Physical Therapy for Back and Neck Pain

For many people with back pain, neck pain or sciatica, physical therapy is the single most important first step. It is not just exercise. A good physical therapist finds out which movements and muscles are contributing to your pain and builds a plan to calm the pain, restore motion and make your spine stronger and more resilient.

Dr. Grunch often prescribes physical therapy before considering injections or surgery, to help you recover after surgery, and sometimes before surgery to help you get stronger for recovery.

• Herniated discs and sciatica
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease and chronic low back pain
• Chronic neck pain and whiplash
• Spondylolisthesis and facet joint pain
• Sacroiliac (SI) joint pain
• Recovery after spine surgery, such as microdiscectomy or fusion

Your therapist will start with an evaluation of your posture, strength, flexibility and how you move. Your plan may include:

• Core and hip strengthening to support the spine
• Stretching and mobility work for tight muscles and stiff joints
• Directional exercises, such as the McKenzie method, that can move pain out of the leg or arm and back toward the spine
• Nerve glides to help irritated nerves move more freely
• Manual therapy, hands-on techniques to loosen muscles and joints
• Posture, lifting and body mechanics training for work and daily life
• Aquatic (pool) therapy for people who find land exercise too painful
• A home exercise program you continue after therapy ends

Most programs last about 6 to 8 weeks, often with 2 or 3 visits a week. Many people notice some improvement within the first few weeks. The home exercises are just as important as the visits: patients who keep doing them tend to have fewer flare-ups.

If pain, numbness or weakness is not improving, or is getting worse, let us know. That is a sign to re-evaluate, and other options such as injections or surgery may be considered. When surgery is needed, it can often correct the problem, and physical therapy afterward helps you get the most from it.

• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you can move in
• Bring your list of medicines and any imaging reports
• Be honest about your pain; some soreness is normal, but sharp or worsening pain should be reported
• Do your home exercises every day
• Ask your therapist how to modify activities at work and at home

Does physical therapy really help back pain?

Yes. For many types of back and neck pain, including disc problems and sciatica, physical therapy reduces pain, improves function and lowers the chance of future flare-ups.

Will physical therapy make my pain worse?

Some muscle soreness is normal at first. Sharp pain, new numbness or weakness should be reported to your therapist and our office.

Do I need physical therapy after spine surgery?

Often, yes. Therapy after surgery helps you regain strength, move safely and return to work and activities sooner. Dr. Grunch will tell you when to start.

How long does physical therapy take to work?

Many people feel some improvement within a few weeks. A typical course lasts 6 to 8 weeks, followed by a home exercise program.

If you have neck pain, back pain or nerve pain and want to know which treatments make sense for you, call 470-293-9800 or contact us to schedule a visit with Dr. Grunch or one of her physician assistants. You can also ask general questions any time through our “Ask Us Anything” chat.

Related: All non-surgical treatment options · Occupational therapy · Lower back pain guide

This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It does not replace individualized care from a licensed physician. Please talk to your provider about your symptoms and treatment options.