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Back Pain Specialist

TLC Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy & Private Medical Practices located in North Shore, Staten Island, NY & South Shore, Staten Island, NY

Back pain is a widespread problem faced by many people at some point in their lives. At TLC Physical Therapy, Jason LaMendola, PT, and his experienced team offer physical therapy services to relieve back discomfort and get you back on the road to recovery. Call an office in Staten Island or Midtown Manhattan in New York, or Englishtown in New Jersey to schedule an appointment today. Alternatively, you can use the online scheduling page to book.

Back Pain Q&A

What is back pain?

Back pain is a feeling of discomfort in the upper, middle, or lower part of your back. Injuries, diseases, and age-related wear-and-tear are common causes of back pain. If the pain doesn’t go away with at-home remedies, the next best thing is physical therapy treatment. 

What does back pain feel like?

If you have back problems, you can experience a variety of symptoms which may include:

  • Sharp pain
  • Shooting discomfort
  • Dull aching
  • Numbness
  • Tingling
  • Burning pain
  • Radiating discomfort
  • Electric shock-like pain
  • Stiffness
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Reduced mobility
  • Weakness
  • Instability

Back pain can be mild, moderate, or severe. However, when left untreated, it can interfere with your ability to complete your everyday tasks. 

What are common risk factors for back pain?

Common risk factors associated with back pain include:

  • Bulging or ruptured spinal discs
  • Muscle or ligament strains
  • Pinched nerves
  • Arthritis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Cancer
  • Smoking
  • Excess body weight
  • Older age
  • Lack of exercise
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Improper lifting techniques

You can also injure your back lifting something heavy, being in a car accident, playing sports, falling down, or getting injured at work.

How does my doctor diagnose the cause of back pain?

There are several methods your provider can use to find the root cause of back pain. They check your vital signs, review your symptoms and medical history, and complete a physical exam to look for signs of a problem.

Your specialist might order blood tests and bone scans or an imaging procedure like an MRI, CT scan, or X-rays, and nerve studies to determine which treatment will be the most effective.

How does physical therapy help with back pain?

Physical therapy can ease back pain, speed up healing after an injury, and reduce your risk of further injuries. You might also need physical therapy in place of or in addition to back surgery. 

During physical therapy, your provider helps you complete injury-specific exercises and stretches that strengthen your tissues and improve your musculoskeletal functioning. The TLC Physical Therapy team also offers therapeutic massages to help relax tense tissues, reduce stress and anxiety, stimulate blood flow, and improve healing.

If you struggle with back pain and seek relief, call a TLC Physical therapy office today in Staten Island or Midtown Manhattan in New York, or Englishtown in New Jersey. Alternatively, you can use the online scheduling page to book.

 

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