Summer in North Central Pennsylvania is a great time to be outside, whether you’re working in the yard, tending a garden, floating on the river, riding bike on a rail trail, or cheering on a game. But along with all that activity after a winter and spring hibernation, I tend to see more patients coming in with back pain this time of year.

One of the most common things I hear is, “My back hurts. What should I do?” And the honest answer is, it depends. Not all back pain is the same, and it shouldn’t all be treated the same way.

In many cases, back pain is what we call “mechanical.” That means it’s related to the muscles, joints, or ligaments often from lifting something awkwardly, twisting the wrong way, or overdoing it with repetitive tasks. The good news is that this type of pain is very common, and in most cases, it improves with the right approach.

Stay Active When You Can
For most people, movement is part of the treatment. It may feel natural to rest, but staying inactive for too long can slow recovery. Gentle activity like walking, stretching, and returning to light daily tasks helps reduce stiffness and keeps the muscles that support your spine strong. The goal is not to push through severe pain, but to keep your body moving in a safe, controlled way.

Short-term rest can help in the first day or two after an injury, especially if pain is intense. After that, gradual movement is key.

What Therapy Really Looks Like
If pain is not improving, physical therapy is often the next step.

Physical therapy focuses on more than just pain relief. It helps address the cause of the problem and prevent it from coming back. A typical program may include:

• Core strengthening and stabilization
• Stretching to improve flexibility
• Posture and body mechanics training
• Hands-on techniques to improve movement
• Guided exercises to continue at home

Many patients begin to feel improvement within a few weeks, with continued progress over time depending on the severity of the injury.

Know the Red Flags
While most back pain is not serious, certain symptoms require prompt medical attention.

You should be seen right away if you have:

• Weakness in your legs
• Debilitating pain that impairs movement
• Numbness or tingling that is worsening
• Numbness in the groin area
• Trouble controlling your bladder or bowels

These can signal a more serious nerve or spine condition.

You should also consider seeing a provider if your pain lasts more than a few weeks, is getting worse, or is limiting your ability to work or stay active.

The Bottom Line
Back pain is common, especially during the busy summer months, but it is also very treatable. Most cases improve with a combination of activity, time, and targeted rehabilitation.

Understanding when to rest, when to move, and when to be seen can help you recover faster and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Terrance Foust, D.O., is with UPMC Orthopaedic Care and sees patients at UPMC Cole, 1001 East 2^nd St., Coudersport. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Foust, call 814-274-5320. For more information, visit UPMC.com/OrthoNCPA.