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Common Causes of Spine Pain (and How PT Can Help)

by | Dec 19, 2023 | Back Pain

close up of woman clutching her spine

Are you experiencing persistent back pain? The source of your pain may actually be your spine. If that’s the case, it’s important to know what may be causing your pain, so that you can treat it. Physical therapy is an important first step in treating your spine pain.

What is Spine Pain?

While spine pain is a type of back pain, it’s important to recognize when your pain is caused by a muscular issue or a spinal issue. If you’re experiencing back pain, some signs that it might be spine pain include:

  • Pain or tingling in other areas of the body – like legs, glutes or groin.
  • Weakness in your limbs or loss of motor function
  • Constant or persistent pain that feels like burning. Persistent in this case is pain that lasts for 14+ days.
  • Difficulty maintaining posture

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above alongside back pain, it’s a good idea to speak with a physical therapist to determine the cause of your pain. It could be caused by your spine, which will need treatment in order to heal and reduce your pain.

Related Content: Low Back Pain & MRI Results: Here’s What You Should Know

Common Causes of Spine Pain

If you’re experiencing spinal pain, there are a few common causes to know.

Spine injury or degeneration

If you’ve experienced a spinal injury, this could be causing your pain. This injury may have occurred years or decades before, but only now are you experiencing noticeable symptoms.

Bulging or ruptured discs

Your discs are cushions between the bones in your spine, and can bulge or rupture over time. This then presses on the sensitive nerves in your spine.

Arthritis

Arthritis can be present in your spine as well, which is called osteoarthritis.

Osteoporosis

Like arthritis, osteoporosis can also impact the bones in your spine.

The only way to know for sure what is causing your spine pain is to meet with one of our physical therapists. While you can also seek advice from your primary doctor, a specialist will be better suited to creating a comprehensive treatment plan.

How Can Physical Therapy Ease Or Get Rid Of Your Back Pain?

There are a few key ways physical therapy helps with back and spine pain. Physical Therapy with PRO Therapy can:

  • Get you out of the cycle of: pain, doctor, pills, more pain.
  • Reduce immediate pain and stiffness – usually in a couple of sessions.
  • Figure out what’s really going on, and get to the root cause of your back pain.
  • Target the specific problem with exercises and treatments catered to you and your back issue to help speed up recovery.
  • Put an end to the need for countless pain killers, which can be addictive and are no good for your health in the long term.
  • Get rid of that lack of energy often associated with being in constant pain.
  • Avoid dangerous back surgery and unnecessary injections.
  • Get you back to doing the things you need, want, and love to do with family and friends that you hadn’t been able to do.
  • Stand/sit with greater ease and walk farther distances without having the feelings of pain, tightness and weakness in your back or that it’s going to give out.
  • Sleep through the night without tossing and turning to try to find a comfortable position.

Because each case is different, it’s hard to know exactly what treatment options will be best for your spine pain. That’s why you should meet with one of our doctors of physical therapy in person so we can assess and speak with you directly about your symptoms.

Still not sure about physical therapy? Let’s chat!

We realize some people may be unsure if physical therapy is the right option for them. It could be that you’re not sure it’ll work, or you don’t know whether we can help with what you’re struggling with, or perhaps you had a bad experience somewhere else in the past. If that sounds like you and you’d like to come in and see for yourself how PRO Therapy can help you, sign up for one of our complimentary In Person Discovery Visits. During this session, you’ll meet with one of our Doctors of Physical Therapy one-on-one to discuss treatment options before you have to make a commitment.

Dr. Kevin Spahr has extensive expertise in post-surgical rehab, work-related injuries, sports injuries and motor vehicle accidents. He has clinical experience in treating all regions of the body including neck, back, shoulder, elbow, hand/wrist, hip, knee, and ankle/foot orthopedic conditions.
Dr. Kevin Spahr

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I had a very good experience working with Dr. Kelvyn Van Laarhoven at Pro Therapy. I came to Pro Therapy with lingering soreness in my left hip area from hip replacement surgery 2.5 years ago. And I had a flare up of low back pain. Dr. Kelvyn worked with me and showed me how to do several exercises that helped resolve the hip and back issues. I do feel better. I had approximately 14 - 16 appointments over a 3 - 4 month period. I am very satisfied with the outcome of my PT, working with Dr. Kelvyn and Pro Therapy.
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I've had PT in many locations from many different providers. ProTherapy is the most upbeat group of EXPERT DPTs that will motivate, guide, and support you as you regain strength, flexibility or wherever you may be on your journey to greater health. And they are FUN!!
ProTherapy has been a great partner for me through back and knee rehab along with pre- and post- hip replacement care. ProTherapy rocks!

Dr. Lily is my PT hero! It's hard to say goodbye after so many issues addressed. But time to head out on my own knowing that ProTherapy will be there for me should I need them again.

Thanks again to my ProTherapy PT family!
Darlyne J.
Thank you, Pro Therapy, for excellent service and guidance for my left hip injuries. What a difference I am experiencing after dry needling, the targeted exercises, and lately the fantastic Stem Wave therapy. Special shout-out to Dr. Lilly.
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PRO Therapy is the absolute BEST. I had shoulder pain/arm tingling/arm numbness in my left arm and was able to make everything go away within 4 weeks! The staff is incredibly friendly. I worked with Dr. Lily, who was PHENOMINAL. She was very caring and attentive to my questions and concerns. If I ever need physical therapy help again, I will be going back! Highly recommend!
Jacob H.
I worked with Dr Kelvyn on my ankle and he was excellent. Very attentive and good at changing/adding exercises as needed. He went above and beyond by adjusting my exercises to my desired activities. Extremely positive experience overall.
Alessia C.
I worked with Dr. Lily from January to July following a bad car accident and I can't recommend her enough!! From day one, she was incredibly friendly, supportive, and truly listened to what I was going through. She customized a workout and recovery plan that evolved with me every step of the way, making sure it suited my needs and progress.

She also introduced me to cupping and dry needling, both of which were completely new to me, and was extremely patient and reassuring, especially knowing I was nervous about needles. Thanks to her care and dedication, I’ve seen some improvement in my back, neck, and legs.

If you’re looking for someone who’s highly skilled, compassionate, and genuinely committed to helping you heal, Dr. Lily is the one to see! 🙂 Thank you!!