Specialized Care
Low Back Pain Physical Therapy in Buffalo, NY
Lower back pain affects the lower part of the spine, often from a strained muscle or a sprained ligament, and it can make ordinary tasks feel out of reach. Advance Physical Therapy has served Buffalo for over 20 years from our office on Main Street, building custom exercise plans that treat the cause of your pain rather than masking it. Call today to schedule your evaluation.
Comprehensive Treatment
Causes of
Low Back Pain.
Lower back pain has a long list of possible causes. Strains and sprains are the most common, usually from lifting without proper form. Arthritis in the lower back produces pain in all its forms. A disc that bulges out of position can press on a nerve, and a torn disc becomes a herniated disc. Sciatica sends shooting pain from the lower back down one leg, sometimes as far as the foot, and tends to worsen with long periods of standing or sitting. Pain that appears mainly when you lie down often points to disc degeneration or spinal stenosis.
Tailored to Severity
Not every case needs the same plan. Most back pain resolves on its own, but pain that is intense, lasts more than three days, or keeps you from sleeping is worth having looked at. Your therapist will evaluate you and build a plan around what is actually causing your pain.
The First Visit
Your first visit starts with questions about your pain and some simple movement so we can see what is limiting you. From there we build an exercise plan. Most plans start with walking for 15 minutes twice a day, then add pelvic tilts, partial crunches, knee-to-chest, cat-cow, and bridges. Begin with a few repetitions of each and add more as they get easier.
Know The Signs
Not all back pain is the same, and the pattern of your symptoms often points to the cause. If any of these sound familiar, contact Advance Physical Therapy in Buffalo to have it evaluated.
- Pain after lifting
- Shooting pain down one leg
- Pain that worsens at night
- Stiffness after sitting
- Numbness or tingling
- Pain lasting over three days
- Trouble sleeping from pain
- Weakness in the legs
- Pain that limits daily tasks
Frequently Asked Questions About Low Back Pain
Most back pain resolves on its own within a few days. If your pain is intense, has not improved after three days, or is keeping you from sleeping, it is worth having it evaluated. The exam itself is usually quick, and you can often get answers the same day.
The most common cause is a strain or sprain, usually from lifting without proper form. Arthritis, bulging or herniated discs, and sciatica are also frequent causes. Less often, back pain comes from a disease affecting the spine, an infection, or even kidney stones.
Not always. If your pain comes from a disease or a structural issue with your spine, prevention is not realistic. Injury-related pain is a different matter. Staying within a healthy weight range keeps pressure off the spine and discs; strong abdominal muscles support the spine; and lifting with your legs while holding the load close to your body protects your back.
Walking is one of the safest starting points, about 15 minutes twice a day. From there, pelvic tilts engage the core muscles along the spine, and partial crunches strengthen the abdominal and lower back muscles that support it. Start with a few repetitions and add more as each gets easier.
Knee-to-chest stretches the lower back muscles directly. Cat-cow moves the spine through its full range. Bridges strengthen the glutes and core together. The seated rotational stretch works the sides of the lower back while you sit.
Check with a professional first. The exercises above are gentle, but the right plan depends on what is actually causing your pain, and the wrong movement can set you back. Our therapists in Buffalo will evaluate you and build a plan around your specific injury.
Buffalo, NY