If you've worked in physical therapy jobs, you've likely cared for patients with lower back pain, as it is a prevalent condition. Researchers, whose findings were published in the journal Annals of Rheumatic Diseases, reviewed data in a 2010 Global Burden of Disease study. They determined that approximately 1 in every 10 people experienced lower back pain, making it the No. 1 cause of disability worldwide. Additionally, health experts expect back pain to become even more apparent as the population ages. As such, physical therapists must be equipped with the appropriate knowledge to accommodate the growing need for lower back pain care.
Be prepared
Considering the number of people with lower back pain is only expected to rise, as physical therapist, you must be prepared both mentally and physically for this care need. That is, educate yourself on the condition and have the appropriate tools on hand to facilitate care.
Know that as a physical therapist, your role is crucial for helping people function with back discomfort. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reviewed two groups of 100 patients each who all experienced lower back pain. Researchers discovered the group that underwent four physical therapy sessions as opposed to waiting out the pain experienced greater mobility.
Be confident in knowing that your services and expertise can boost the quality of life for patients, and you can even use this data to paint that light at the end of the tunnel.
Determine if there is a severe issue at play
Some back pain is caused by serious underlying conditions like arthritis or a tumor. In order to provide high-quality care, physical therapists should know when it's time the patient see a different specialist. This involves identifying signs of more critical ailments.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a medical problem may be the cause of lower back pain if the discomfort is worse at night but better with exercise, is accompanied by weight loss and fatigue, involves morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes, or is worsened when walking uphill. Meanwhile, leg cramps, worsened pain when walking downhill, and greater discomfort with exercise indicate that the pain is probably just a back problem.
Look at common causes
While there are exercises you can facilitate at the clinic, patients shouldn't rely solely on their appointments to alleviate discomfort. Beyond providing directions for at-home exercises, you should also advise patients on some of the common sources for back pain. This way, they can make adjustments as necessary to improve their quality of life.
For instance, an old mattress may be to blame for a patient's symptoms. According to Harvard Medical School, firm mattresses have been the traditional solution to lower back pain, but surfaces that are too hard may lead to a poor night's rest. As such, it's important for individuals to test out different slumber surfaces to determine which is best for them.
Keeping a wallet in the back pocket not only makes someone more susceptible to theft, but it can also lead to lower back and hip pain. The New York Times reported that the real issue surfaces while sitting, as the uneven surface can lead to problems with the sciatic nerve. Of course, patients can easily fix this problem by moving their wallets to the front pocket or carrying a handbag.
Many patients will also likely experience back pain from sitting in an office chair all day. Staying sedentary for long periods of time can contribute to discomfort, so your patients can stave off pain by taking frequent walks. Suggest they keep their water bottles only half-filled so they have a reason to walk to the kitchen mid-day. Additionally, advise they use their lunch breaks for a stroll around the office.
Their posture also plays a role in their symptoms. Spine-Health noted that the person's elbows should be at a 90-degree angle while sitting, with the elbows laying even with the arm rest and the desk. Feet should be flat on the floor with the thighs parallel to the ground. Some individuals may also benefit from using a lower back support via a cushion or back rest that helps prevent slumping.
Keep these tips in mind when patients come to you with lower back pain. As with any physical therapy regimen, treatment for this condition isn't one-size-fits-all. Work with your patients to determine the best course of action for their symptoms.