Chronic back pain can be so incapacitating that those who suffer from it can have difficultly moving much at all without help. Often medication isn’t nearly enough to address back pain and spinal problems because it does nothing to treat the cause. Even surgery only has a limited success rate. Physical therapy for back pain is often the most effective prescription.

What Is Involved

Physical therapy for back pain generally comprises of gentle exercises that are designed to reduce pain and realign the joints of the spine via a series of gentle exercises. An innovative physical therapy plan can do a great deal to rehabilitate the back and speed up the recovery process. For example, lower back pain therapy often involves the use of an exercise ball. Using an exercise ball can make the core muscles much stronger.

Physical therapy for back pain does more than stop the discomfort and speed up the patient’s recovery. Back problems are often the result of underuse of the spine and the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the area that surround it. A healthy back is one that is accustomed to plenty of movement and physical activity. Therefore physical therapy for back pain is also about teaching the patient how to strengthen the spine, muscles, tendons and ligaments to reduce the likelihood of future problems occurring.

The Therapist

A good physical therapist is a skilled medical professional who is more than capable of creating an effective program specifically designed with the particular pain level and problem of the patient in mind. The therapist also helps the patient to implement the physical therapy for back pain, since the discomfort is such that they would be unable to perform the exercises without some assistance. Obviously not all physical therapists have the same level of skill and experience so if you want the best you may have to compare and contrast several before making a choice.

Definitely Worthwhile

Unlike surgery or medication, physical therapy for back pain is actually effective in ninety percent of cases, even when the patient is suffering from chronic discomfort. Of course physical therapy for back pain works better for some people than others. If you suffer from back pain the only way to estimate the time needed for your recovery is via examination and diagnosis. Furthermore, much depends on how determined you are to recover and how hard you are prepared to work.

Patients who undergo a program of physical therapy for back pain have usually made a full recovery within an average of five months after beginning the treatment. Therefore if you are suffering from back pain that is debilitating enough to interfere with your ability to lead a normal life, it is worthwhile asking your health care provider to refer you to an experienced physical therapist.