Back Pain Physical Therapy Charleston, SC

Four out of five adults suffer from back pain during their lifetime, and it is one of the most common reasons for missing work and going to a physician. On the other hand, a strong and healthy back helps you sit comfortably at a computer, perform routine daily tasks, exercise, and maintain an active and satisfying lifestyle. Our movement specialists enthusiastically help our clients resolve various back issues to resume a pain-free and fulfilling life. Learn more about back pain physical therapy below, and contact us today to schedule an appointment in our Johns Island, SC office.

What Are the Parts of the Back?

Your back has thirty-three vertebrae that make up five parts of your spine:

  • Cervical. Seven vertebrae make up this neck region. The cervical spine allows your head to make various movements.

  • Thoracic. Your ribs attach to the chest part of your spine, which has twelve vertebrae.

  • Lumbar. The five vertebrae of your lower back support most of your body’s weight. Lifting and carrying items can place stress on this area and makes it vulnerable to injury.

  • Sacrum. Five vertebrae fuse to form a solid sacrum bone that forms the back part of your pelvis.

  • Coccyx. Commonly called the tailbone, some of your pelvic muscles attach to this small bone at the bottom of your spine.

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What Causes Back Pain?

Sometimes you know exactly the cause of your hurt back. However, back pain can also begin suddenly and for no known reason. Some of the common causes of back pain include:

  • Muscle strain

  • Sprained ligament

  • Muscle spasms

  • Trauma

  • Lifting heavy objects

  • Sudden movement

  • Poor posture

  • Herniated disk

  • Arthritis

+ What Are the Symptoms of Back Pain?

Most back pain doesn’t become severe and will eventually resolve on its own. However, some people experience severe, acute back pain that can lead to a chronic condition that affects their quality of life. Back pain can present itself through a wide range of symptoms, including:

  • Dull ache
  • Stiffness
  • Radiating pain to the legs
  • Leg weakness
  • Numbness or tingling in the groin or legs
  • Bladder or bowel issues

+ Risk Factors

Anyone can experience back pain in any of the five areas of the spine. The following factors can increase your risk for back pain:

  • Aging
  • Lack of physical fitness
  • Being overweight or obese
  • A physically demanding job
  • Smoking
  • Stress, depression, or anxiety
  • Overuse of backpack
  • Family history of back pain

+ How Physical Therapy Can Help

Back pain is one of the most common conditions for which people seek physical therapy. Our experienced therapists specialize in functional, therapeutic, strength, and flexibility exercises to help relieve back pain and prevent future episodes. We can also help improve your posture to correct poor posture habits that place stress on all parts of your back. For many back pain patients, physical therapy is the cornerstone of their treatment.

Schedule an Appointment

To learn more about how physical therapy can help relieve and prevent future back pain, schedule an appointment with Coastal Movement Specialists today. We serve the entire Charleston area from our Johns Island, SC location.