Physical Therapy: A Natural Remedy for Back Pain Relief

Is back pain sparking your curiosity about the back's anatomy? Welcome to your ultimate guide to learning everything you need to know about your back! Whether you’re dealing with pain or simply want a stronger, healthier spine, this article has you covered.

We'll discuss the anatomy of your back, the leading causes of pain, and how physical therapy might aid in alleviating and preventing discomfort and future injuries. So, pull up a chair, grab some tea, sit upright, and let's begin our journey to a healthier back!

Anatomy of the Back

The back is separated into three regions: 

• Cervical (neck) - contains seven vertebrae

• Lumbar (lower back) - contains five vertebrae

• Thoracic (upper back)- contains twelve vertebrae

The sacrum and coccyx, two connected bones that compose the pelvis, are positioned beneath the lumbar region.

The spinal cord travels through the middle of the vertebrae and is safeguarded by the vertebral column, which comprises the vertebrae and their related muscles and ligaments. The spinal cord's responsibility is to transmit motor and sensory data between your brain and other parts of your body.

The back muscles work together to supply stability and movement for the back and torso.

Your back muscles are grouped into several layers, 

The deepest layer - consists of the Transversospinal muscles

The middle layer - consists of erector spinae muscles

The superficial layer - consists of the trapezius, latissimus dorsi, and rhomboid muscles.

Primary Causes of Back Pain

Back pain can be triggered due to numerous factors that include underlying health conditions like an infection or cancer. Some of the main causes of back pain include:

• Poor Posture: The back muscles may be stressed and painful from poor posture, slouching, or hunching over a computer.

• Muscle Strain or Sprain: Back discomfort can be triggered by swift movements, heavy lifting, or muscle overuse.

• Herniated Disc: When the soft inner part of a spinal disc presses through the outer layer, a herniated disc develops and applies pressure on the surrounding nerves, causing pain, tingling, and numbness.

• Spinal Stenosis: Spinal stenosis occurs when the gaps within the spinal column shrink, placing pressure on the nerves and spinal cord resulting in pain, weakness, or numbness.

• Osteoarthritis: Limited mobility, pain, and stiffness are characteristics of osteoarthritis, which is classified as a degenerative joint condition that damages spinal joints.

Diagnostic Procedures to Find the Root of Pain

To identify the source of your pain, your healthcare provider may perform numerous diagnostic tests. Listed below are some of the most common diagnostic tests for back pain:

• X-rays: X-rays can display images of bones and assist in detecting abnormalities like bone spurs and fractures.

• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes radio waves and magnetic fields to produce detailed pictures of soft tissues, like nerves and discs.

• CT scan: A computed tomography (CT) scan utilizes digital technology and X-rays to produce detailed images of muscles, bones, and other tissues.

• Physical Exam: A physical exam can assess your strength and range of motion, as well as any abnormalities within the joints or muscles.

PT for Core Muscle Strength, Spinal Alignment, and Ease Pressure/Trigger Points

Back discomfort can effectively be treated, as the core muscles that support your spine gain strength through physical therapy. Together, these core muscles help to sustain good posture and support the spine. The core muscles consist of:

• Pelvic floor 

• Lower back

• Deep muscles in the abdomen

In addition, physical therapy can also work on trigger points within the muscles. Trigger points are tender, tight areas that can trigger back pain.

Most Common PT Exercises for Back Pain

1. Pelvic Tilt: Knees bent, feet flat on the floor, while lying on your back. Now tighten your stomach muscles, in slow motion, and be sure your back is flat against the floor. Hold for a few moments, then let go.

2. Bridges: Knees bent, with feet flat on the floor, while lying on your back. Lift your hips and squeeze your lower back muscles and glutes. Hold then release.

3. Planks: Start with your forearms on the floor, now do a push-up. Utilizing your core muscles, keep your posture straight from your head to your feet. Hold for a short time and release.

4. Superman: Stretch out your legs and arms while you’re lying on your stomach. Now raise your arms, legs, and chest off the floor while using your lower back muscles as support. Hold for a short while, then release.

5. Cat/Cow: Start by bending down on your knees with your hands beneath your shoulders. Now curve your back while raising your head and your tailbone, now, arch your back while you tuck your chin into your chest. Repeat a few more times.

Conclusion

Back pain can be disabling and can affect your quality of life and your day-to-day activities. However, by having better knowledge of your back’s anatomy, finding the leading causes of back pain, and employing diagnostic tests and physical therapy routines, you may successfully improve the health of your spine and control your back pain.