Physical Therapy for Post Back-Surgery

Unfortunately, the majority of people experience some form of back pain/discomfort at some point in their lives. These issues can lead to the patient pursuing a relief through back surgery, however, this isn’t always effective in ridding the individual of chronic pain. If surgery is deemed necessary, then a patient should consider Park PT, a Massapequa physical therapy practice that can provide post-surgical rehabilitation.

Causes of back pain/discomfort

Herniated Disc

The most common complaint people experience with back pain is distress in the lower lumbar area. This could potentially be a side effect suffered from a herniated disc, which is when the patient possesses a tear in one of their spinal disks. If the disk develops a tear, the nucleus could potentially bulge out and give an individual pain in not only the lower back but the legs as well.

Degenerative Changes

Another common occurrence that affects everyone in the aging process, is degenerative changes in the spine. These changes cause the disks to become flatter and less flexible, forcing the vertebrae to press tightly against each other, thus leading to pain and stiffness.

Osteoporosis

The aging process can also lead to a reduced amount of calcium within a patient’s bones. This lowered bone mass causes them to become weak and brittle, otherwise known as osteoporosis. The back pain begins to ensure when the spine becomes so weak that it starts to crack and cause small fractures to appear.

Considering a Massapequa physical therapist

If a patient undergoes one of these complications and is faced with back surgery, their primary physician will suggest post-surgery physical therapy. Fortunately, Park Physical Therapy specializes in this field and can help relieve the patient of their back-related ailments through several remedies:

• A full evaluation of back pain and accurate diagnosis of symptoms.
• Strengthening the muscles surrounding the lower lumbar area.   
• Various massage techniques that target specific issues (ex. Deep tissue massage for herniated discs).
• Temperature therapy (ice or heat) for reducing inflammation.
• Spinal manipulation (chiropractic adjustment) to assist structural alignment.
• Correction of poor posture.

If you or someone you know has recently undergone back surgery (or any other surgery) and is seeking out rehab, schedule an appointment here with your Massapequa physical therapist.