Common Causes Of Back Pain And How To Manage Them 

Back pain is an incredibly common condition suffered by one in six Australians at any given time. Furthermore, four out of five Australians will suffer back pain at some point in their life. Given the prevalence of this condition, it’s important to know how to manage back pain, either with assistance from a professional physiotherapist or alone: when symptoms start to flare up. Managing back pain can be aided by understanding the underlying causes of the issue. By understanding what causes the condition, people suffering from it can more easily treat their problem. In this blog post we outline types of back pain, its causes and how you can manage your back pain with preventative measures, remedial measures and lifestyle adjustments. 

Types of Back Pain 

Back pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning or stabbing sensation. Also, the pain can radiate down a leg. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing or walking can make it worse. There are two types of back pain: acute and chronic. Acute back pain is localised to one area in the back and can manifest as a sharp pain, aches or spasms. Chronic back pain is far more generalised and tends to be the more debilitating, causing intense pain in a larger area. 

Common Causes of Back Pain 

There are five primary causes of back pain which have been identified as playing a role in its development. Muscular imbalances, poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, spinal conditions and injuries and accidents can all result in back pain. 

Preventative Measures for Back Pain 

If you have suffered back pain before, it helps to take control of your health before pain reemerges. Preventative measures are easy to implement and significantly reduce your chances of developing acute or chronic back pain in the long term. Regular exercise is extremely important and can strengthen your core muscles, thereby providing your back muscles with more support. Posture awareness is also fundamentally important to preventing back pain. When sitting, your feet should be flat on the floor and your eyes level with any screen you are looking at. This should keep your back straight and reduce the likelihood of it developing stress or injury. Finally, when lifting heavy objects, proper lifting techniques should be employed to ensure an injury is not sustained. Lift with your legs, not your back, with your feet flat on the floor. 

Managing Back Pain 

If you suffer from back pain, you should consult with a physiotherapist first and foremost. A physio will help you to manage back pain through techniques such as manual therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises. They may also employ pain management therapies like heat/cold therapy and massage. Furthermore, over-the-counter medications, for example, Ibuprofen, can also assist in reducing the symptoms of back pain. 

Lifestyle Modifications for Pain Relief 

If your back pain has been troubling you for some time, ensure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthily and doing all you can to reduce stress in your life. Maintaining your overall physical and mental health plays a large role in determining the severity of your symptoms. 

Call Erko Physio to Plan Your Exercise  

If you are experiencing pain or have injured your back, or suffer from an ongoing condition, contact Erko Physio today for the best local advice the Inner West has to offer. We can help you treat your condition with massage therapy, prescription of stretching and exercise to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible. Our Alexandria physiotherapy is easily accessible from Erskineville, Newtown and Marrickville too. Trust the experts at Erko Physio to deliver a solid therapeutic massage when your body needs it.