Low Back Pain
The low back is the connection point of the lumbar spine and the hips, and is heavily involved in daily movements such as walking, sitting, standing, and lifting objects. Injury to the low back can arise due to changes in the muscles or joints within and surrounding the area. Careful assessment of your symptoms, mobility, strength, and function is needed to identify the source of your pain. Our physical therapists will evaluate your low back pain and create a customized treatment plan targeted to your needs.Â
Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)/Osteoarthritis
Arthritis in the low back, also referred to as degenerative joint disease, leads to degradation of the joints and discs in the spine. This breakdown affects shock absorption in the lower back and can cause pain and stiffness with activity. Our team will implement individualized mobility activities and strengthening to decrease pain and improve ease with daily movements.
Disc Bulge/Herniation
A disc sits between each vertebra in the low back, acting as padding for shock absorption and support. Abnormal forces in the back can cause part of the disc material to shift out of its normal alignment, leading to pain and nerve irritation. These injuries typically respond very well to physical therapy interventions, including exercise.
Radiculopathy
Radiculopathy indicates compression of one of the nerves in the neck and feels like numbness or tingling into the shoulder, arm, forearm, or hand. Several structures have the potential to pinch or compress the nerve, and your treatment will involve identifying the source, reducing irritation of the nerve, and working on strategies for long-term management so your symptoms are less likely to return.
Sciatica
Sciatica can occur due to changes in the spine, muscular tightness, work conditions, and even pregnancy. Symptoms may feel like muscle weakness, tingling, burning, or even numbness. Physical therapy can help identify the cause of your pain, and help implement targeted strengthening, mobility, and lifestyle modifications to get you back to pain-free living.