Matthew Murphy is a clinical assistant professor in the Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences. He is a board-certified clinical specialist in orthopedic physical therapy, and specializes in the treatment and assessment of musculoskeletal and sport-related conditions. His research interests include: ACL rehabilitation; motor learning and corrective exercise; biomechanics related to sport; and nutritional impacts on musculoskeletal health. His clinical interests include orthopedics, sports medicine, functional movement assessment, ACL rehabilitation, and manual therapy.
Roughly 39% of American adults experience back pain. If you can relate, you know how debilitating it can be. Back pain can make it difficult to sleep, engage in activities you enjoy or sit for extended periods of time.
Getting the right type of resistance bands – and using them correctly – are essential for avoiding injury, and for maximizing results. To help you find the best resistance bands for your needs, we researched scores of them and spoke to fitness experts about how to optimize their use.
In terms of when you can treat back pain at home versus when you should see a doctor or specialist about it, Dr. Murphy says it depends on the level of pain. “If back pain is affecting your ability to function, that’s when it’s time to seek the help of a professional,” he says. If you are relying on over-the-counter painkillers to deal with your back pain, this is another time when Dr. Murphy recommends seeking professional help. “Medication can help with pain, but it doesn’t treat the reason for it,” he says.