your back muscles work hard to keep your body upright, but this ability can diminish with time. Also, if you suffered a back injury in the past and didn't have your back treated by an orthopedic physical therapist, this will be another reason why your back is in so much pain.

Why Back Pain Occurs as You Age

Your back is a very complex part of your body. There are many muscles, ligaments, and bones that can become injured as you go about your day-to-day life. Normal wear-and-tear can cause your back to experience pain. But you might also experience pain from playing sports or lifting a heavy object. Serious traumatic events, such as car accidents, can also cause serious back pain.

You Might Have Chronic Back Pain

If you are experiencing back pain that has lasted for several months and does not have an easily identifiable cause, you may be suffering from chronic back pain. However, you don't necessarily have to live with the pain.

Consider Seeing a Specialist

Chiropractors are specialized in treating back pain. They may be able to provide you with advice on how to avoid injuring your back further and can use techniques such as spinal manipulation to treat back pain. However, you might also need to work with a physical therapist to see your back pain go away.

Your Back Needs to Become Stronger

A physical therapist teaches exercises that can help strengthen the back. You will need to start off small and pay close attention to any back pain you experience. But if you are persistent, you will be able to build up your muscle strength and may be able to experience pain relief.

Increasing Your Range of Motion Can Help

Besides building up muscles, a physical therapist will teach you how to perform stretches that will allow you to increase your range of motion. Doing so will allow you to reduce many of the pain symptoms you experience because your body will be able to move more easily

Certain Motions Can Alleviate Acute Back Pain

If you experience a muscle spasm, you might go through a brief period of back pain. When you are experiencing an episode of back pain, there might also be movements you can perform that will help alleviate the symptoms so that you can get through the experience.

For more information on orthopedic physical therapy, contact a professional near you.