If your job requires lifting heavy objects, your back may start to protest. Work-related lower back pain is one of the most common workplace injuries in the U.S. In fact, according to the Ambitions’ Top 10 Physical Therapy Statistics roundup of February 2025, roughly 34% of all cases cite back pain as the leading reason people seek physical therapy.
This guide from JPM Physical Therapy, P.C., explores how physical therapy for lower back pain can help you recover. You can also learn more about workers’ compensation physical therapy in Queens, NY, below.
Why Heavy Lifting Causes Lower Back Pain
The World Health Organization estimated that 619 million people globally in 2020 were affected by lower back pain. Your back supports your body, helps you move in all directions, and serves as a hub for muscles and ligaments. It needs support when you lift heavy weights.
According to a meta-analysis in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, lifting loads over 25 kg may increase the annual incidence of lower back pain by about 4.32%. Lifting at a rate exceeding 25 lifts per day increases that risk of pain by approximately 3.5%.
Heavy or repeated lifting and improper lifting techniques can also contribute to disk injuries. The discs in your spine act as cushions between vertebrae, and bulged or herniated discs press on nearby nerves. These injuries can build up gradually from repetitive stress and trigger pain that often radiates down the leg.
Recognizing the Signs of Occupational Back Pain
According to the International Association for the Study of Pain’s fact sheet on back pain, over one in four working adults has back pain. Occupations with the highest reported rates include nursing, transportation, construction, warehousing, and landscaping.
Occupational back pain treatment should start with an accurate picture of your symptoms. Common signs that your lower back pain may be linked to lifting include:
- Localized lower back pain: Aching or soreness that settles in the lumbar region
- Shooting or radiating pain: Pain or tingling that travels down one or both legs
- Stiffness and limited range of motion: Difficulty standing straight, bending, or rotating
- Muscle spasms: Involuntary lower back contractions that make moving or standing difficult
If your pain is severe, worsens at night, or is accompanied by numbness, weakness, or incontinence, see a healthcare provider right away.
Approaching Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain
Can physical therapy actually help with lifting-related injuries? Yes, physical therapy for work-related lower back pain targets the root cause, whether that’s posture, strength, flexibility, or movement patterns. Your therapist can design a program tailored to your specific injury and job demands.
Typically, physical therapy for lifting injuries combines:
- Core strengthening: Weak core muscles force your lower back to compensate during lifting, which can worsen existing injuries and risk the formation of new ones.
- Lumbar stabilizing: Stretching and strengthening the hips and legs may improve spinal stability and reduce the load on the lower back.
- Postural training: Correct body mechanics help you lift with your legs instead of your back.
- Aerobic conditioning: Low-impact walking or stationary cycling can improve circulation and reduce stiffness.
- Manual therapy: A physical therapist’s hands-on techniques can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint mobility.
Rather than staying in bed and waiting for the pain to pass, you might find great benefits in staying gently active under a therapist’s guidance.
What To Expect From Outpatient Physical Therapy in Queens, NY
With outpatient physical therapy in Queens, NY, your first visit will typically involve a thorough evaluation. This initial session assesses your symptoms, pain, and daily limitations to see how physical therapy for lower back pain might help. Your therapist may use techniques like soft-tissue mobilization or joint mobilization, helping you progress through the treatment program and prepare to return to work.
Rehabilitation for workplace back injuries often takes several weeks, though the timeline varies based on the severity of your injury. Chronic lower back pain will more than likely need an eight-week guided program followed by a home maintenance plan. For example, targeted exercises like pelvic tilts, bridges, and planks can help rebuild your core as you progress.
Exploring How Workers’ Compensation Physical Therapy Works
A therapist can also help you understand what’s happening in your body, what movements are safe, and how to protect your back on the job going forward. If your back injury happened at work, you may have access to workers’ compensation. Physical therapy treatment costs may fall within these benefits for employees in New York.
You’ll typically need to report your injury to your employer and receive clearance to see a physical therapist through workers’ compensation. Document your injury and keep track of your symptoms, medical appointments, and any time missed from work. Getting treatment early, before a strain becomes a chronic condition, can reduce long-term complications.
JPM Physical Therapy, P.C. Is Here To Help
Are you looking for physical therapy after a workplace back injury in Queens, New York? Start with JPM Physical Therapy, P.C. Call (516) 689-9921 to learn more about physical therapy for lower back pain.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about physical therapy for lower back pain.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Work-Related Back Injury?
Recovery time from a work-related back injury depends on the severity of the injury. Many patients with muscle strains see improvement within a few weeks, but disc injuries may take several months.
Do I Need a Doctor’s Referral To See a Physical Therapist?
In many cases, you can schedule an evaluation with a physical therapist without a referral, though some insurance plans, including certain workers’ compensation carriers, may require one.
What Should I Do Immediately After Hurting My Back at Work?
If you hurt yourself at work, report the injury to your employer right away. Avoid activities that worsen the pain, and seek an evaluation from a healthcare provider. Scheduling physical therapy for lower back pain shouldn’t wait.
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