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Blog

Managing Low Back Pain

4/26/2022

 
Most people will suffer from some lower back pain at some point in their lives. Low back pain is common. Unfortunately, many people with low back pain don't get treatment that aligns with evidence-based practices. 

Low back pain is the most common complaint of patients that visit Rainey Pain & Performance. Our physical therapists and functional pain managers treat all types of low back pain and will help improve and restore your mobility and reduce your pain. 

Symptoms of low back pain vary. Your pain may be dull, burning, or sharp. You might feel pain at a single point or over a broader area. Your pain could include muscle spasms or stiffness and may even spread into the legs. 

It used to be believed that the cause of low back pain was related directly to the tissues of the body, but we now understand that low back pain is more complex. Several conditions may relate to low back pain including degenerative disk disease, fractures, herniated disks, and osteoarthritis. 

One common myth about low back is avoiding or limiting physical activity. Proper stretching of the muscles and active exercise will significantly help maintain a normal range of motion and relieve muscle suffering. Physical therapists are movement experts. We will improve your quality of life and help you relieve back pain. 

We will begin by determining what kind of back pain you're dealing with. Is it irritation or pressure on a nerve? A disk bulge or spinal stenosis? We will review your health history, ask about your symptoms, and provide a detailed, thorough examination that assesses your movements.

Our goal is to improve and restore mobility. Treatments may include manual therapy, specific strengthening exercises, education about taking better care of your back, and proper training for lifting, bending, and sitting. 

Physical therapy can be a more holistic alternative to surgery, medication, and other treatment methods. One of our patients shares her story, " I am a 61-year-old active female. I saw Dr. Rainey for lower back pain that had exacerbated to the point where I was unable to stand for long periods of time. I had approximately six sessions with him and the pain was mostly gone. During these sessions, Dr. Rainey was attentive, concerned, and answered all of my questions. He appeared to put a lot of thought into his work. During my last session, he massaged my lower back in a manner best described as feeling like a little bit of heaven. I was able to return to the gym and continue walking in my neighborhood and in the Huachuca Mountains. I even hiked the Grand Canyon in November 2019." ~Leslie S.

We look forward to helping you find relief from low back pain. Schedule an appointment today and improve your quality of life! 

Additional Resources:
  • Check out our blog post Myth - Discs Can Easily Slip Out of Place (https://www.raineypainandperformance.com/blog/category/back-pain)

Myth- Discs Can Easily Slip Out of Place

12/2/2021

 
​The term "slipped disc" has become common usage. This is one of the biggest misconceptions people have about back pain, and the image this creates of what's happening in the body leads to further pain.  Discs don't slide out of position.  Discs are firmly attached to the spinal column by strong ligaments. Discs herniate rather than slip which is typical as we age. 

Randy A. Shelerud, M.D., who writes for the Mayo Clinic, teaches that "Disks act as cushions between the vertebrae in your spine. They're composed of an outer layer of tough cartilage that surrounds softer cartilage in the center. Over time, disks dehydrate and their cartilage stiffens. These changes can cause the outer layer of the disk to bulge out fairly evenly all the way around its circumference — so it looks a little like a hamburger that's too big for its bun." 

If you are experiencing disc herniation, you may think rest is the best medicine. This is false. Studies have shown that most people have some degree of herniated discs but have no pain associated with this condition. Mild exercise is usually the best approach to back pain, including herniated discs.

Herniated discs can improve and resolve. Working with a physical therapist is one of the best ways to recover from pain. When you come to see our physical therapists, we begin with a thorough full-body movement assessment. We will determine if it's the herniated disc causing the pain or something else like how your hips or neck move. 

Too many people think that they will never be free of back pain; this is not true. Working with a physical therapist can resolve the pain you are experiencing. Give us a call today at 520-459-1386 or email us at notifyrpp@gmail.com with your questions.

We look forward to helping you avoid medications, injections, and surgery and decreasing your pain. 

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(520) 459-1386

Email: ​
notifyrpp@gmail.com
​
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125 S 2nd St, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635
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200 E. WILCOX DR. SIERRA VISTA, AZ 85635

  • Home
  • What We Treat
  • Services
    • Physical Therapy
    • Functional Pain Management
    • Classes
    • Cardiac Rehab
    • Mental Health Tools
    • Personal Training
    • Functional Capacity Evaluations
    • Career Opportunities & Education
    • Sierra Vista Beats
  • About
    • Our team
    • Insurance & Payment
    • Locations
    • Hours
    • FAQ
    • Testimonials
  • Blog
  • Contact Us