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Lower Back Pain When Walking

Lower Back Pain When Walking

Lower back pain is a very common condition, affecting millions worldwide. However, having lower back pain when walking can be frustrating and limiting, especially if you’re an active person.

Physical therapy can help address various underlying causes of lower back pain. From exercise and muscle relaxation to massage therapy, we offer physical therapy to residents of Ashburn, VA, to relieve lower back pain and help restore easy movement and comfort.

In this article, we examine the common causes of lower back pain when walking and discuss how physical therapy can help address these causes and alleviate lower back pain.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain When Walking

Multiple factors can contribute to lower back pain during walking. Some may be conditions affecting the back and legs, others may be injury or strain.

Sciatica 

One of the most common causes of lower back pain is sciatic nerve pain, often referred to as sciatica. The sciatic nerve runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. 

When this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, it can cause sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back to the legs. Sciatica can make walking difficult and painful, as the nerve irritation often worsens with movement.

Muscle Strain

Another common cause of lower back pain when walking is muscle strain. When the muscles of the lower back get tired or strained, they can cause pain and discomfort. 

Muscle strain can result from sudden movements, improper lifting techniques, or overexertion. This pain is often localized and can worsen with activity, making walking particularly uncomfortable.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease is an age-related condition. As we age, the discs in our spine begin to wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.

This wear and tear makes the discs rub against each other, resulting in friction between the vertebrae. Walking can aggravate this friction, causing pain in the lower back. In some cases, degenerative disc disease can also lead to sciatica if the worn discs press on the sciatic nerve.

Hyperlordosis

Lordosis is the natural inward curve of the lower spine. However, when this curvature becomes excessive, it can cause back pain when walking.

Excessive lordosis, also known as swayback, can result from pregnancy, obesity, rickets, or osteoporosis.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis often affects the lumbar spine or the lower part of the back. This condition occurs when the area around the spinal cord narrows, compressing the spinal cord and nerves and resulting in pain. 

Other potential causes/risk factors of lower back pain while standing include:

  • Obesity or being overweight 
  • Stress
  • Poor posture
  • Sedentary lifestyle 

How Physical Therapy Can Help 

Physical therapy is a highly effective treatment option for individuals experiencing lower back pain when walking. In Ashburn, VA, our team at State of the Art Physical Therapy offers personalized treatment plans designed to address the specific causes of your pain and help you enjoy pain-free movement.

  1. Assessment and Diagnosis

The first step in your physical therapy journey is a thorough assessment and diagnosis. Our physical therapists will evaluate your posture, gait, and range of motion to identify the root cause of your lower back pain. Understanding the underlying issue is crucial for creating an effective treatment plan, whether it’s sciatic nerve pain, muscle strain, or degenerative disc disease.

  1. Customized Exercise Programs

Once the cause of your lower back pain has been identified, your physical therapist will design a customized exercise program to suit your needs.

These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles supporting your lower back, improve flexibility, and reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve or affected discs. By targeting the specific muscles that need attention, physical therapy can alleviate pain and prevent future injuries.

Some of these exercises can also improve posture, correct excessive curvature of the spine, and reduce strain on your muscles. They may also help you lose excess weight that may be contributing to lower back pain.

  1. Manual Therapy Techniques

In addition to exercises, manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and myofascial release can reduce muscle tension and improve spinal alignment. These hands-on treatments can help relieve pain caused by muscle strain and enhance overall mobility. For those with sciatic nerve pain or degenerative disc disease, manual therapy can also help reduce inflammation and improve nerve function.

  1. Education and Prevention

One of the most important aspects of physical therapy is education. Our physical therapists will teach you proper posture, body mechanics, and lifting and stretching techniques to help prevent future episodes of lower back pain. By learning how to move correctly and protect your back, you can reduce the risk of future injury and maintain a pain-free lifestyle.

Physical therapy can also teach techniques like deep breathing, relaxation, and pain-coping strategies to manage pain.

Why Choose State of the Art Physical Therapy in Ashburn, VA?

At State of the Art Physical Therapy, we are committed to providing the highest quality care to our patients. Our team of experienced physical therapists is dedicated to helping you overcome lower back pain and improve your quality of life. 

We offer state-of-the-art facilities, personalized treatment plans, and a compassionate approach to care. If you’re experiencing lower back pain when walking, contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward a pain-free life.

The Benefits of Early Intervention

Seeking physical therapy early when you experience lower back pain can prevent the condition from worsening and reduce the likelihood of chronic pain. 

The sooner you address the issue, the quicker you can return to normal activities without pain. Early intervention can also prevent the need for more invasive treatments, such as surgery.

Conclusion

Lower back pain when walking can significantly impact your daily life, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. So, are you searching for physical therapy to treat back pain in Ashburn, VA?

Well, the State of the Art Physical Therapy is here to help you find relief and enjoy moving around. Whether you’re dealing with sciatic nerve pain, muscle strain, or degenerative disc disease, our team of experienced physical therapists will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. 

Don’t let lower back pain hold you back—contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey to recovery.

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