According to the CDC, over 58 million adults in the United States suffer from arthritis. Additionally, over 40% of adults with an arthritis diagnosis report being limited in their usual activities due to their arthritis or joint symptoms. Arthritis is a painful condition that can often make everyday tasks difficult and uncomfortable.
What causes arthritis in your lower back?
Arthritis occurs when the cartilage between our joints begins to break down. Cartilage becomes thinner as we age, making older adults more susceptible to developing arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking the joints, causing painful inflammation and swelling. Underlying conditions such as psoriasis and lupus can also cause arthritis.
Also, arthritis can be caused and further aggravated by injury, such as sports injuries or even everyday falls. If your back was injured in a car accident or other traumatic event, it can become far more susceptible to developing arthritis. In fact, 12% of all osteoarthritis cases are reported to be caused by a traumatic injury.
How can physical therapy help?
Physical therapy can help manage the pain and other symptoms caused by arthritis. The intention of physical therapy, with a physical therapy specialist who will tailor a plan to meet your specific needs, is to reduce pain, increase strength and restore mobility in those suffering from arthritis in the lower back. A physical therapy program may include:
- Soft tissue mobilization — This form of therapy uses hands-on techniques on the muscles and ligaments of the back. This breaks up internal scar tissue and increases muscle function.
- An exercise plan — Being physically active can delay the onset of arthritis-related disability and can help keep joints and muscles strong. Therapeutic exercises and increased activity can assist greatly with mobility, strength and pain management.
- Electrical stimulation — Electrical stimulation reduces pain and inflammation. It also reduces the occurrence of painful muscle spasms.
A free screening at one of our physical therapy clinics can be the first step to help you on your journey toward healing. If you suffer from arthritis in your lower back due to an injury or illness, one of our 30 highly trained physical therapists can assist you in creating a plan perfectly suited for your needs.
Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.