The Importance of Seeing a Physiotherapist for Back Pain: What You Need to Know 

We've often found ourselves in circumstances where we've told ourselves that pain will subside over time and that there is no reason to consult an expert. However, these minor complications often lead to more significant issues. This is where a physiotherapist comes in. They create personalized treatment plans based on initial assessment and diagnosis findings. Further, physiotherapists are equipped to help you recover with your medical history and susceptibility to other physical conditions in mind. Having understood how a physiotherapist can help you deal with back pain, let us explore the different signs you might need to consider before going to the physiotherapist. 

Why Seeing a Physiotherapist for Back Pain Makes Sense 

While back pain is common among people worldwide, it tells you about your musculoskeletal health. If ignored for a prolonged period, it can seriously affect your health. This is why a thorough assessment by a physiotherapist can evaluate your pain levels, functional limitations, and how it impacts your daily life. A physiotherapist is equipped to identify the root cause of back pain, which can lead to more effective treatment and long-term relief. This further allows them to create a personalized treatment plan based on the individual's specific condition, needs, and goals. 

7 Signs that You Should See a Physiotherapist for Your Back Pain 

If you're experiencing back pain and have doubts about seeing a physiotherapist, watch out for these typical signs that often indicate the necessity of seeking advice from a professional.

Difficulty with daily activities 

When you perform certain daily activities, your body gets used to the physical strain and strength required. Over time, your body becomes comfortable with your routine. Despite this, if you cannot perform these simple tasks due to pain or discomfort in the back, it clearly indicates an issue with it. If you can continue your daily activities, it might be time to visit a physiotherapist. 

Limited range of motion 

Severe back pain has been shown to directly impact your ability to make normal movements such as walking, lifting, standing up, and so on. If you cannot carry out these tasks easily, you are likely suffering from some back complications. While back pain can be a temporary, prolonged restriction to your range of motion would need a physiotherapist consultation to deal with. 

Recurring pain 

While it is possible that your back pain could go away with rest, stretches, and other methods, the relief is often temporary. Suppose you are going through any common back-related ailments like muscle strain, Scoliosis, Whiplash, Osteoporosis, or Sciatica, among others. In that case, the pain would often recur and cause long-term damage. 

Pain longer than a week or two

As with most physical ailments, any condition that causes trouble for a week or two is a solid reason to consider visiting an expert. While acute back pain can go away on its own, it is best advised to seek a physiotherapist in order to identify any other potential problems with your back, such that you can be better prepared and make the necessary adjustments in advance. 

Back pain keeping you awake at night

Optimal muscle and skeletal well-being, quality sleep, and a balanced diet synergistically contribute to promoting a healthy and physically active lifestyle. When one component is disturbing the other, as is the case when back pain keeps you up at night, it is a possible indication that your body can't cope with the back condition you are suffering from and requires a physiotherapist's help to treat it. 

Numbness or tingling 

Numbness and tingling occur when nerves are damaged or compressed. Numbness can be described as a situation where you lose sensitivity to certain parts of the body, while tingling is just a disturbance experienced differently by different people. If your back pain is accompanied by numbness or tingling, it is a sign of a neurological issue that needs to be diagnosed by an expert physiotherapist. 

Referred pain

Referred pain is a phenomenon where it is felt in different parts of the body despite originating in one. For example, if you have back pain accompanied by neck or shoulder pain, there is reason to believe that your pain has essentially "spread." To properly assess the severity of the condition, it is best to consult a physiotherapist. 

Diagnosis and Treatment 

Going to a physiotherapist is important because an expert can run a series of tests and assessments to determine the condition you could be coping with and identify the severity of it. Based on that, they could recommend one or many back pain treatments. 

Soft tissue release

Muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia comprise the "soft tissues" of the human body. These tissues are susceptible to injury, damage, and swelling. Damage to soft tissues can cause back pain, which is why soft tissue release is an effective treatment against back pain. It is a massage technique where the right amount of pressure is applied to these soft tissues to relieve back pain. 

Customized exercises 

While working out and exercising regularly promotes a healthy lifestyle, back pain needs to be treated with specific care as some exercises are proven to cause further inflammation and pain. A physiotherapist is best equipped to create a customized exercise program which may include stretching, strengthening, or any other type of exercise which will help you recover optimally. 

Manual therapy

This is a common therapy wherein a skilled expert uses techniques like mobilization and manipulation to help your muscles relax and help provide relief from pain and inflammation. There are different types of manual therapy, like massages, compression, chiropractic care, and more which a physiotherapist will likely advise based on your specific needs. While these don't use equipment, they are proven effective for back pain recovery. 

Intramuscular stimulation, or IMS  

IMS, or dry needling, is a common treatment method that helps reduce muscle and joint pain while facilitating better blood circulation. It works by releasing tight muscles and allowing them to relax. This helps maintain the range of motion and provides relief against back pain. 

Guided stretching 

Guided stretching is one of the common ways through which you can not just recover from back pain but also prevent it from recurring in the long run. In simple terms, it is a series of exercises you can follow which are recommended by a physiotherapist based on your body's requirements, pain levels, capabilities, and limitations.

Get Treated by the Best Physiotherapists in Town at Physiotattva 

Back pain is frustrating, and you don't have to cope by yourself. If you're experiencing the common signs we've discussed, visit an expert before your pain aggravates. Let our experts at Physiotattva assess your pain and provide a detailed diagnosis, after which you can kick-start your recovery journey and live a pain-free life! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can a physiotherapist help with back pain? 

Yes, a physiotherapist can help with back pain by providing a detailed diagnosis of your issue and by helping you follow a recovery routine.

Are there any side effects associated with physiotherapy treatment for back pain? 

Physiotherapy is a highly effective method to recover from back pain, and it is safe under the guidance of a licensed expert. 

What should I expect during my first visit to a physiotherapist for back pain?

You can expect the physiotherapist to check your medical history and susceptibility to other physical conditions and assess your back pain through safe and common tests.

Is physiotherapy painful?

Physiotherapy usually does not hurt. However, it can be challenging because you will be working to relieve pain from a part of the body that is already hurting.