Back pain is an issue that affects over 600 million people worldwide. It’s one of the most common complaints we hear in our clinic. At Sustain Physical Therapy, our mission is to help people take control of their pain through movement and education. Far too many people see their backs as fragile or irreparably damaged when they experience pain, which simply isn’t the case.
A common misconception is that all back pain indicates severe injury or structural damage. This belief can often lead to unnecessary fear and avoidance of movement, which only exacerbates the issue. Our goal at Sustain Physical Therapy is to empower you with the knowledge and tools to strengthen your back, make it more resilient, and most importantly—move without fear.
In this first part of our back pain series, we’ll explore the natural history of non-specific low back pain (NSLBP), what it means for your recovery, and how Performance Physical Therapy can help you regain confidence and strength in your body.
What is Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP)?
Before we dive into exercises and strategies to manage back pain, it’s important to understand what NSLBP is. Non-specific low back pain refers to back pain where no specific disease, structural issue, or mechanical problem can be identified as the cause. According to the World Health Organization, about 90% of people who experience back pain fall into this category. This can be both reassuring and frustrating for people in pain.
You might think, “If there’s nothing wrong with my back, why does it hurt?” This is where Sustain Physical Therapy steps in to help you navigate your pain. It’s common for patients with NSLBP to feel stuck because there’s no clear-cut answer to the cause of their discomfort. However, just because there’s no identifiable structural issue doesn’t mean there’s no solution.
What is Natural History?
When it comes to conditions like back pain, the concept of “natural history” refers to the progression of a condition over time without intervention. Essentially, how will your back pain resolve on its own if you don’t do anything about it? The good news is, for acute or episodic non-specific low back pain, the natural history is generally favorable.
Think of scenarios like pulling a muscle in your back while lifting something awkwardly or tweaking your back during a workout. In these cases, research suggests that “90% of patients recover within 6 weeks without a loss of function, though some less severe pain may persist for 1 to 3 months” (Majid 2008).
However, there’s a catch. While acute low back pain tends to resolve on its own, research also indicates that it can become a recurring or persistent issue, with pain fluctuating over time. This is where Performance Physical Therapy can make a huge difference. We aim to not only help you recover but to build up your strength and tolerance to prevent the pain from coming back.
Tackling Non-Specific Low Back Pain with Performance Physical Therapy
At Sustain Physical Therapy, we take a proactive approach. We understand that while the natural history of acute low back pain may be favorable, nobody wants to deal with residual or recurring pain. This is why our treatment approach is different.
We don’t believe in quick fixes or passive treatments. Instead, we focus on getting to the root of your pain and building your capacity to handle everyday activities and physical challenges without fear of re-injury. Our goal is not just to reduce your symptoms but to strengthen your back, improve your movement patterns, and help you build long-term resilience.
Performance Physical Therapy is not about short-term pain relief. It’s about increasing your overall threshold and building a stronger, more adaptable body. We work with you to identify factors that might be contributing to your back pain, whether that’s movement patterns, volume of activity, or other lifestyle variables like sleep and nutrition. Then, we develop a tailored plan to help you overcome these obstacles and build a healthier, more capable back.
How Can We Address Non-Specific Low Back Pain?
The key to managing and preventing discomfort from non-specific low back pain is understanding that while the prognosis is favorable, doing nothing may not be the best course of action. You don’t have to just wait for your back pain to go away on its own, especially if you’ve experienced recurring pain or discomfort in the past.
If you’ve been dealing with back pain for years, it’s understandable to feel anxious about the next time you’ll “throw your back out.” The unpredictability of chronic or recurrent pain can lead to self-limiting behaviors, and the fear of worsening pain can be debilitating. This is where Performance Physical Therapy can be especially helpful.
At Sustain Physical Therapy, our approach is to help you move through and around your pain by identifying entry points to movement that are tolerable and gradually building your capacity from there. Whether it’s adjusting load, volume, or specific movement patterns, we help you safely explore ways to strengthen your back without aggravating your pain.
Are Other Variables at Play?
Back pain can be multifactorial. At Sustain Physical Therapy, we don’t just look at movement. We take a holistic approach, considering factors like sleep, stress, recovery, and nutrition. These variables can all influence your body’s ability to handle physical demands and recover from pain or injury. By addressing these areas, we can create a more comprehensive strategy for managing your back pain and preventing its recurrence.
Are you ready to build a stronger, more resilient back and take control of your pain? At Sustain Physical Therapy, we specialize in helping active adults address back pain and chronic conditions through Performance Physical Therapy. Reach out to us today to set up your initial evaluation at our Physical Therapy Back Bay clinic, and let’s get you moving toward a pain-free life.
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