Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care and physical therapy. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move. At Sun Shine Physical Therapy Center, we specialize in identifying the root cause of your back pain and providing personalized treatment to get you moving comfortably again.

Understanding Low Back Pain

The lower back (lumbar spine) supports much of your body’s weight and plays a key role in everyday movements like bending, lifting, and walking. When the muscles, ligaments, discs, or joints in this area are injured or strained, pain can occur.

Types of Low Back Pain:

• Acute: Lasts a few days to a few weeks, often due to injury or strain.
• Subacute: Persists between 4 and 12 weeks.
• Chronic: Lasts more than 12 weeks, sometimes with intermittent flare-ups.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

1. Muscle or ligament strain – Often from heavy lifting, sudden movement, or poor posture.
2. Herniated or bulging discs – Discs between vertebrae can press on spinal nerves.
3. Degenerative disc disease – Discs lose flexibility over time.
4. Arthritis – Osteoarthritis in the spine can narrow the space around the spinal cord (spinal stenosis).
5. Poor posture – Sitting or standing incorrectly puts extra stress on the lumbar spine.
6. Sedentary lifestyle – Weak core and back muscles can’t properly support the spine.

How Physical Therapy Helps with Low Back Pain

At Sun Shine Physical Therapy Center, our licensed physical therapists create customized programs that address both symptoms and the underlying cause.

Our low back pain treatment may include:

• Manual therapy – Hands-on techniques to improve mobility and reduce tension.
• Targeted exercises – Strengthening core and back muscles for better support.
• Postural training – Teaching proper alignment for daily activities.
• Stretching routines – Relieving muscle tightness that contributes to pain.
• Heat or cold therapy – Reducing inflammation and easing muscle spasms.
• Education – Teaching patients how to protect their backs during movement.

When to See a Physical Therapist

Seek help if you experience:

• Pain lasting more than a few days.
• Difficulty standing, walking, or bending.
• Pain that radiates down the leg.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
• Low back pain after an accident or injury.

Early intervention can prevent a minor issue from becoming a long-term condition.

Preventing Low Back Pain

• Maintain good posture when sitting, standing, and lifting.
• Strengthen your core muscles to support your spine.
• Stay active and avoid prolonged bed rest.
• Lift objects with your legs, not your back.
• Invest in a supportive chair and mattress.
• Stretch daily, especially if you sit for long periods.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

At Sun Shine Physical Therapy Center, we understand how debilitating low back pain can be. Our goal is to help you recover faster, move better, and prevent future flare-ups through expert care and personalized exercise plans.

📞 Call us today to schedule your evaluation and start your journey to a pain-free back.