Neck & Back
Back Pain
Back pain is the most common reason people see a physical therapist, and most of it is mechanical: a strained muscle, an irritated disc or a stiff joint, not serious damage. Physical therapy for back pain at Sunshine Physical Therapy in Commack, NY starts with a one-on-one look at how you move and builds a plan around what you need to get back to.
What is behind your lower back pain
Low back pain rarely has one cause. An evaluation sorts out which of these is driving yours.
Muscle strain and back spasms
If you pulled a muscle in your back, it can lock up for days. It usually settles with gentle movement, not bed rest, and the right exercises help keep it from coming back.
Herniated disc or bulging disc
A herniated disc or bulging disc can irritate a nearby nerve. Many people improve with directional exercises and hands-on care.
Degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis
Age-related changes in the discs and the spinal canal are common and often painless. When they do hurt, strength, mobility and activity changes help.
SI joint pain
The sacroiliac joint sits at the base of the spine and can cause one-sided low back and buttock pain.
New back pain versus back pain that will not leave
New (acute) back pain usually eases over a few weeks, and staying active usually beats bed rest. Back pain that lingers for months is a different problem: the tissue may have healed, but weakness, stiffness and fear of moving keep the pain going.
Back pain from sitting and back pain when bending are two of the most common patterns we see. Both respond to changing how you load your spine through the day, not just to rest.
What a back pain evaluation involves
Your first visit is a one-on-one visit with a physical therapist.
We listen first
Where it hurts, what makes it worse, what you do all day and what you want to get back to.
We test how you move
Spine, hips, nerves and core strength, so the treatment targets the cause and not just the sore spot.
We build the plan with you
Hands-on manual therapy, spinal mobilization, core stabilization exercise, and lifting and posture training you can use at home.
Pain going down your leg?
Back pain that travels is often a nerve story, and it has its own page.
Sciatica
Pain, tingling or numbness below the knee points toward the sciatic nerve. Read about sciatica care.
Hip pain
Pain in the buttock or outer hip can come from the back or the hip joint itself. See hip pain care.
Related back problems
Back pain tied to joint wear is covered under arthritis and joint pain, and back strains from lifting or repetitive tasks on work injuries. Pain that spreads into the hip is on hip pain.
Red flags: see a doctor or go to the ER
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Fever along with back pain
- Pain after a serious fall or accident
Not sure whether you need a referral? Call us and we will tell you what your plan requires before you book. If any red flag above applies, get medical care first.
Next step
Back pain care in Commack
Sunshine Physical Therapy is locally owned and operated at 297 Commack Rd in Commack, NY. We are accepting new patients and offer telehealth appointments.
We see patients in Commack, New York.