Because of increasingly demanding jobs, hectic daily schedules, participating in recreational activities, and caring for children, grandchildren, and elderly parents, back pain is becoming a common thread among baby boomers. However, this generation is less resigned to simply accept the changes brought about by aging, says the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964 and who now make up one fourth of the U.S. population, are leading more active lifestyles than previous generations. "Baby boomers are as active as they were when they were younger, but now they're living with chronic low back pain or osteoarthritis," says Steve Broker, MPT, clinic director of the Platinum office of First Choice Rehab. "These conditions as well as others can benefit greatly from physical therapy intervention."

"Frequently, patients may unknowingly exacerbate their pain by exercising improperly or by having poor posture," Broker said. "A physical therapist can help to identify and correct those behaviors. We work on increasing muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance, restoring and improving range of motion in joints, decreasing muscle and joint pain."

The most cost effective treatment for back pain, according to a recent article dated January 12, 2007 in The Wall Street Journal is physical therapy. In physical therapy you will be individually evaluated for 45 to 60 minutes and given an individual exercise program. Interventions may include education, manual therapy and functional training, as well as exercise for strength, endurance and flexibility. The main goal in physical therapy is to get you back to doing what you enjoy on a daily basis with as little discomfort as possible.
 
For those who have back pain, Steve Broker explains that the cause of the pain is multifactorial: from genetics, to stress level, age, flexibility, posture, strength among others. Because back pain is complex Broker recommends that each person with low back pain see a physical therapist for an individualized evaluation and follow a few recommendations:

1)  Get regular aerobic exercise.  Three times a week for 45  minutes to an hour is recommended.
2)  Modify your activity level for a short time if necessary.
3)  Stay active even if you're complaining of pain.  After the first 2 days of initial injury it's not beneficial to rest.
4)  Don't hesitate to use pain killers if you need them for a  a few weeks
5)  Reduce stress by controlled breathing, meditation, yoga or simple by having fun doing the things you most enjoy/  "Laughter is good medicine."
6)  Don't stay in one position to long. Time varies from person to person.
7) Be realistic- You will have good days and bad days. That's normal. 
 
If you are experiencing back pain, remember that physical therapy is becoming the first line of defense against the problem. Contact a therapist at any one of the First Choice Rehab offices for help.