back pain Battle Creek MI

Back Pain Relief

Back Pain & Sciatica Are Possible With Physical Therapy

Did you know that one in every four Americans has experienced back pain within the past three months? According to the American Physical Therapy Association, back pain is the most commonly experienced type of pain across the United States. It usually develops from a muscle strain or injury, but sometimes your discomfort may not be just general back pain, it could be sciatica. Sciatica, while it still falls under the definition of “back pain” is a very specific type. It is also incredibly common. Sciatica is typically felt in the lower back, legs, or buttocks, and it develops from issues surrounding the nerves. Whether you’re experiencing general back pain or sciatica pain, our licensed Battle Creek, MI physical therapists can help relieve your symptoms and restore you to optimum levels of physical function. In many cases, Battle Creek, MI physical therapy treatments can even eliminate the need for harmful pain-management drugs, such as opioids, or an invasive surgical procedure. If you are suffering from back pain, contact Muscle & Spine Rehabilitation Center today. One of our dedicated physical therapists will design a treatment plan specific for your needs, in order to provide back pain relief and recovery.

Back Pain vs. Sciatica: What’s the Difference?

Back pain

“Back pain” is an all-encompassing term used to describe a vast number of conditions that cause pain in the upper or lower back. Sports-related injuries, poor posture, and car accidents are just a few of the many ways that someone can develop back pain.

Back pain can be described as either acute or chronic. Acute pain means that it lasts for a short time and is usually severe. Chronic pain means that it lasts generally three months or longer and it can either cause dull or severe persistent pain. The pain you experience is typically either rooted in your back muscles or the bones in your spine.

No matter what the case may be, one of our Battle Creek, MI physical therapists can set up a treatment plan based on your specific back pain, its location, and your medical history.

Sciatica

Those who have experienced sciatica typically report it as being very uncomfortable. Fortunately, it is also fairly easy to diagnose.

Sciatica pain is typically reported as being very uncomfortable. The silver lining is that it is also easy to diagnose. People with sciatica suffer from pain along their sciatic nerve, which is the biggest nerve in the human body. The sciatic nerve begins at the lower back, splitting at the base of the spine to extend down the buttocks, both legs, and ends at the bottom of each foot.

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes “pinched” or otherwise damaged in some way, thus resulting in a “stinging,” “burning,” or “shooting” sensation in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.

FAQs

How do I know if my back pain is serious?

The pain you experience in your back may either be acute or chronic, depending on how it was sustained. Acute pain means that it lasts for a short time and is usually severe. Chronic pain means that it lasts generally three months or longer and it can either cause dull or severe persistent pain. The pain you experience is typically either rooted in your back muscles or the bones in your spine. If your pain is severe enough to hinder you from doing daily tasks, if it suddenly worsens, or if it has lasted longer than three months, then it is time to seek the help of a physical therapist.

How do I get relief from back pain?

You can treat your back pain with physical therapy. Physical therapy can address back pain by helping to improve your range of motion, strengthening the muscles in the affected areas, and using targeted massage to reduce tension. In many situations, working with a physical therapist to improve can significantly reduce the severity of your back pain, and may even help you avoid more invasive procedures, such as surgery.

What is the best physical therapy treatment for back pain?

Your physical therapist will design a treatment plan based on your specific needs. Your individualized treatment plan will incorporate the best methods possible for relieving your pain, facilitating the healing process, and restoring function and movement to the affected area(s) of your back. Your initial appointment will consist of a comprehensive evaluation, which will help your physical therapist discover which forms of treatment will be best for the orthopedic, neurologic, or cardiovascular condition you are experiencing. The main stages of your plan will focus on pain relief, which may include any combination of ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, posture improvement, targeted stretches and exercises, or any other treatment that your physical therapist may deem fit. While there is no singular method for relieving back pain, your physical therapist will make sure you receive the best treatments for your needs.

How do you relieve back pain without drugs?

While medication is easy, it only helps your pain subside for a short amount of time. Over time, certain drugs can cause some unfavorable side effects, and in some cases, they can be habit-forming. With NSAIDs, you run the risk of blood clots, heart attack, or stroke. With corticosteroids, you run the risk of cataracts, high blood sugar levels, and bone loss. Luckily, there is a much safer and healthier alternative to treating persistent back pain: physical therapy. At your initial consultation, your physical therapist will ask you several questions regarding your medical history, lifestyle, and painful area(s). This information will assist your physical therapist in creating the best treatment plan for you and your specific needs, so you can be provided with long-term results.

Why do back pain and sciatica occur?

The most common cause of back pain is from sustaining an injury. This can happen in one of two ways – from an instant, sudden trauma (such as a car accident) or from a repetitive-use injury that develops gradually over time (such as bending down multiple times throughout the week to pick up heavy boxes). Back pain can also result from underlying conditions, such as herniated discs, which can also lead to sciatica. Degenerative disc disease is another common culprit for back pain, which is typically caused by obesity or poor posture. Those who suffer from degenerative disc disease usually report feeling chronic dull aches in their lower back.

The medical term for sciatica is “lumbar radiculopathy,” and unlike general back pain, it is a bit harder to understand. Sciatica typically affects people aged 30-50, and there are several different ways in which it can develop. Certain conditions can lead to sciatica, such as bone spurs, arthritis, or any injury that affects the sciatic nerve. Injuries can also lead to sciatica, such as herniated discs, harsh falls, sports-related collisions, or anything that occurs gradually over time through overuse, repetition, or general “wear and tear.”

See How We Have Helped Others With Their Back Pain!

I was a patient at Muscle & Spine because of bulging discs in my back. After just a few visits, I started feeling so much better. They provided me with all the stretches and exercises I needed to make my back feel better, and everyone was always so friendly and helpful.

– Kendall L.

After having hurt my back, I was referred to the muscle and spine rehab center. The evaluation that Ben provided was spot on. Over the course of my next six visits, I was soon back to golfing on a regular basis. In all honesty, my core is stronger than it has been in a long time and I have better flexibility and mobility.

– Greg R.

My experience with Muscle and Spine began 19 years ago after a bad motorcycle accident where I damaged my spinal cord. I wanted the most aggressive therapy they could provide we would adapt and change the plan as we progressed.

– Brad M.

y far better than any chiropractor care I’ve had done. I had a herniated bulging disc that their staff did wonders with for me. Thank you to all the Staff!

– Ben K.

I came in a few weeks after running my first half marathon with some hamstring, neck, and lower back issues. At the end of my treatment, my pain was resolved and I learned daily exercises to maintain proper spine alignment going forward. I not only recovered from my injuries, but also learned so much about them and how to prevent them from recurring. Thank you!

– Cindy C.

Staff is very friendly and knowledgeable. Came for hip pain and found out it was originating from my back. I was taught how to relieve the pain without medication or long-term therapy. I feel more in tune with my body and knowledgeable about listening to what it’s telling me. I really appreciate their help and kindness!

– Christina G.
Physical-therapy-clinic-back-pain-relief-muscle-&-spine-rehabilitation-center-battle-creek-mi

Contact Muscle & Spine Rehabilitation Center

If you’re suffering from back pain or sciatica, you can find safe and effective treatments with physical therapy. Our highly-trained Battle Creek, MI physical therapists will help determine your diagnosis before creating your treatment plan. The main stages of your plan will focus on pain relief, which may include any combination of ice and heat therapies, manual therapy, posture improvement, targeted stretches, and exercises, or any other treatment that our physical therapist deems fit.

As you progress and improve, our physical therapist will expand on your exercises and stretches by making them more intensive over time. This will help increase your overall strength and range of motion. Those diagnosed with sciatica will likely be prescribed specific leg stretches, in order to loosen up the sciatic nerve.

The overall goal of physical therapy for back pain and sciatica is to relieve pain, strengthen the body, and improve overall function. At Muscle & Spine Rehabilitation Center, we want to help you get back to living your daily life, without having to worry about pain or discomfort.

If you are suffering from back pain or sciatica, contact our Battle Creek, MI physical therapy office today to schedule your initial consultation. No matter how severe the pain may be, Muscle & Spine Rehabilitation Center will help relieve it so you can get back to doing the activities you love.

Your Next Steps Towards Living The Pain-Free Life Your Deserve!

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

START YOUR RECOVERY TODAY!