Washington, D.C. Physical Therapy Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common ailment that affects millions of people worldwide. At Release Physical Therapy 30 percent of our patient population is lower back pain.  Lower back pain can be debilitating, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks, work, and sleep, and it can greatly affect your quality of life. The pain can be categorized into two main types: mechanical and derangement. Understanding these types of pain is the first step toward effective treatment, often involving physical therapy. 

Mechanical Lower Back Pain

Mechanical lower back pain, also known as musculoskeletal or nonspecific lower back pain, is the most common type of back pain. It’s often caused by strain or injury to the muscles and ligaments in the back, such as from heavy lifting, poor posture, or sudden awkward movements. The pain is usually localized in the lower back and may be accompanied by muscle spasms or stiffness.

Derangement Lower Back Pain

Derangement lower back pain, on the other hand, is less common but can be more severe. This type of pain is caused by structural problems in the spine, such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. The pain can be constant or intermittent, and it may radiate to other parts of the body, such as the buttocks, legs, or feet.

What is the best physical therapy for lower back pain?

Physical therapy is a proven and effective treatment for both mechanical and derangement lower back pain. It involves a series of treatments designed to relieve pain, improve mobility, and strengthen the muscles that support the spine. At Release Physical Therapy, we believe in a personalized approach to treatment. Each client is unique, and thus, every session is tailored to their specific needs, combining manual techniques and exercises. However, to provide a clearer understanding of our preferred treatments, we will further delineate them into categories for mechanical and derangement pain.

Lower Back Derangement Pain – Our favorite treatment is The McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) is a specialized physical therapy approach that is often used for treating derangement lower back pain. This method involves a series of exercises that aim to centralize or reduce the pain. The idea is to move the pain away from the extremities (like the legs) towards the back, where it is easier to manage. The McKenzie Method also emphasizes the importance of self-care and patient education. Patients are taught how to perform the exercises at home and how to adjust their postures and movements to prevent future episodes of back pain. This method has been shown to be particularly effective for patients with disc-related back pain.

Mechanical Lower Back Pain – Our favorite treatment is manual therapy. Manual therapy, including massage and dry needling, can be highly effective in treating lower back pain. Massage techniques, such as deep tissue and trigger point massage, work to relieve tension in the muscles and fascia, improving flexibility and reducing pain. They can also help to break up adhesions, promoting better circulation and healing. Dry needling, on the other hand, targets specific trigger points in the muscles, helping to release tightness and alleviate pain. This can also lead to improved muscle function and mobility. Overall, these manual therapy techniques can play a crucial role in managing lower back pain, enhancing the effectiveness of other treatments, and promoting a faster recovery.

How long does physical therapy take for lower back pain?

The duration of physical therapy for lower back pain can vary greatly depending on the severity of the pain, the underlying cause, and the individual’s overall health and fitness level. On average, a physical therapist might recommend 6 to 12 sessions over the course of 4 to 6 weeks for minor to moderate lower back pain. However, more chronic or severe conditions may require ongoing treatment over several months. It’s important to remember that everyone’s recovery timeline is different, and patience and consistency are key to achieving the best results. Regular home exercises and lifestyle modifications, as advised by the physical therapist, can also significantly speed up recovery and prevent future episodes of back pain.

Can a physical therapist fix lower back pain?

Physical therapy is often regarded as the most effective treatment for lower back pain due to its comprehensive approach. At Release Physical Therapy, we firmly believe in personalizing our sessions to each client. We understand that there is no one-size-fits-all treatment, hence our therapists design individualized treatment plans based on the patient’s specific symptoms, pain levels, mobility issues, and overall health. This personalized approach ensures that the therapy addresses the root cause of the pain, rather than just managing the symptoms. Furthermore, we take a holistic approach to treatment. We do not just focus on the site of the pain but also address other factors that may be contributing to the pain, such as poor posture, muscle imbalances, and lifestyle habits. We aim to provide long-term relief from pain by addressing its underlying causes. Our treatment includes exercises and stretches that strengthen the back muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance posture, all of which help prevent future episodes of back pain.

How do I know if my lower back pain is a disc or a muscle? 

Determining the root cause of lower back pain can be complex, as both muscle and disc issues can present similar symptoms. However, there are certain characteristics that can help differentiate between the two.

Muscle-related back pain is often localized and can intensify with specific movements or activities. It can also cause referred pain in different areas due to trigger points, which are tight knots of muscle fibers that can form in muscles under stress. Our therapists are trained to identify referral patterns so they will be able to determine if your symptoms are coming from referred pain from trigger points.

Disc-related back pain, on the other hand, can also intensify with certain movements, particularly those involving bending or twisting. This type of pain often radiates down the legs and may be accompanied by numbness or tingling.

At Release Physical Therapy, our skilled therapists conduct a comprehensive evaluation to determine the source of your pain. Our therapists will accurately diagnose the cause of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. Our goal is not only to relieve your pain but also to prevent it from recurring in the future.

What exercises should you avoid with lower back pain?

The types of exercises to avoid with lower back pain can vary greatly depending on the individual’s specific condition and symptoms. However, there are some general guidelines that can be helpful.

1. High-impact exercises: Activities that involve a lot of jumping or running can put a lot of stress on the lower back and exacerbate pain.
2. Heavy weightlifting: Lifting heavy weights, especially without proper form, can strain the lower back. 
3. Twisting movements: Exercises that involve a lot of twisting of the spine, such as certain types of yoga poses, and tennis and golf swings, can potentially worsen lower back symptoms.
   

It’s important to note that while these exercises may need to be avoided during acute episodes of lower back pain, they may not necessarily need to be avoided forever. Once the pain has subsided, and with proper guidance and modifications, many people can reintroduce these activities into their routine gradually. 

At Release Physical Therapy, we can provide you with a personalized exercise program that takes into account your specific condition, symptoms, and fitness level. We can also teach you how to perform exercises correctly and safely to avoid exacerbating your lower back pain. Our goal at Release Physical Therapy is to get you back to doing what you want to do.

What do physical therapists do for lower back pain?

Physical therapy can effectively alleviate symptoms of lower back pain as well as numbness and tingling, and help you return to the activities you love. At Release Physical Therapy, we employ a range of techniques to treat lower back pain, including McKenzie Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), Posture and Ergonomic assessments, Graston Technique, Trigger Point Dry Needling, Active Release Techniques (ART), laser therapy, functional training, therapeutic exercises, and other specialized treatments. At Release, our physical therapists work closely with each patient, providing one-on-one attention to develop a personalized care and treatment plan. 

What is the best exercise for lower back pain?

The most effective exercises for physical therapy are determined by the nature of the injury and the specific needs and conditions of the patient. At Release Physical Therapy, each treatment is individualized to the client’s specific needs. However, as a general guideline, here’s what we typically recommend:

Derangement Lower Back Pain 

• Disc-related issues: For conditions related to disc problems, we utilize the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) approach, which involves a series of repetitive movements to centralize or reduce pain and restore range of motion. This is followed by exercises aimed at improving core and hip stability, which can help support the spine and prevent future episodes of back pain.
• Stenosis: For patients with stenosis, we focus on flexion-based exercises, which can help open up the spinal canal and relieve pressure on the nerves. We also incorporate core stability exercises to strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

Mechanical Lower Back Pain

• Muscle strain: For patients who have experienced a muscle strain, we focus on deep core stability exercises some of our favorites are fall outs, fall outs with Theraband, marching, marching with Theraband, heel slides, heel slides with Theraband, bird dog, as well as hip stability exercises to strengthen the muscles and prevent further injury. We also incorporate mobility work to improve flexibility and range of motion.Check out the videos we’ve created to see how to perform all of these different exercises.

Should you rest or exercise with lower back pain?

At Release Physical Therapy, we believe in the importance of movement for managing lower back pain. While rest is important in the acute phase of an injury, prolonged inactivity can often exacerbate back pain and lead to further issues such as muscle weakness and stiffness. 

We encourage our patients to stay as active as possible, within their tolerance. This means engaging in gentle movements and exercises that do not exacerbate the pain. This could include walking, gentle stretching, or specific exercises prescribed by our therapists.

Is it better to go to a chiropractor or a physical therapist for lower back pain?

Both chiropractors and physical therapists can provide relief for lower back pain, but physical therapy is often recommended as the initial treatment. Physical therapists utilize a range of techniques and methods to alleviate lower back pain, enhance mobility, and strengthen the muscles of the lower back and core. They also offer guidance on posture and body mechanics to prevent future episodes of lower back pain. The goal of physical therapy is to tackle the underlying cause of the pain and provide enduring solutions, rather than just temporary relief.

At Release Physical Therapy, we understand the impact that lower back pain can have on your daily life. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you alleviate this pain and improve your quality of life. If you’re currently experiencing lower back pain, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for assistance. You can schedule an appointment at either our West End/Foggy Bottom location, our downtown Washington, D.C. office, or our Tyson’s Corner office. To book an appointment, simply give us a call or book online. Contact us today and let us help you get back to doing the things you love to do pain-free!