Lower Back Pain and Sciatica
Many Australians’ experience lower back pain. The statistics indicate that this could be as higher as 80% of the population! The good news is that 80% of those will get better with appropriate management. The other 20% may go on to develop chronic pain which is the leading cause of budern of disease in Australia. So it is vitally important to get on to things quickly and managing the pain properly.
There are several causes to lower back pain; these may be non-specific (where pain is not attributed to a certain structure) or it may be specific (a structure is responsible for causing pain), for example, a disc injury or osteoarthritis.
Sciatica is associated with symptoms that extend into the leg. Sciatica is caused by a disc injury that leads to impingement of nerve roots exiting the lower back. Symptoms may also involve weakness, pins and needles or numbness in the legs.
What to do if you have lower back pain?
Physiotherapy can be useful at any stages of lower back pain and often allows individuals to return to activity or work.
Getting a scan:
If you have ever experienced back pain in the past, the question, ‘do I need a scan?‘ has probably crossed your mind. Contrary to popular belief, scans of the lower back, have been shown to have little to no correlation to an acute episode of lower back pain.
It is best to consult with a physiotherapist if experiencing lower back pain. Our physiotherapists at Back In Motion will assess you and from here provide a tailored treatment plan to help you improve your symptoms – this may include manual therapy and rehabilitation.
Your physiotherapist will also go through strategies to help manage your pain as listed below:
Ways we can prevent lower back pain:
- Keeping mobile and active
- Strengthening for the lower back.
Ways to help reduce your pain:
- Try to keep mobile and avoid staying in one position for too long. If you have a desk-based job, try taking regular breaks.
- Heat can be used for temporary relief of symptoms.
- Self-release of muscles with a spiky ball or foam roller.
- Sleeping: If you’re a side sleeper, popping a pillow between the knees can help keep you comfortable overnight. It’s also important to ensure you have a good mattress that is rotated regularly.
- Avoid aggravating activities that worsen your pain.
If you wanted any more information or to speak with one of our physiotherapists, please call us on 95801985 or book online here.