Low Back Pain Header

EXPERTISE

Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability in working-age adults and a common reason for medical visits. When chronic, it can disrupt work, daily life, and lead to emotional and financial strain for individuals and their families.

EXPERTISE

Therapy instead of surgery

Spinal surgery is rarely recommended for low back pain (LBP), and even when performed, it may not relieve pain. Traditional treatments like injections or pain medications often provide limited benefit and can have side effects.

For chronic LBP lasting more than 12 weeks and causing activity limitations or work disability, there is growing consensus that an interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation program is the most effective approach.

EXPERTISE

What to know about low back pain

Low back pain is extremely common, and it can stem from a wide range of causes—some mechanical, some structural, and others systemic.

AdobeStock_1133619244
Low Back Pain Causes Icon

Causes of low back pain

Most low back pain is caused by mechanical or musculoskeletal issues, such as:

  • Strains and sprains to soft tissue
  • Poor posture
  • Stiffness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Structural spine issues such as spinal fracture or scoliosis
  • Disc problems (disc herniation or degenerative disc disease)

Other causes can be chronic or recurrent pain syndromes, psychological or lifestyle factors such as stress and anxiety, and low physical activity levels.
Low back pain treatments
Low Back Pain Treatments Icon

Low back pain treatments

After an initial assessment, patients suffering from low back pain often receive a mix of education and physical therapy.

Physical therapy for low back pain can include:

  • Stretching
  • Strengthening
  • Core strengthening/stabilization
  • Aerobic conditioning
  • Spinal mobilization/manipulation
  • Soft tissue mobilization (e.g., massage)
  • Trigger point therapy
  • Heat or cold therapy
  • Electrical stimulation (TENS)
  • Posture training/strengthening

  • Normalizing movement patterns
  • Pacing

CONTACT US

Visit our facility next to Seattle Center in Lower Queen Anne. We have parking on site and are located near several bus lines.

415 1st Avenue N, Suite 200, Seattle, WA 98109

greyscale map with colorful icon indicating facility location