Top 5 Causes of Back Pain and How Physical Therapy Can Help
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention or miss work. It can range from a mild discomfort to a debilitating condition that interferes with daily life. At Levan Physical Therapy, we understand how important it is to not only manage the pain but also address its root causes to prevent recurrence.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top 5 causes of back pain and explain how physical therapy can help you find long-lasting relief.
1. Poor Posture
In today’s digital age, many people spend hours hunched over computers and smartphones. Over time, this leads to imbalances in the spine and surrounding muscles.
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Our therapists assess your posture and identify muscle imbalances. Through corrective exercises, ergonomic guidance, and hands-on manual therapy, we help realign your spine and strengthen the muscles that support good posture.
2. Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly or making sudden awkward movements can strain the muscles or ligaments in your back. This is one of the most frequent causes of acute back pain.
How Physical Therapy Helps:
We design personalized rehabilitation plans that reduce inflammation, promote healing, and restore muscle function. Modalities like electrical stimulation, massage therapy, and targeted exercises support a safe and effective recovery.
3. Herniated or Bulging Discs
The spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges or herniates, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness—especially in the lower back and legs.
How Physical Therapy Helps:
At Levan Physical Therapy, we use non-surgical methods such as spinal stabilization exercises, manual therapy, and traction techniques to reduce pressure on the affected disc and improve mobility.
4. Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, spinal discs can lose flexibility and hydration, leading to pain and reduced range of motion. This is commonly referred to as degenerative disc disease.
How Physical Therapy Helps:
We focus on improving spinal mobility and strengthening surrounding muscles to support the affected area. Our holistic approach helps manage symptoms, improve function, and reduce flare-ups.
5. Sedentary Lifestyle
A lack of physical activity can weaken core muscles and lead to weight gain, both of which contribute to back pain. Sitting for long periods also increases stress on the lumbar spine.
How Physical Therapy Helps:
Our therapists provide functional movement training and customized exercise plans to rebuild strength, improve flexibility, and reintroduce safe activity into your routine—preventing future back problems.
How Levan Physical Therapy Can Help
At Levan Physical Therapy, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether your back pain is due to injury, lifestyle, or a chronic condition, our expert team performs a thorough assessment and creates a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Our treatments may include:
Manual therapy
Core stabilization
Postural re-education
Myofascial release
Electrical stimulation
Therapeutic exercise programs
We also emphasize education, ensuring you understand the underlying cause of your pain and how to prevent it from returning.
Don’t Let Back Pain Hold You Back
Ignoring back pain can lead to further complications and decreased quality of life. If you’re struggling with persistent back pain, let Levan Physical Therapy help you regain control and live pain-free.
📅 Request an appointment today and take the first step toward relief!