How to Heal a Compressed Nerve in Your Lower Back with Physical Therapy

How to Heal a Compressed Nerve in Your Lower Back with Physical Therapy

Are you experiencing a reduced range of motion or pain in your lower back or upper legs? You may have a compressed or pinched nerve in your lower back. Thankfully, when you visit Tailor-Made Physical Therapy in Troy, Illinois, our experienced clinicians can help you manage and treat your lower back pain.

Symptoms of a Pinched Nerve

What are the symptoms of a lower back compressed nerve? In many ways, it feels like other types of lower back pain, but stay vigilant for the following signs you might have this condition:

  • Weakness in your muscles, especially in your lower back, hips, and legs
  • Persistent and severe muscle spasms in your lower back or proximal areas of your body.
  • A loss of or significant change in your leg reflexes
  • Reduced range of motion when you twist or bend your back or move your legs
  • Balance or coordination problems
  • Concerning prolonged sensations in your legs, such as numbness or pins and needles

If you notice these signs, reach out to your physical therapist to determine whether you have a pinched nerve in your lower back.

How a Compressed Nerve is Diagnosed

Your physical therapist will work with your other healthcare providers to determine whether you have lumbar nerve compression. Together, your healthcare team can diagnose your issue using any of the following diagnostic methods.

Medical History

Your doctor will start by taking a complete medical history to help determine your risk factors and potential causes for your nerve compression in the lumbar region. Expect them to ask the following questions and more:

  • Can you describe the type of pain you’re experiencing?
  • How long have you experienced this pain and discomfort?
  • How much does your pain affect your ability to carry out your daily activities?
  • Have you recently experienced any injuries that may have caused trauma to your lower back?

If the doctor or physical therapist believes you have a compressed nerve, they order further tests for confirmation.

Physical Examination

If you’ve recently experienced an injury that may compress your nerve, your physical therapist will try to determine if this caused your problem. They’ll look for balance issues, reflex problems, and limited range of motion. If your lower back feels fine and your primary problem consists of prolonged pain, they will likely order an imaging test to further assess the cause.

Imaging Test

Imaging tests are an effective diagnostic tool that can non-invasively look inside your body to determine which structures or tissues aren’t functioning normally. The most common tests for diagnosing a compressed nerve in your lower back include the following:

  • X-ray: An X-ray is a reliable test that can produce an image of your spinal column and hips to help your provider see any changes in your bone’s formation.
  • MRI: A magnetic resonance imaging scan can show your body’s tissue, such as nerves, to locate signs of compression.
  • CT scan: A computerized tomography scan uses more advanced X-ray techniques to give a wider view of your tissue, including bones, blood vessels, and soft tissue.

Doctors typically order these tests only when symptoms don’t improve after two months.

Physical Therapy Treatments for a Compressed Nerve

When you obtain a diagnosis, you can look for relief for compressed nerves in your lower back by seeking out qualified physical therapists at Tailor-Made Physical Therapy in Troy, IL. Working closely with your other healthcare professionals, we use several effective techniques.

Pain Management

Pain management is an essential aspect of lower back nerve compression treatment because you can’t exercise or strengthen your muscles if you always feel pain. Your physical therapist will help you develop pain management techniques that work for you. This may include applying heat or cold to the affected area to reduce inflammation.

Prescribed Exercise

Gentle exercise can help you heal faster and prevent future injuries that could lead to you developing another compressed nerve. Depending on your situation, the physical therapist will customize a workout routine that combines both aerobic and strength-building exercises.

The most common exercises physical therapists use to treat lower back nerve compression include:

  • Gentle stretches that help open your back and relieve muscle tension, such as gently pulling your knees to your chest, lying on your side and rotating your trunk on your hips, or laying on your back and slowly twisting your hips.
  • Exercises that strengthen your core abdominal muscles, like planking, pelvic tilt progression, and glute strengthening.
  • Aerobic exercises that don’t put pressure on your body. These include walking, swimming, or bicycling.

You may require several weeks’ worth of treatment to see significant improvement.

Sleeping Modifications

Poor sleeping posture can cause muscle inflammation that compresses your nerves and can make your existing pain worse. Your physical therapist can work with you to develop a better sleeping position. In general, you should avoid sleeping on your stomach, use an appropriately sized pillow, and put a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side.

Lower Your Risk Factors For Developing Compressed Nerves 

Several habits or lifestyle factors can increase your risk of developing a pinched nerve. Your physical therapist will work with you to decrease the chances you develop the condition again. The best practices for lowering your chances of nerve compression include:

  • Regular exercise: Sitting for too long, especially with poor posture, puts significant stress on your back. Exercise regularly to keep your body strong and limber but remember not to overdo it.
  • Healthy diet: Certain foods hinder your body’s ability to heal and can cause inflammation. A well-balanced diet goes a long way toward preventing compressed nerves.
  • Annual physicals: With regular check-ups from your physical therapist, chiropractor, and doctor, you can catch spinal issues early and take steps to prevent nerve compression.

Contact Tailor-Made Physical Therapy for Reliable Pain Management Today

When you need effective and encouraging treatment for the compressed nerve in your lower back, reach out to Tailor-Made Physical Therapy. With our highly skilled and friendly physical therapists, you’ll feel hope and a reduction in your symptoms. To learn more about the conditions we treat or to schedule an appointment, call 618-505-0441 today.