Lower back pain is a widespread issue that affects millions of people at some point in their lives. Whether it’s a dull ache or a sharp pain, it can have a significant impact on your daily activities and overall quality of life. As a physiotherapist, I would like to help you gain an understanding about what causes lower back pain and how physiotherapy can be an effective solution for managing and alleviating it.
What is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain refers to discomfort or pain that occurs in the lumbar region of the spine, which is located as you guessed! In the lower back. It is the third of the four regions of the spine. Below the rib cage but above your pelvis. This pain can arise from various sources, including:
Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor body posture or sudden movements can strain the muscles or ligaments in your lower back. This may also arise when attempting to compensate from pain due to other underlying conditions like scoliosis and spondylosis.
Herniated Discs: There are discs which lie between each vertebra in the spine. When the discs between the vertebrae bulge or rupture, they can compress and irritate the nerves that are in the spinal canal and cause a sharp pain.
Degenerative Disc Disease: Over time, especially with age, discs can become de-hydrated and lose their cushioning ability. This leads to pain as they provide smooth movement when you bend and twist, leaving you with that feeling of stiffness particularly in the morning.
Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal, where spinal nerves pass, and the spinal cord is located. This decrease in space can cause an increase in the pressure placed on the exiting spinal nerves. Patients typically experience sharp pain, tingling, numbness and weakness.
Postural Issues: This is important for the working class! Poor posture or ergonomics, especially during prolonged sitting or standing and when lifting heavy bags and boxes, these especially can contribute and lead to lower back pain.
Factors Contributing to the Global Burden
There are several factors which contribute to the widespread nature of lower back pain:
Aging Population: As the global population ages, the incidence of lower back pain is expected to rise, as age-related conditions like degenerative disc disease become more common.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Increasing inactive lifestyles and poor posture related to prolonged sitting—whether due to work or leisure activities—are significant risk factors.
Occupational Risks: Jobs that involve heavy lifting, repetitive strain, or prolonged sitting can increase the risk of developing lower back pain, even from young ages.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapy is a non-invasive approach for managing lower back pain.
Assessment and Diagnosis: Physiotherapists conduct a thorough assessment to identify the cause of your pain. This includes reviewing your medical and general history, conducting physical examinations, and sometimes recommending imaging if necessary.
Individualized Exercise Programs: Physiotherapists design tailored exercise routines to strengthen your muscles that support your lower back. These exercises help to improve range of motion, strength, stability, and posture, which can reduce pain and prevent future issues.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation can help alleviate pain and improve movement. Manual therapy can reduce muscle tension and enhance circulation in the affected area.
Education and Ergonomics: A physiotherapist will provide guidance on proper posture, supportive footwear, body mechanics, and ergonomics to prevent strain during daily activities. This might include advice on lifting techniques, sitting posture, and workstation setup.
Pain Management: Physiotherapy can include various modalities like heat or cold therapy to manage pain and/or inflammation.
Functional Rehabilitation: If your lower back pain has affected your ability to perform daily tasks or work activities, a physiotherapist will help you regain functional movement and strength to return to your normal routine.
Aqua Therapy: If you find it severely difficult and painful to manage lower back exercises in the clinic. Hydrotherapy uses the assistive and resistive properties of water to improve your function with little to no pain.
What to Expect in Your Physiotherapy Sessions
Within your sessions, you’ll work closely with your physiotherapist to develop a treatment plan that best suits your needs and schedule. You will be required to continue the exercises at home for your benefit. Regular follow-ups and adjustments to your program along with re-assessments to ensure that you’re making progress and addressing any ongoing issues.
Taking Charge of Your Health
Managing lower back pain effectively often involves a combination of physiotherapy, lifestyle adjustments, and sometimes medical interventions. By consulting with our physiotherapist at Enhance Rehab Services, you can gain a better understanding of your condition and take proactive steps toward recovery, re-occurrence and prevention.
If you’re experiencing lower back pain, know someone who suffers with lower back pain or have questions about the benefits of physiotherapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we, the Enhance Rehab team of physiotherapists can help you to feel better and get you back to enjoying life’s activities.
Author
Thea Roberts
Comentários