Introduction
Back pain affects up to 85% of the population during a lifetime. Although majority of individuals suffering from lower back pain will improve, approximately 50% will have at least one recurrence and often more.
Anatomy
The back is made up of many structures including vertebrae, intervertebral discs, facet joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, synovium and more.
Risk Factors
- Lack of exercise / physically deconditioned
- Excess weight
- Weak muscles and tissues surrounding the back
- Decreased activation of certain muscle groups
- Poor lifting technique
- Stress
- Other lifestyle choices (poor diet, smoking, etc.)
Causes / types of pain
- Dysfunction of one of the anatomical structures
- Referred pain from another region of the body
- *Serious pathology
*Although rare, lower back pain can be due to a serious pathology such as malignancy, cauda equina infections, fractures, arthritis in the spine and more. Good news is that Physiotherapists are well trained in identifying if there are any signs of these conditions involved and they know exactly where and when to refer on.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Physiotherapists have had great success in treating lower back pain. With excellent knowledge in treating acute pain (from the day of injury) to chronic pain (that has lasted years). Physiotherapy for treating lower back pain involves:
- A Thorough and detailed history taking of individual in pain
- Determining which structures may be contributing to the symptoms
- Determining which lifestyle factors may be having the biggest influence on the individuals symptoms
- Ruling out any serious pathology that may require urgent care
- Manual therapy to assist in healing and decreasing the symptoms
- Working collaboratively with the individual to ensure the best treatment plan is in place to decrease symptoms and increase functional capacity
- Optimising recovery and ensuring measures are at place to decrease future recurrence
If you are or have been experiencing low back pain, come and see our experienced Physiotherapists to detemine what the issue may be and the best treatment to reduce the risk of future re-occurances.