Back Pain Slowing You Down? PT Can Help!
Here’s a fact about back pain that may bring you some comfort: it’s one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints in the world. Around 80% of people will have back pain at least once. So, if you’re suffering now, you probably aren’t the only one!
Of course, that thought does little to help if your back pain keeps you from performing day-to-day activities — as it often does. Back pain is often accompanied by mobility restrictions that make walking, rising from sitting, or bending over difficult. If left untreated, it can sometimes lead to long-term pain and dysfunction.
At Columbus Physical Therapy, we know how debilitating back pain can be. Our team of dedicated physical therapists will help you understand the cause or causes of your back pain and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that will let you get back to the activities you love to do.
Call our clinic today to set up your initial consultation!
What Causes Back Pain?
One of the reasons that back pain is so common is that it’s associated with several different injuries, underlying conditions, or lifestyle factors. That said, most back pain is non-specific, meaning it’s not caused by a specific disease or specific structural problem, but caused by mechanical issues. Mechanical issues are difficult to pinpoint and may include multiple tissues in and around the spinal joints.
The first step in treating your back pain is understanding what’s contributing to it. Our therapists will perform a comprehensive evaluation to help us learn as much as possible about your experience with back pain, including screening for any mobility limitations or weakness you’re struggling with.
Here are some of the more common causes of back pain that we see at our clinic:
- Strains and Sprains: A strain occurs when you injure the muscles in your back or the ligaments that link your spinal vertebrae. Both can cause pain and limited mobility, and they often result from lifting with improper form (such as twisting while lifting) or attempting to lift something too heavy.
- Herniated Discs: Soft, flexible discs separate and cushion your spinal vertebrae. If one of those discs herniates — that is protrudes out — and irritates a nearby nerve, it can lead to intense pain, feeling “stuck” in a stooped over position, and often pain down the leg known as sciatica.
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the world, occurring when the cartilage and bone tissue in a joint degenerate and become inflamed. While we often associate it with the hips, knees, or hands, it can occur in the spine, too. Spinal osteoarthritis is sometimes called spondylosis.
- Lifestyle Factors: Several factors can contribute to lower back pain, including improper posture, prolonged sitting, or weakness in the muscles that support your spine (your core muscles).
Why Physical Therapy at Columbus Physical Therapy Is Your Back Pain Solution
While back pain often resolves on its own within 1-3 months, physical therapy is an excellent choice for people with particularly intense pain or extremely restrictive mobility. It’s also useful for people with chronic back pain — defined as pain that lingers past that three-month mark.
We customize all our back pain treatment plans according to your specific needs: the location and severity of your back pain, any mobility restrictions, your ability level, and overall goals. We’ll work to address the underlying issues causing your pain rather than simply masking the symptoms.
How will we do this? Through a blend of the following techniques:
- Manual therapy helps manage pain, promote blood circulation, and improve mobility.
- A personalized therapeutic exercise plan improves the strength, flexibility, and endurance of your back and core muscles. Muscle weakness significantly contributes to lower back pain, so exercise is a must.
- Specialized training, such as proper techniques and activities that simulate functional movements you’ll need to perform (i.e., squats, lunges, lifting, etc.).
- Prevention strategies help reduce future back pain incidents. These strategies might include postural corrections or suggestions for at-home exercises, such as a walking program or regular strength and mobility practice.
Get Moving Again with Physical Therapy!
Back pain is more than just pain. It can severely restrict your mobility, leading to less exercise and movement, further contributing to pain and dysfunction. The Columbus Physical Therapy team is here to help you break that cycle and find relief from back pain for good.
Exercise of the Month
BRIDGING
Begin on your back. Bend your knees and keep your back flat on the ground. Gently, contract your abdominals and hold to keep your back flat as you move up into the bridge position. Remember to breathe. Gently, squeeze your butt muscles and lift your hips off the ground. The goal is to have your hips aligned with your knees and shoulders. Hold for 5 seconds.
3 Sets, 10 Reps.
Start the new year off strong! This January, we’re offering free screenings at CPT, HPT, and NPT to help you assess your strength, mobility, and overall physical health. Whether you’ve been experiencing pain, recovering from an injury, or just want to make sure you’re moving safely, our free screen is the perfect way to start.
What to Expect
- A brief, personalized screening by a licensed physical therapist
- Identification of potential areas of concern
- Recommendations and next steps to improve mobility, strength, and overall function
Why Take Advantage of This
Our free screening can help you:
- Spot early issues before they become bigger problems
- Understand your body’s strengths and limitations
- Get personalized guidance from our experienced physical therapists
Spaces are limited! Schedule your free screen today and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger, and more active 2026.
Staff Spotlight: Scott Vancura, DPT
Columbus Clinic
Role: Physical Therapist; Coordinator of Clinical Education
With CPT/HPT/NPT Since: 14 years (started June 2011)
Education/Certifications: DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy); Dry Needling Levels 1 & 2 through Evidence in Motion
What I Love Most About My Job: Helping people reach their goals and improve their quality of life
Get to Know Me:
• Favorite Hobby: Coaching and attending my kids’ sports and activities
• Fun Fact: 8-time NAIA All-American in throwing events; member of the Hastings College Athletic Hall of Fame
• Favorite Movie/Sport/Team: Nebraska Football; Creighton Men’s Basketball
Scott’s hard work and dedication don’t go unnoticed. We’re lucky to have him helping our patients reach their goals and improve their quality of life every day.
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Return to Columbus Physical Therapy and Let’s Continue Your Journey to Wellness Together. Schedule Your Appointment Now!
This Cranberry Sparklers Mocktail recipe is a bright, festive drink that’s refreshing, flavorful, and fun to sip any time of year. It’s an easy way to enjoy a bubbly, alcohol-free treat that feels special without the fuss.
Seasonal Recipe
Cranberry Sparklers Mocktail
- 1 cup cranberries (thawed if frozen), plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon orange bitters
- 1 750-ml bottle sparkling non-alcoholic dry wine, chilled
- Seltzer, chilled, for topping
Muddle the cranberries with the sugar in a small bowl until the cranberries are in small bits and the sugar is dissolved. Strain into a large liquid measuring cup and stir in the bitters. (This can be done a day ahead; cover and refrigerate.)
For each drink, add 1 ounce of the cranberry mixture to a glass filled with ice. Top with about 4 ounces sparkling wine and a splash of seltzer. Garnish with cranberries.
January Word Scramble
ioiearbnhtn
aoceeibrtln
seaeynwr
sneuoloirt
iplcmosy
orkrfsiwe
Answer Key
hibernation
celebration
new years
resolution
olympics
fireworks
Kaylee Jensen, DPT
Columbus PT
Arthritis Workshop (Columbus)
Tuesday, Feb 10, 2026
12:15pm
Patient Testimonial
“In the last five years, I have had two shoulder surgeries (left and right), and both times CPT was an enormous help. Sarah definitely knows what she’s doing, and the whole staff is friendly and welcoming! I will always recommend Columbus Physical Therapy!”
–Dan S.
