3 symptoms that should have you headed to a PT clinic for your back pain

Back pain is extremely common, especially since it can be caused by so many factors. Whether pulling a muscle while lifting a heavy object or experiencing a herniated disc from overuse, back pain can affect people at all ages. In fact, about 75% to 80% of Americans suffer from back pain at least once in their lifetime. 

With a wide range of symptoms that can accompany back pain, it’s important to know which ones to seek help for. Catching such symptoms early can help you and a physical therapist develop a treatment plan designed to reduce your symptoms and the chances of further back injury and pain. 

3 back pain accompanying symptoms that indicate you should head to a PT clinic

No matter how common backaches are, some back pain symptoms can be more difficult to deal with on your own than others. Those symptoms may require a visit to a physical therapy clinic. A few of the symptoms that should prompt a PT clinic visit for your back pain are:

1. Numbness or tingling —Tingling or numbness around the site of your back pain may indicate a pinched or damaged nerve. Depending on the severity of the pinched nerve, it may be able to heal on its own with rest. However, treatment from a physical therapist is an option to consider if tingling or numbness hasn’t improved after a few days. These medical professionals can provide advice and a treatment plan to help reduce back numbness or tingling.
2. Radiating pain — If your pain spreads from your back to your arms and legs, it can be a sign of several conditions, including a herniated disc. Pain radiating from the back to the limbs can be extremely uncomfortable. Physical therapists can help you identify the pain’s source. They can also help you address that source with a personalized treatment plan.
3. Consistent pain for several days — Most back pain gets better on its own after a few days. If you’re still experiencing pain after this time frame, and/or your pain worsens with activity, it can be a sign that you may need professional help. A physical therapy clinic may be able to provide the extra help you need for your back pain and its related symptoms. They house musculoskeletal pros, i.e., physical therapists, who can help pinpoint the source of your pain. They may even be able to ease your pain during your initial session depending on its root cause. 

Advent Physical Therapy can help address these back pain red flags

Are you looking for a solution to your back pain? Our specialists at Advent Physical Therapy offer free screenings and personalized PT plans. Our plans can help ease your back pain, treat other symptoms that result from the cause of your back pain and work to address that root cause. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.