Back Pain Specialist

Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center

Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation located in Greenbelt, Olney, Bowie, Riverdale, Glen Burnie, and Rockville, MD

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people see their doctor. Though most people recover from back pain, it can recur or turn into a chronic problem. Starting physical therapy at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center when you first have back problems may prevent your pain from turning into a chronic condition. The team takes an integrative approach to physical therapy, providing innovative treatments to reduce back pain and improve health and function. Call the office in Greenbelt, Olney, Bowie, Riverdale, Glen Burnie, Laurel, or Silver Spring, Maryland, or schedule an appointment online today. Same-day and next-day appointments are available.

Back Pain Q & A

What is back pain?

Back pain is any type of discomfort in your back. The pain may range from a dull aching sensation to electric shock-like pain that travels down your legs.

In most cases, back pain gets better within a few days or a few weeks with at-home care. However, some people continue to have back pain that lasts months or years. That type of back pain is known as chronic back pain.

Though most people with acute back pain manage their symptoms at home, the team at Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center recommends scheduling a consultation when you have back pain to prevent your pain from turning into a chronic condition.

What causes back pain?

Back pain may develop from an injury, degenerative changes that occur with age, or an underlying condition. Common causes of back pain include:

Strains and sprains
Herniated disc
Degenerative disc disease
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
Ankylosing spondylitis — arthritis of the spine
Radiculopathy
Fractures
Spinal deformities

These conditions affect the normal structure and function of your back and spine. Your spine protects your spinal cord and serves as an exit for the spinal nerves that go to all the organs, tissues, and muscles in your body.

Changes in the structure of your spine may irritate or compress these spinal nerves or the spinal cord, causing inflammation and pain.

How can physical therapy help my back pain?

Physical therapy can help your back pain by strengthening the muscles that support your back, improving spinal mobility and flexibility, and teaching you how to hold your body to improve posture and reduce stress on your spine.

When you visit Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Center for help with back pain, your physical therapist conducts a comprehensive initial assessment before making any specific treatment recommendations.

During this assessment, your physical therapist reviews your medical history and assesses strength, balance, flexibility, and mobility of your back and the supportive muscles. They create your functional goals and treatment plan, which may include: