What is back pain?
Back pain refers to discomfort anywhere along the spine, from the base of the neck to the tailbone. It can range from a mild, nagging ache to severe, debilitating pain. Most back pain is mechanical — meaning it comes from how the muscles, joints, and discs in your spine move and interact, not from a serious underlying condition. It's extremely common: about 80% of adults experience back pain at some point. The good news is that most cases improve significantly with the right physical therapy approach, even without surgery or medication.
Common symptoms
- Dull, aching pain in the lower back
- Sharp or stabbing pain with certain movements
- Pain that radiates into the buttock or leg (sciatica)
- Stiffness when getting out of bed or after sitting
- Difficulty standing up straight
- Muscle spasms or tightness
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
- Reduced range of motion in the spine
What causes back pain?
Back pain can develop from many sources. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, weak core muscles, and repetitive movements are among the most common contributors. Disc herniations, degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, and facet joint irritation are structural causes your PT can identify. Stress, sleep quality, and overall fitness level also play a significant role — back pain is rarely caused by just one thing. A thorough evaluation helps identify which factors are driving your pain so treatment targets the right things.
How online PT helps with back pain
Evaluation. Your first visit is a comprehensive evaluation over video. Your PT watches how you move, asks about your pain history, and identifies what's contributing to your symptoms. This isn't a generic screening — it's a detailed assessment that drives everything that follows.
Treatment. Based on your evaluation, your PT designs a program specific to your back pain. This typically includes targeted exercises to strengthen weak areas, mobility work to restore range of motion, and education about positions and habits that may be aggravating your pain. Your program is updated as you improve.
Ongoing support. Between visits, you can message your PT directly with questions, updates, or concerns. If something flares up or an exercise doesn't feel right, you don't have to wait for your next appointment to get guidance. Your PT monitors your progress and adjusts your plan as needed.
What to expect
Your first session takes about 60 minutes over a secure video call. Your PT will ask about your pain — when it started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life. They'll guide you through movement tests to assess your strength, flexibility, and range of motion. By the end of the visit, you'll have a clear understanding of what's going on and a treatment plan to start working on immediately. Follow-up visits are typically 30-45 minutes, and most patients start noticing improvement within the first few weeks.
Insurance accepted for back pain
Online physical therapy for back pain is covered by most major insurance plans. You pay your normal copay — nothing extra for online visits.
MedicareBlue Shield of CaliforniaAnthem Blue CrossCignaAetnaUnited HealthcareHumana
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