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Back Pain: Signs, Symptoms, Prevention and How Therapy Can Help

  • 4 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 10/26/2026

Whether you’re sitting at work, driving across town or picking up your grandchildren, back pain can turn routine activities into painful challenges. Back pain is one of the most common health concerns among adults. The good news is that many people find relief without surgery, and physical therapy is often an important part of recovery. 

At Covenant Health Therapy Centers, therapists evaluate symptoms, provide education and develop personalized care plans to help patients return to daily activities.   

Person in workout clothes holding their lower back with a red highlight indicating pain.

What Causes Back Pain? 

Back pain can develop for many reasons. Common causes include: 

  • Muscle strains 
  • Ligament sprains 
  • Poor posture 
  • Repetitive movements 
  • Injuries   
  • Age-related changes in the spine 

In some cases, structural conditions such as a herniated disc may contribute to pain. Because back pain can have many causes, it’s important to identify the source of discomfort and develop a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs. 

Signs and Symptoms of Back Pain 

Symptoms can vary depending on the cause and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include: 

  • Pain in the lower, middle or upper back 
  • Neck pain 
  • Pain that travels into an arm or leg 
  • Numbness or tingling 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, lifting or certain movements 

“Every patient has a different story when it comes to back pain. Some can point to a specific cause, while others aren’t sure how their symptoms started. Physical therapists are trained to evaluate movement patterns, strength and mobility to help identify the source of pain and create a personalized plan for recovery,” says Pam Free-Ollard, PT, DPT, Cert MDT, physical therapist and manager of Covenant Health Therapy Center – Lenoir City, a department of Covenant Health Fort Loudoun.   

Can Back Pain Be Prevented? 

While not all back problems can be prevented, healthy habits can help lower your risk and reduce the likelihood of recurring pain. 

You can help support spinal health by: 

  • Maintaining a healthy weight 
  • Staying physically active 
  • Strengthening core muscles 
  • Practicing good posture 
  • Using proper lifting techniques 
  • Avoiding long periods of sitting or standing 
  • Staying hydrated 
  • Avoiding tobacco use 

Treatment Options for Back Pain 

Treatment depends on a patient’s symptoms, diagnosis and overall condition. Common treatment options include: 

  • Physical therapy 
  • Activity modification 
  • Anti-inflammatory medications 
  • Spinal injections 
  • Home exercise programs 
  • Surgery for certain conditions 

How Physical Therapy Can Help 

For many patients, physical therapy can be an important step toward recovery. Our physical therapists listen to each patient’s history and use objective measures to assess and classify pain symptoms. They focus on patient education and individualized exercise programs to improve function.  

Other components of therapy may include manual therapy and modalities to aid in pain management. At Covenant Health Therapy Centers, every patient works one-on-one with a therapist to develop a personalized treatment plan. 

“Physical therapy is designed to help educate and teach patients to manage and control their symptoms. We cannot be with an individual all the time, but we can teach them skills for self-management” says Brian Cartledge, PT, DPT, Cert. TDN, Cert. SASTM, Cert. Vestibular, physical therapist at Covenant Health Therapy Center – Lenoir City, a department of Covenant Health Fort Loudoun. 

When to Seek Care  

Many patients may be able to begin physical therapy without a physician referral, depending on their insurance requirements. The staff at Covenant Health Therapy Centers can help determine whether a referral to therapy is needed based on insurance requirements. Your therapist can help you determine whether you will benefit from skilled therapy or if a specialist referral is needed. 

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you experience progressive weakness in an arm or leg or a loss of bowel or bladder control, as these symptoms may indicate a medical emergency. 

Find Therapy Close to Home  

Covenant Health offers convenient therapy locations throughout East Tennessee, making it easier to access expert care close to home. Back or neck pain doesn’t have to keep you from the activities you enjoy. The therapy teams at Covenant Health can help you move with less pain, regain strength and get back to your everyday routine.   

Find a therapy location near you and take the next step toward recovery by self-referring today.   

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