Yes, I said crack-aches. To be more specific the sacrum and coccyx with the surrounding tissues which comprise the bottom portion of your spine.

We all, at one point in time, have had back pain, whether that be from a hard hit during a football game or just an ongoing pain that keeps getting worse as we get older. Back pain is the leading cause of disability in the entire world according to the Global Burden of Disease 2010. It is estimated that over one half of all working Americans have back pain at some point during the year. This leads to over 50 billion dollars being spent per year on MRI's, doctors' visits and yes, physical therapy. Another interesting fact is that most cases of back pain are mechanical in nature instead of more serious conditions such as fractures or cancer.

Mechanical forms of back pain include an awkward twist, poor postural habits, many years of repetitive tasks during work, or simply sleeping in the wrong position. All of these causes, and many more, are treated with much success by physical therapists. With that being said, when I refer to physical therapy I do not mean simply hopping on a bike, putting some heat on your back and bidding you a good day. While the bike and a hot pack are good ways to warm up your tissues in preparation for corrective exercises, it is the skilled exercises prescribed that will mend that weary back. Although my patients can attest to how challenging the exercises may be, it is a combination of core stability and back stabilizing exercises that yield the best outcomes over time.

Patient satisfaction as well as getting those improved outcomes are what we strive for while you attend physical therapy. My favorite cases are patients who have had back pain for several years and have yet to try physical therapy as a means of correction. The first visit is similar to a puzzle: we go into a room, discuss your condition, and start the investigation. We look at many things, including your motion and strength, and complete several other tests to gather clues as to what may be the root cause of the pain. Once we reach that conclusion, we discuss the treatment plan and how best to fight the pain together. Yes, I said together. Often times patients believe that coming to therapy for back pain once or twice a week is good enough to quell this longstanding pain. I wish that were the case. While it is essential to attend regular sessions during the week for manual, dry needling, or other treatment modalities, completing a home exercise program is imperative to your recovery.

A program designed specifically for you and your pain. This is an area in which we specialize at Professional Rehabilitation Services. We have many skilled and experienced therapists who are ready and eager to begin this journey with you. If you are tired of suffering from anything from a dull ache when you get up in the morning to a sharp pain that hits you when you stand, maybe it's time to give us a call.

So if you or someone you know would like to know more about physical therapy options for a variety of conditions, seek the consultation of a physical therapist at one of our five locations or see your physician for a referral to one of our facilities. For further information on this or other related topics you can contact Richard A. Owens, PT, MS, OCS, Cert. SHT, CWcHP, Cert DN (Surfside) (843) 831-0163, Richard DeFalco, DPT, OCS, CSCS, CWcHP, Cert. DN (Myrtle Beach) (843) 839-1300, Jared Bridges, DPT (Surfside), Jill Phelan, DPT (Conway) (843) 733-3031 and (Murrells Inlet) (843) 314-3224 or Brian P. Kinmartin, PT, DPT, MTC, OCS, STC, CWcHP, Cert. DN (Pawley's Island) (843) 235-0200 or visit our website at www.prsrehabservices.com where you can learn more about the company and even download a referral form for your physician to fill out. You can also call and schedule a free 15-minute consultation!