Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain
How to bend and not break

Low back pain - what is it?
Lower back pain has many causes. Eighty percent (80%) of people will experience lower back pain at some stage of their life. It is one of the most common reasons for people missing work and seeing a doctor or physiotherapist (physio).

Causes of low back pain
Most causes of low back pain are musculoskeletal in origin and known as non-specific low back pain. Most commonly, these back injuries are caused by muscular strains, ligament sprains and joint dysfunction, particularly when pain arises suddenly during or following physical loading of the spine.

The good news is that you can take measures to prevent or lessen most back pain episodes. Your physiotherapist is an expert who treats and can help you to prevent low back pain.

Early diagnosis and treatment is the easiest way to recover quickly from lower back pain and to prevent a recurrence.

Symptoms of low back pain
Symptoms range from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting sensation. The pain may make it hard to move or stand up straight. Acute back pain comes on suddenly, often after an injury from sports or heavy lifting.

Treatment of Low Back pain
Your physiotherapy treatment will address:

Massage
Trigger point therapy
Strapping and taping
Joint mobilization
Joint manipulation
Traction
Dry needling / Acupuncture
Electrotherapy (e.g. ultrasound, TENS)
Stretching
Bracing
Postural education & retraining for sitting, driving, standing
Soft tissue work.
Correct postural aids such as chair supports and pillows
Taping and or braces
Corrective exercises to fix the underlying issues.
Postural taping or bracing
Anti-inflammatory advice
Activity modification advice
Exercises to improve flexibility, strength and posture
Clinical Pilates

Recurrence of low back pain
Recurrence of low back pain can occur. The main reason it is thought to recur is due to insufficient rehabilitation. In particular, poor compliance with deep abdominal core muscle exercises.

Your physiotherapist will assist you in identifying the best exercises for you to continue indefinitely.

Low Back Pain Outlook (Prognosis)
Untreated Low back pain can linger, becoming chronic or even worsen requiring more intensive physio, nerve damage or even surgery.

Most sufferers of lower back pain will recover within 4 to 8 weeks. However, this time can vary greatly as it depends on both the nature of your injury and your compliance to the treatment plan