Back pain that has just started can respond quickly to manipulation. Following research guidelines of pain less than two weeks, pain that does not go below the knee, and a loss of hip inward rotation improves the chance of a successful treatment.

Symptoms to look for...

Pain 13 days or less

Pain that does not go below the knee

Loss of hip internal rotation

Here is a video showing you how to manipulate a lower back safely. This is a safe technique and one that you can do for someone suffering from an acute back pain episode.

Remember to use common sense, if it is too painful then stop the technique. Try repositioning your hands and trying again. If it doesn’t work then reach out to your family practice physician, physical therapist or chiropractor.

Stretching you can do for yourself.

Here is a spinal stretch you can do with a 1 ¼ inch PVC tubing. This can help with tension and because of the use of a stick there is contact and a better isolation of motion.

Make sure you hold down the stick with your dependent foot and hand. This bends the stick over the lateral thigh holding the leg down. Remember to breathe as you rotate outward. If you would like to purchase a stick check out Stick Mobility.

Dry needling can be a great way to reduce muscle spasms in the back. It is fast and effective. A practitioner that has undergone training in dry needling can do this treatment.

The muscles that will help reduce tension in the back are the quadratus lumborum, lumborum and the gluteus medius. Deeper dry needling can be done to the multifidi of the lumbar spine. Adding current makes dry needling less painful and can have a longer lasting effect on muscle pain and tension.

If your symptoms persist it might be time for an evaluation. You can email the Cornerstone Team at connect@cornerstonept.co or call us at 719-596-5000. A dry needing appointment is fast and can be a great place to start as well. You will be able to experience dry needling as well as have an idea of what you have.

Sometimes training or exercises can be difficult or cause pain. If this is the case then having your core assessed with diagnostic ultrasound is the way to go.