Back pain can make ordinary days hard — sitting at work, sleeping through the night, bending to pick something up, or getting back to the activities you enjoy. At Integral Spine & Joint Physical Therapy in Norman, we work with people dealing with both new back pain and pain that has lingered for months, helping them understand what's going on, move better, and build toward measurable goals.

Our approach is holistic and integrated. We use personalized training and exercises to correct movement patterns and painful dysfunctions, along with a variety of manual therapy techniques, soft tissue techniques, and exercise progressions based on current science and practical knowledge.

What back pain can feel like

Back pain is different for everyone. People often describe:

• Aching, stiffness, or tightness in the low back, mid-back, or head and neck areas

• Pain that gets worse with sitting, standing, bending, or lifting

• Pain that comes and goes, or pain that stays day after day

• Difficulty finding a comfortable sleeping position

• Feeling guarded or afraid to move, which can make stiffness worse over time

Back pain can come from many causes, including muscle strain, poor posture and movement habits, joint irritation, and disc problems. Because the cause matters for treatment, an evaluation is the first step — this page is general information only, not a diagnosis.

If you have new weakness, numbness, changes in bowel or bladder function, fever, unexplained weight loss, or back pain after a significant fall or accident, seek prompt medical care.

How physical therapy at Integral can help

Your first visit is an initial evaluation. It includes a thorough medical history review so we can understand the underlying issues that may be hindering you, followed by a complete biomechanical assessment of your problem area to guide your personalized treatment.

From there, our staff collaborates with you on measurable goals to get you back to optimal health in the shortest amount of time that is realistic for your situation.

Treatment may include:​

• Manual therapy which includes the use of muscle energy techniques, counterstrain, myofascial & soft tissue techniques, dry needling, lymphatic release, and craniosacral therapy to normalize your tissue texture, minimize pain, and improve your healing potential.

• Personalized exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and movement patterns

• Education on posture, lifting, sitting, and daily activities, so you can manage pain between visits and reduce flare-ups

• A home program you can continue on your own, with progress checked and adjusted at follow-up visits

Our goal for each patient is to mitigate pain levels, normalize movement patterns, and maximize function — not just to treat a symptom for one visit, but to help you understand your back and manage it long term.

Back pain and posture

Posture and movement habits often play a role in back pain. How you sit, stand, lift, and move through the day can load the spine in ways that keep pain going. That's why posture correction is part of our work with many back pain patients, not a separate add-on. [Link to: Posture Correction page, when published]

What to expect at your first visit

Bring comfortable clothes you can move in, and a list of any relevant medical history. Your initial evaluation will focus on understanding your pain, how it affects your daily life, and what movements are difficult or painful. You and your therapist will then discuss a plan and goals together.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist?
If you notice discomfort that does not alter your function you can choose to do wellness visits that quickly eradicate your pain and help you understand how to improve your posture and biomechanics to keep your back healthy. However, if your function is limited and you have a medical diagnosis it is preferable to use your insurance to ensure that you have a full assessment to rule out serious conditions and ensure coordination with the rest of your medical team. 

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How many visits will I need?
That depends on your evaluation, your goals, and how you respond to treatment. There is no fixed number that fits everyone. Your therapist will discuss a plan with you after your initial evaluation, and adjust it as you progress.

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Will physical therapy hurt?
Some assessment movements and exercises may be uncomfortable at first, especially if movement has been limited. Your therapist will work within your tolerance and adjust treatment based on your response. Tell your therapist if something is too painful — that feedback helps guide your plan.

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What if my back pain is sciatica or a herniated disc?
Sciatica and disc problems can cause back pain, sometimes with leg pain, numbness, or tingling. If that sounds like your situation, an evaluation can help clarify what is going on and what treatment approach fits.

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The listed costs for the 60-minute physical therapy visits are the out-of-pocket/self-pay rates, like if you have a deductible to meet. Your specific insurance policy benefits will determine what your payment responsibility is, this will be verified before starting therapy.

This page provides general information about posture, back pain, and physical therapy. It is not medical advice and does not replace an evaluation by a qualified clinician.