Treating Back Pain The Right Way

Back pain symptoms can range from aching muscles to shooting pains. You may find it is difficult to move or that you simply can?t stand up straight. Muscle spasms are another common symptom. The sources of back pain include strained muscles, structural problems or ? rarely ? cancer or an infection in the spine. Strained muscles and ligaments are the most common cause of back pain and it is here that a physiotherapist can be most helpful.

Physiotherapists
A physiotherapist is a trained medical professional who specializes in developing or helping to restore the body?s movements and functions. Treatment is individualized to the client, the nature of the injury or problem and the desired outcome. A treatment program may last for only a few sessions or long period of time.

Common Treatments

The following are common treatments of back pain:

The application of ice or heat.

Generally ice is used immediately after an injury to help relieve swelling, while heat is applied later in treatment to help warm and loosen muscles and increase blood flow.

Ultrasound is a form of therapy using high frequency heat waves.

Electrical stimulation uses low-voltage electricity to cause muscles to contract; the treatment helps to relieve spasm and strengthen muscles.

Muscle-release techniques such as stretching or pressing on trigger points helps to relieve muscle spasm.

Massage is another way physiotherapists help to relax tense muscles.

Manipulation is a series of movements designed to stimulate circulation, reduce swelling and relieve pain.

Initially, the physiotherapist will perform them by lifting and moving the client?s extremities, but eventually the client is taught and encouraged to exercise independently.

Hydrotherapy allows the client to exercise in the weightless environment of water to improve range of movement, strengthen muscle and decrease muscle tension or spasm.

Posture and Back Pain
Another important function of a physiotherapist is to teach correct posture. Back pain often results from habitual posture problems -- slumping, bending too far forward or backward and other movements that cause added stress on the complex structures of the spine.

Poor posture also tends to result in muscles that are overly tight in some areas and weak in others, which also increases the odds of developing back pain. A physiotherapist will assess the areas where muscles need to be strengthened and prescribe a program of exercises to correct the deficiencies.

At the same time, the physiotherapist will teach the client stretching exercises to help relax and lengthen tight muscles.
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Source: http://health.ezinemark.com/treating-back-pain-the-right-way-7d35104cfca9.html

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