The aim of physical therapists is to help you improve your function as well as reduce your pain. First and foremost, they design programs that include strengthening and flexibility exercises as well as aerobics. Physical therapists also use posture and education to help back pain sufferers avoid recurrences as much as possible.
Occupational therapists work closely with physical therapists.
Their focus is to help clients perform both their work and leisure activities in a safe way. When necessary, they can recommend modifications in the way you do your job or household chores. It is thought that acupuncture needles stimulate the brain to produce endorphins, which are natural chemicals that reduce pain. In this sense, acupuncture is used for pain control, rather than to correct the problem itself. The most popular theory for why massage alleviates, or at least decreases back pain, is that it helps to relax muscle spasm.