Back Pain
Back pain, including lower back pain, is pain in the spine and the muscles around it. Most of it is mechanical, meaning a strained muscle, an irritated disc or stiff joints rather than serious damage, and many people improve with physical therapy. We treat low back pain in Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho, and Jared Pugmire, PT, DPT, FAAOMPT, Dip Osteopractic, Cert. SMT/DN/VCS leads that care.
What is usually behind a sore back
A pulled muscle, a bulging disc and a stiff joint can all feel the same on day one. They are not treated the same.
Muscle strain and back spasms
One bad twist or lift can strain the muscles along the spine. Patients often say they pulled a muscle in my back, and the muscles around it often tighten into back spasms to guard the spot.
Herniated disc and bulging disc
A disc is the cushion between two spinal bones. A herniated disc or a bulging disc can press on a nearby nerve and cause pain, numbness or tingling that may travel into the leg.
Degenerative disc disease
Discs wear and thin over the years, and the small joints in the spine can develop arthritis. Degenerative disc disease often shows up as aching and stiffness, and strength and movement work still has a lot to offer.
Spinal stenosis
A narrowed space around the spinal nerves can make standing or walking uncomfortable for a while. Leaning forward often eases it.
SI joint pain
Pain low on one side, near the base of the spine, can come from the sacroiliac joint rather than a disc. We check the joint and the hips as well as the spine.
Posture, weight and repeated strain
Pregnancy, weight gain and weak back muscles can change posture and strain the back. So can constant twisting and stooping at work or in sports.
Sitting, bending and the day-to-day triggers
Back pain from sitting builds slowly at a desk or in the truck. Back pain when bending shows up when you reach for your boots or lift a laundry basket. Your therapist asks about those moments first, because they tell us which movements and positions load your spine badly.
From there, treatment is built around the cause. It can include manual therapy and joint mobilization, dry needling for stubborn muscle tension, deep tissue laser therapy, therapeutic exercise to build core and hip strength, and lifting and posture coaching.
New pain, long-lasting pain, and why bed rest is not the plan
New back pain (acute) often settles as the underlying problem heals. Pain that has gone on for months or years (chronic) deserves a closer look at how you move and what you do all day. If pain has lasted that long, Chronic Pain explains why the nervous system can keep pain going after the tissue has settled.
In both cases, gentle movement in a comfortable range usually does more for a sore back than lying in bed. We show you how much to do, which positions calm the pain, and how to ease back into work and home.
Leg pain, hips, pregnancy, work and arthritis
Back pain overlaps with other problems. These pages cover the parts that go beyond the back.
Pain going down your leg
Pain, numbness or tingling that runs into the buttock or leg is covered on our Sciatica page.
Stiff or sore hips
Tight hips change how the spine moves, so we check them too. See Hip Pain.
Pregnancy and after birth
Back pain during pregnancy has its own needs. Read prenatal and postpartum care.
Arthritis and work injuries
Wear in the spinal joints is on Arthritis & Joint Pain, and strains from lifting or repetitive work are on Work Injuries & Workers' Comp.
Your first visit for a back that hurts
The visit ends with a plan you can start on at home.
We listen
When it started, what you do at work and for exercise, and what makes it better or worse.
We examine
Your therapist watches you stand, bend and walk, checks the back, hips and SI joint, and tests strength to find the true source.
We treat and teach
You leave with a treatment plan, corrective exercises and advice on movements to avoid so you do not keep re-irritating the area.
See a doctor or go to the ER first if you have
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness in the groin or inner thighs
- Fever along with back pain
- Back pain after a serious fall or accident
Idaho allows direct access to physical therapy, so you do not need a referral from a doctor to begin. Some insurance plans, and Medicare typically, may still require one. If you are unsure, call us and we will check your plan. We accept most insurance plans and verify your benefits before you arrive. Auto injury liens, Medpay and workers compensation are accepted, and there is a self-pay option. Call the office to confirm your plan.
Back pain care in Chubbuck and Pocatello
Call or request an appointment at our Chubbuck clinic. We see back pain patients from Chubbuck, Pocatello and the surrounding area, and we will find the cause with you.
We see patients at our Chubbuck clinic from Chubbuck and Pocatello, Idaho.