Treatment for lower back pain symptoms in Grand Rapids, MI

In addition to localized aches and pains, a lower back condition can result in a whole range of symptoms that severely disrupt your quality of life.

It may be surprising to find out that lower back pain and other symptoms in the lower body can be related. This is because the nerves that travel down into the lower body, allowing for movement and sensation, start in the lower back. Spine conditions, like a bulging disc, that cause lower back pain can also compress these nerves and cause symptoms throughout the lower body.

If you’re a patient in or around Grand Rapids, Michigan, seeking relief from lower back pain and any related symptoms, the caring staff at Advent Physical Therapy is here to help. We’ve provided this overview of lower back pain symptoms and treatment to help you better understand your options for relief. You can also feel free to call us at any time with any questions and for more information.

Symptoms related to lower back pain

The lower back has several critical roles to play for the body. First, it supports the entire upper body and holds it upright. However, it still must be flexible enough for basic movements like bending, flexing and twisting. This is why the spine is constructed of segmented bones and has so many joints and connective tissue.

Another important aspect of the lower spine is that this is the region where the spinal cord begins to branch off into the nerve pathways that travel down to the lower body. This combination of pressure, flexibility and a high density of nervous tissue is the reason why lower back pain and other symptoms so often develop.

In addition to lower back pain, this area can be the underlying cause of symptoms that include:

• Shooting pains in the buttocks and legs
• Tingling and numbness throughout the lower extremities, including the toes
• Muscle weakness that inhibits walking

It is important to see a doctor or other qualified medical professional for diagnosis and treatment of any of these symptoms. One method of treatment that is often recommended for lower back pain is physical therapy.

How physical therapy can help

At Advent Physical Therapy, one of our highly skilled therapists can provide a full evaluation of your back pain and the underlying causes, including an analysis of your posture and mechanics. He or she will then help you develop a completely personalized treatment plan that is designed to strengthen and stabilize your lower back to take pressure off of nerves that are causing pain.

To learn more about our treatment options for lower back pain, contact us today for your initial appointment. We have locations throughout west Michigan, including four clinics right in Grand Rapids.