Nearly everyone has to deal with back pain at some time or another, even if it’s just a minor backache that develops after a strenuous activity. However, it is estimated that 20% of people affected by acute lower back pain eventually become chronic back pain sufferers. While there are many factors that are beyond your control when it comes to preventing lower back pain, taking a proactive approach is still important. 

Whether you’ve suffered from back pain before or you are currently dealing with pain, physical therapists can be a great resource for helping you learn how to prevent lower back pain. That’s why we’re sharing some commonly recommended advice from physical therapists on practical steps to take.

How therapists help with lower back pain prevention 

First, a physical therapist needs to take a look at your back to determine the primary causes of your pain. This includes a review of medical history, a discussion of symptoms and a full physical examination that involves movement and posture tests. The goal of any physical therapy program is to improve function and promote the long-term health of the spine. 

To prevent lower back pain going forward, therapists can make the following recommendations:

1. Strengthen your core — The core muscles are essential to supporting the spine and help to relieve pressure on the lower back. Targeted exercise can help develop them and help keep pain at bay. 
2. Improve your posture — Bending, stooping and slouching all cause excessive stress to be placed on points of the lower back. Posture training can help you increase awareness of your body and the lower back in particular to better distribute your weight.
3. Don’t be sedentary — While some rest is important for recovering from back pain, too much inactivity can weaken the lower back. It can also be associated with other health concerns, including obesity and decreased cardiovascular health. 

Physical therapy can help you achieve these and other goals through therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, posture and movement training, and patient education. 

Work with the lower back pain prevention experts

At Rehab Access, we can help you achieve lower back pain relief and prevention through a custom treatment plan that is right-sized for your needs and lifestyle. Our highly skilled therapists will work with you one-on-one to develop a stronger, more flexible and more functional lower back so you can enjoy a healthy and active lifestyle. 

To learn more and schedule your initial appointment, contact us today.