Back Pain
Back pain is the most common reason people see a physical therapist, and most of it is mechanical: a strained muscle, an irritated disc or a stiff joint rather than serious damage. Logos Physical Therapy treats lower back pain in Perth Amboy and Somerville, New Jersey, with hands-on care and exercise built around what you need to get back to.
What is behind your lower back pain
Low back pain rarely has one cause. Your evaluation sorts out which of these is driving yours.
Muscle strain and back spasms
A pulled muscle in your back can lock up for days. It usually settles with movement, not bed rest, and the right exercises help keep it from coming back.
Herniated or bulging disc
A herniated disc or a bulging disc can irritate a nearby nerve. Many patients improve with directional exercises and manual therapy.
Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis
Age-related changes in the discs and the spinal canal are common and often painless. When they do hurt, strength, mobility and activity changes help.
SI joint pain
The sacroiliac joint sits at the base of the spine. It can cause one-sided low back and buttock pain, and responds to targeted mobility and stabilization work.
New back pain versus long-lasting back pain
New (acute) back pain usually eases over a few weeks, and staying active usually beats bed rest. Back pain that lingers for months is a different problem: the tissue may have healed, but movement habits and weakness keep it going.
Back pain from sitting is one of the most common patterns we see, so your therapist looks at how you get up from a chair and how your hips and trunk share the load. The same goes for back pain when bending: we watch how you hinge, then retrain it.
What your back pain evaluation involves
Your first visit is one-on-one with a physical therapist. We ask about your pain, your history and your goals, then test how your spine, hips and nerves move and how your core and legs work.
Treatment is hands-on and active: manual therapy including spinal mobilization, directional preference exercises, core stabilization and training in lifting and posture. Your plan changes as your back changes. You can come to Logos with a physician’s referral or ask for care directly.
Pain going down your leg?
Back pain that travels is often a nerve story, and it has its own page.
Sciatica
Pain, tingling or numbness below the knee points toward the sciatic nerve. Read about sciatica treatment.
Hip pain
Pain in the buttock or outer hip can come from the back or the hip joint itself. See hip pain care.
Red flags: see a doctor or go to the ER
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Fever along with back pain
- Pain after a serious fall or accident
If any red flag applies, get medical care first. Related pages: chronic pain and rehab after back surgery.
Back pain care in Perth Amboy and Somerville
Request an appointment at Logos Physical Therapy and a physical therapist will call you to find a time.
We see patients in Perth Amboy and Somerville, New Jersey.