Back Pain

Q: How will my back pain symptoms progress?

This varies from condition to condition. The range is vast from two weeks to several months depending on the type and severity of low back dysfunction.

Q: When should I seek treatment for back pain?

Typically your Physician provides a PT referral after a moderate to severe back injury. For mild cases of nagging backache that are unresolving, PT is also indicated.

Q: How long will back pain treatment typically last?

Physical Therapy for back pain typically lasts 45 minutes to an hour per visit, with a typical frequency of 1-2 days per week. The duration could be a couple of weeks to a few months depending on the severity of back injury.

Q: When can I return to work after a back injury?

This depends on the severity of said injury. Oftentimes patients don’t have to miss any work at all. Minor work modifications with lifting techniques and/or weight restrictions are often recommended.

Q: When can I return to sports if I have back pain?

This determination is on a case by case basis. A thorough PT evaluation and follow up care is needed to accurately determine how soon the patient can return to sports.

Q: How can I sleep with back pain?

If the back pain is unilateral (meaning it’s biased to either the left or right side) typically lying on the non painful side with a pillow between the knees is most comfortable.

Q: Does SportsCare take my insurance?

Here is a list of the insurance plans accepted by SportsCare Physical Therapy and Armworks Hand Therapy. If you are unsure of your coverage or if your plan is accepted, contact one of our offices; we are happy to assist you in learning about your benefits.

Q: Where is SportsCare located?

SportsCare Physical Therapy has offices in Gresham, Sandy, NE Portland, Clackamas, Beaverton, and Salem. For location specific contact information click here.

What is it?

The back is made up of the spine, spinal cord, muscles, ligaments and nerves. It provides the main structure for the body’s trunk, is required for all gross motor movement, and sends signals to and from the brain to other parts of the body. Back pain is commonly related to injuries, but may also stem from mechanical or structural spine problems, inflammatory diseases, or other medical issues. Discomfort may feel like sharp pain in a localized area, be constant and aching throughout the back, or radiate away from the back to the buttocks and down to the feet. Pain may be its worst in the morning, with inactivity, during certain movements, or may come and go.

Causes

Back pain typically presents in the lumbar region. It may be the result of:

Traumatic Injuries (Work or auto accidents)
Poor techniques used when lifting
Poor posture/ergonomics
Lack of strength and conditioning
Overweight/Obesity
Bulging/Herniated Disc pathology
Inflammation (arthritis) of the joints and/or discs
Advanced age
Osteoporosis

What We Treat

SportsCare Physical Therapists are experts in back injury rehabilitation. Below are conditions often associated with low back pain that can be painful and limit the range of motion of the spine:

Disc degeneration
Fractured vertebrae
Herniated disc
Kyphosis
Myelopathy
Radiculopathy
Sciatica
Spinal arthritis
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylosis

Treatment

SportsCare Physical Therapists will first perform a comprehensive physical evaluation, including discussing your concerns, goals, and medical history.They will then customize a treatment program that may include:

Treatment/instructions to reduce inflammation
Intermittent Compression with Cold (Game Ready and Normatec)
Modalities (Ultrasound, Ice/Heat, Electrical Stimulation)
Manual Therapy (Soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization/manipulation, muscle energy techniques, Mulligan movement techniques
Posture and Lifting mechanics
Therapeutic Exercises- Mckenzie repeated spine movements, Neuro-gliding techniques
Gait training
AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill
Unweighted/Balance Treadmill
Spinal Traction
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
Aquatic Pool Therapy
Home Exercise Program/Education for prevention