Chronic back pain can feel like it controls your life. From getting out of bed in the morning to working, driving, or exercising, back pain impacts everything.
But physical therapy offers hope. With evidence-based care and advanced techniques, we help our patients across Athens and surrounding counties regain strength, mobility, and independence.
>>>Start managing your pain today! Schedule your appointment and start experiencing relief
What is Chronic Back Pain?
Chronic back pain refers to discomfort in the back that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after an initial injury has healed. Unlike acute back pain, which typically resolves within a few days or weeks, chronic back pain lingers and can fluctuate in intensity.
For some, it feels like a constant dull ache; for others, it’s a sharp, shooting pain that interferes with daily life. The causes of chronic back pain are often complex and may involve multiple factors working together.
It may originate from herniated or bulging discs putting pressure on spinal nerves, or from degenerative disc disease that naturally occurs with aging. Muscle strain from repetitive movements or poor posture can also lead to ongoing discomfort.
Conditions like spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows and compresses nerves, are another common culprit. Previous injuries or surgeries may leave behind scar tissue or weakness that contributes to long-term pain. Sometimes, even stress and tension can play a role by causing muscles in the back to tighten and fatigue more quickly.
Identifying the root cause of chronic back pain is essential for lasting relief. Our physical therapists conduct thorough evaluations, considering your medical history, lifestyle, and activity level, to design a plan tailored specifically to your needs and goals.
Symptoms That Signal It’s Time for Physical Therapy
If you experience any of the following, it may be time to seek help from our team:
- Persistent low back pain that limits movement
- Pain radiating into the legs (sciatica)
- Stiffness in the back or hips
- Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
- Weakness in the core or lower body
Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and support long-term recovery.
How Our Physical Therapy Team Treats Chronic Back Pain
Our approach is always personalized. We take the time to understand your pain, goals, and lifestyle before designing your plan of care. Our treatment methods may include:
McKenzie Method Spine Rehab
Our specialists use the McKenzie Method to identify specific exercises that reduce symptoms and improve mobility.
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques reduce muscle tightness, improve joint function, and promote healing.
Therapeutic Exercise
Strengthening your core, hips, and back muscles provides long-term support for your spine.
Dry Needling
Targeted dry needling reduces muscle knots and improves circulation in painful areas.
Neubie Neuromuscular Re-education
Our cutting-edge Neubie technology helps retrain movement patterns and strengthen underperforming muscles.
Postural Training
We educate patients on optimal posture and safe movement strategies to protect the spine daily.
Patient Success Across Athens and Beyond
We proudly serve patients from Clarke County, Oconee County, Madison County, and Morgan County. With convenient locations in East Athens, Danielsville, Madison, and Watkinsville, expert care is never far away.
Patients choose us because we provide:
- Care from experienced physical therapists
- Advanced treatments including Neubie and dry needling
- Customized care plans with measurable goals
- A compassionate team committed to your recovery
The Long-Term Benefits of Physical Therapy for Chronic Back Pain
Physical therapy does more than relieve pain. It empowers you to:
- Move better and with less discomfort
- Avoid medications or surgery
- Prevent future injuries
- Improve strength, balance, and posture
Research shows that physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for chronic low back pain. A 2020 study published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy found that individualized physical therapy significantly improved pain and function in patients with chronic back pain.
Take Control of Your Back Pain Today
Chronic back pain shouldn’t hold you back from living your life. Let our expert team guide you toward recovery with personalized physical therapy care designed for lasting relief.
Contact us today to schedule your evaluation or book your appointment online.
Licensed Physical Therapist, MDT certified, and the CEO of East Athens Physical Therapy, serving communities across Clarke, Oconee, Madison, and Morgan counties. With over two decades of experience and certification in the McKenzie Method, Jim Mike combines hands-on care with cutting-edge technology to help patients recover faster and stay active.