Most people experience back pain at some point in their lives. But if your back pain has persisted for months, you might start to despair that you’ll never be able to address it fully. We understand–managing chronic back pain can be incredibly difficult. However, the team at Fitness Matters is here to help.
Chronic pain is officially defined as pain that lasts for more than three months. It’s a complex condition that often continues despite medical treatment. The exact cause is often unclear, and psychological factors frequently come into play as a factor. As you might expect, this type of pain affects both your physical health and mental well-being and can dramatically impact your quality of life.
Fortunately, physical therapy at Fitness Matters can help you find relief. We focus on improving mobility, strengthening muscles, and reducing pain through targeted exercises and techniques. We also have the education and expertise to identify the root causes of your pain and create personalized plans to help you regain your strength and function.
Managing chronic pain is difficult–but it’s not impossible, especially if you have some help from our Columbus, OH, Pickerington, OH, and Westerville, OH physical therapists. Keep reading to learn more about our top strategies for finding relief so you can lead a healthier, more active life.
Five Physical Therapist-Approved Tips for Managing Chronic Back Pain
Get Some Exercise
- Regular physical activity is essential in addressing chronic back pain, and even simple activities like walking can do the trick. While exercise can be intimidating if you’re dealing with chronic pain, it’s important to start slow and gradually increase intensity. We can help.
Maintain Proper Posture
- Poor posture can put extra pressure on your spine, increasing pain. However, maintaining proper posture is more about keeping your spine aligned and avoiding prolonged postures (like sitting in front of a computer) than “standing up straight.” Our team can provide you with personalized postural corrections and suggestions for maintaining postural awareness throughout the day.
Make Healthy Choices
- A healthy lifestyle can offer many benefits in managing chronic back pain. Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep each night, and staying hydrated all support overall health, including keeping pain and inflammation in check.
Practice Mind-Body Techniques
- Because chronic pain often involves psychological factors, practices such as mindfulness, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can be incredibly effective. These techniques help to reduce the stress and anxiety that can worsen pain. By learning to relax and focus your mind, you can better manage the discomfort associated with chronic back pain.
Don’t Skip Physical Therapy
- Physical therapy is essential in managing chronic back pain. We can help guide you through all of the tips mentioned above. We also offer several drug-free pain management techniques, including manual therapy, laser therapy, and more.
More About What To Expect During Physical Therapy
At Fitness Matters, we take a personalized approach to managing chronic back pain. The first step is a comprehensive evaluation in which one of our physical therapists assesses your medical history, pain levels, and physical abilities. We use this information to create a tailored treatment plan that addresses your specific needs.
During your sessions, we’ll guide you through various exercises and techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility. Sessions typically start with warm-up activities and manual therapy techniques to prepare your body for treatment. For example, we might manipulate the soft tissue in your back or mobilize your spine to help reduce pain and boost blood flow to the area.
Once you’re ready, we’ll guide you through targeted exercises to stretch and strengthen your back. We’ll start slowly and gradually increase the intensity as you improve, with a special focus on improving your core muscles, as those play an important role in supporting your spine.
You Don’t Have to Manage Chronic Back Pain On Your Own
We know how difficult it is to live with chronic back pain–but with a little bit of effort and some simple lifestyle modifications, you can start working toward pain relief. To get started with a comprehensive consultation, schedule an appointment at Fitness Matters today.
