Back pain can feel sharp, dull, achy, or like a deep stiffness across the spine. Some people notice pain only with certain movements, while others feel discomfort even at rest. Everyday activities such as lifting, bending, or sitting for long periods can make back pain worse. Weak muscles, poor posture, stress, and past injuries all play a role. Understanding when and how your pain shows up helps guide the right treatment.
Back pain can be linked to muscle strains, ligament sprains, or irritated joints in the spine. Conditions like arthritis, herniated discs, or spinal stiffness may also contribute. Poor posture, weak core muscles, and repetitive lifting at work can slowly overload the back over time. Sometimes pain may even be felt in the back but come from the hips or legs. A full exam helps sort out which structures are involved.
To diagnose back pain, your provider will ask detailed questions about your symptoms and daily activities. They will check your posture, flexibility, strength, and how your spine moves. Simple tests can show what makes the pain better or worse and whether nerves are being irritated. If needed, they may work with your doctor to order X-rays or an MRI. All of this information is used to build a safe and focused treatment plan.
At PACE Physical Therapy, we understand that no two patients are alike, so we customize a treatment program specifically to your symptoms, medical background, and lifestyle. Whether your symptoms started suddenly or resulted from long-term strain, your treatment program will include exercises and remedies to use both in and out of the PACE treatment center.