Pain in the lower back or lumbar spine is either acute or chronic. While acute pain ceases as the body heals, chronic pain can last from six months up to a lifetime. Continuous lower back pain can disrupt daily activities and lead to low self-esteem, depression and anger. Occasionally, the origin of chronic pain is unknown to the patient experiencing it.
How can one quell the symptoms? There are several approaches to the rehabilitation of the spine. Physical therapy is usually the first line of approach recommended by physicians.
Outpatient physical therapy clinics are run by licensed physical therapists who evaluate and treat these individuals. Commonly, the therapists use manual skills to palpate and/or manipulate the spine, prescribe exercise regimes tailored to the patient’s conditions [such as flexibility versus strengthening versus stabilization exercises], and use various modalities to reduce any pain, discomfort or swelling.
Physical therapists direct the patient’s program and personalize each exercise program based on their needs and deficits. The patient, however, is part of the health care team while in treatment, as he or she learns how to respond to recurring episodes of back pain in the future. It is integral to educate patients and give them tools which help them move forward in their lives.
These tools include the use of modalities such as cold and heat therapy at home. Cryotherapy [cold therapy] is usually given within the first 24-48 [some studies recommend up to 72] hours of any acute injury or flare-up [recurrence of an injury] to reduce inflammation. It is administered through gel-filled reusable ice packs, commercial chemical gel packs, a bag filled with crush ice wrapped in a towel, or a bag of frozen peas.
Heat is applied generally after the 48 - 72 hour period and can be accomplished through a variety of ways as well: hot water bottle, conventional heating pad or a damp heated towel at home.
A highly recommended heat therapy product is the FIRheat therapy product™. Its soft, flexible design molds itself to the contour of your back, held together by Velcro, making it easy to wear and keep the heat in place. One can even move around with the heat without the need for constant repositioning of a “pad”. By simply wearing FIRheat™ therapy for the lumbar spine, it also provides some degree of abdominal support necessary for lumbar stabilization likened to that of a corset. FIRheat™ is comfortable, easy to apply, and provides targeted heat treatment – with adjustable heat intensities – to the spine.
The important tools that enable patients to resume responsibility in managing their chronic spinal pain include the ability to recognize flare-ups or recurrence and manage with appropriate modalities; the ability to maintain what they have been educated on proper body mechanics; and the ability to maintain their individualized exercise program to gain or maintain flexibility, strength and core stability.
