Ask a PT
Ask a PT Find a PT

Who to See for Low Back Pain

Question:

I have pain in right buttock and right side of low back. I have been told it is related to the psoas muscle. I have received treatment from physical therapists, massage therapists and chiropractors. I still feel as if I am twisted at the lower part of my back. Any suggestions on what could be going on and who is the best person to treat?

Answer: By Elizabeth Reicherter, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, CHES

Pain in the right low back and buttock can either be related to the musculoskeletal tissues in the area or a sign of a medical problem. Consult your medical doctor first to rule out any medical conditions that could be contributing to your pain situation, especially if you have any other physical changes like abdominal cramping, change in bowel and/or bladder habits, blood in the stool, etc.  

If it is determined that the symptoms are arising from pathology in the low back muscle and/or soft tissue, a physical therapist with experience in treating spinal conditions would be the best health care professional to treat the problem.  In addition to addressing your current pain condition, the physical therapist will prescribe exercises and educate you to prevent recurrence of the problem.

| More

Learn more about Back issues

Physical therapists, who are experts in restoring and improving motion in people’s lives, play an important role not only in treating persistent or recurrent low back pain, but also in prevention and risk reduction. Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in [...]

Other Questions:

«
»

Biographical Information

Physical therapist and American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) member E. Anne Reicherter, PT, DPT, PhD, OCS, CHES, joined the faculty at the University of Maryland-Baltimore School of Medicine in January 2009. She primarily teaches orthopedic physical therapy, psychosocial issues in healthcare, and physical therapy educational topics. Previously, she was a faculty member for 10 years at Howard University in Washington. Dr Reicherter received a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Pittsburgh in1985. While working as a physical therapist, she received a Master of Education in Health Education from The Pennsylvania State University in 1995. In 2005, she received her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston, Massachusetts, and in 2008 received a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology from Howard University. Dr Reicherter is a board certified orthopedic clinical specialist and a certified health education specialist. As a researcher whose interests include health literacy, she has published many peer-reviewed articles on health disparities and the education of physical therapy students. Dr Reicherter has been an APTA member since 1985 and is a member of the Association’s orthopedic and education sections.