Get Top-Tier Physical Therapy for Back Pain in Aberdeen, MD and the Surrounding Area
Most people experience back pain eventually, and physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat it without relying on addictive medications.
From Our Friends at the APTA
If you have low back pain, you are not alone. At any given time, about 25% of people in the United States report having low back pain within the past 3 months. In most cases, low back pain is mild and disappears on its own. For some people, back pain can return or hang on, leading to a decrease in quality of life or even to disability. Physical therapists help people with low back pain improve or restore mobility and reduce their pain.
Unfortunately, even though low back pain is common, treatment for low back pain often fails to reflect evidence-based guidelines, leading to over-treatment including unnecessary surgery or opioid prescription.
So what are the best approaches for back pain?
In March 2018, The Lancet noted that the guidelines are evolving: now there is “less emphasis on pharmacological and surgical treatments” and greater emphasis on “self-management, physical and psychological therapies, and some form of complementary medicine.”
If you experience back pain not related to an acute injury, here’s what you should consider:
Low back pain doesn’t look the same for everyone. It might feel like a dull ache, a burning sensation, or even a sharp jolt. You could notice it in one spot or spread across your lower back. In some cases, it comes with tightness, muscle spasms, or pain that travels down your legs.
Back pain usually falls into one of three categories:
Acute: Short-term pain lasting under 3 months
Recurrent: Pain that comes and goes
Chronic: Lasts longer than 3 months
Even if it starts suddenly, back pain often improves on its own. But many people who recover from one episode will experience it again. What’s interesting is that your mindset—like how confident you feel managing the pain—can affect how well you heal. That’s because low back pain is more than just a physical issue; it’s influenced by a variety of factors.
Some medical conditions are linked to back pain, including:
Herniated discs
Spinal arthritis
Osteoporosis
Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Tumors (rarely)
Still, studies show that many people have these conditions without any symptoms at all—so imaging results don’t always explain the pain.
When you visit a physical therapist for low back pain, they’ll take the time to understand the full picture. Your evaluation will include:
Reviewing your overall health and past medical history
Asking detailed questions about your symptoms and when they started
Observing how you move—looking for anything that might be contributing to your pain
Running a few tests to check for warning signs of more serious conditions
Talking about how you move and use your body during work, chores, exercise, and relaxation
In most situations, imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs aren’t needed and don’t speed up recovery. One study showed that people who got MRIs first spent almost $4,800 more—with no better results than those who started with physical therapy. If something in your exam suggests a more serious issue, your therapist will connect you with the right healthcare provider for further testing.
A physical therapist can help reduce your low back pain and restore mobility—often without the need for surgery or medications that come with unwanted side effects.
If you’re currently experiencing low back pain:
Try to stay active and continue your usual activities as much as possible. Resting in bed for more than a day may actually slow your recovery.
If the pain persists beyond a few days or worsens, it’s time to consult a physical therapist.
Because every case of back pain is different, treatment should be tailored to your specific condition. After a thorough evaluation, your physical therapist will pinpoint the contributing factors and create a customized plan to relieve your pain and support long-term recovery.
Your treatment may include:
Hands-on manual therapy to improve joint and tissue mobility
Strength and flexibility exercises targeted to your needs
Education on back care and body mechanics
Guidance on lifting, bending, and posture for daily tasks
Help developing a safe physical activity routine
Pain relief methods such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation