Back pain is a common musculoskeletal issue that affects about 8 in 10 adults. If you experience back pain and it interferes with your daily routine, it’s important to identify the underlying cause. At Dolsky Physical Therapy PC, in New York City, experienced physical therapist Alexander Dolsky, DPT, and the team treat back pain. To make an appointment, call the office in Forest Hills, Queens, or book online today.
Back pain is a burning, stabbing, or aching sensation that affects any part of your spine. Often, back pain occurs due to poor posture, repetitive strain, or general wear-and-tear, but it can also point to a more serious underlying medical condition. If you experience back pain, and it doesn’t respond to at-home treatments, contact Alexander and the team immediately.
The symptoms of back pain vary. Sometimes, it causes a dull throbbing sensation that comes and goes. Other times, it’s sharp, shooting, and extends into the legs and feet. If you experience back pain, and it lasts for more than a few weeks or your pain is severe and doesn’t improve with rest, consider physical therapy.
Back pain occurs for various reasons, including:
You might also experience back pain due to a sports-related injury.
Several factors may increase your risk of back pain, including:
You’re also more likely to experience back pain if you have an underlying medical condition, like arthritis or cancer.
A physical therapy visit begins with a review of your medical records and a discussion of your symptoms, including when they started and their severity on a scale from 1 to 10. Next, Alexander conducts an exam. He assesses your ability to walk, sit, stand, and lift your legs and has you perform a series of easy exercises.
If Alexander suspects an underlying medical condition is causing your pain, he orders diagnostic imaging with X-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. After pinpointing the source of your symptoms, he develops a custom treatment plan.
Alexander and the team use different types of physical therapy to relieve back pain. They might recommend:
Ultimately, the goal of physical therapy is to relieve inflammation and encourage your body’s natural healing process.
If you experience back pain and want to learn more about physical therapy, make an appointment at Dolsky Physical Therapy PC by calling the office or booking online today.