Lower Back Pain – How Physio can Help

16/10/2019

Lower back pain doesn’t discriminate; it can affect people of all ages, sizes and backgrounds. With so many structures making up the spine, pelvis and hips, a thorough physical examination is required to figure out the true cause of your pain . If you are experiencing ongoing lower back pain, you are not alone. Around 1 in 6 Australians suffer from back pain, that’s approximately 4 million Australians who suffer from the condition at any one time. It can be caused due to a myriad of reasons. Not only does back pain limit your mobility, it can also be excruciatingly painful. The good news is that physiotherapy can be a very effective form of treatment, and it is well worth exploring this option before going down the path of surgery. In this blog post, we’ll highlight some of the ways in which physiotherapy can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with back pain.

Causes of Low Back Pain

Low back pain is most commonly caused by muscle or joint strains resulting from excess loading of the spinal structures. This can be caused by too much sitting, long hours spent standing, bending over too much, poor sleep, high levels of stress and fatigue, lifting weights incorrectly or that are too heavy,  and any other movement that puts  pressure on the body. However, it can also be caused by ageing, cancer of the spinal cord, sciatica, arthritis, kidney infections, ruptured/herniated disc, fibromyalgia and other conditions.

In some cases, the pain may only last a few days. However, if it lingers on for weeks then it’s time to seek the help of a physiotherapist as it is unlikely to get better if left untreated.

How Posture and Work can Contribute to Low Back Pain

Both manual workers and those who work in an office building are prone to experiencing low back pain at some point. Sitting for extended periods of time or sitting hunched over a computer screen in an unnatural position can lead to back injury. The same is also true for manual workers who lift heavy boxes/goods on a daily basis.

It is strongly recommended that you get up to stretch and walk around every hour. If you work in a warehouse, you should take care to follow safety guidelines when carrying heavy goods. The best tips for preventing low back pain include maintaining good posture, exercising muscles in the abdomen and back and maintaining a healthy weight.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Low Back Pain

Physiotherapy is aimed at building muscle strength (particularly core stability), reducing inflammation, restoring pain-free movement and increasing your long-term mobility. Physio is remarkably effective at reducing pain, and it is considered a safe treatment option with no significant risks or side effects usually associated with surgical intervention.

Some of the treatment options for low back pain include:

  • Dry Needling
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Deep tissue massage
  • Joint mobilisations and manipulations
  • Taping
  • Bracing
  • Exercise Programs for spinal strength and endurance training
  • Advice on Ergonomic/Posture Adjustment to aid healing

Treatment plans are developed on a case by case basis.  A physiotherapist at Erko Physio will first examine your back to determine the severity of your condition, and we will then formulate a treatment plan. There are a range of physio exercises which we have found to be effective for low back pain, including: back extensions, knee-to-chest stretch, child’s pose, the bridge, piriformis stretch, side plank, pelvic tilt and the bird-dog pose. It is important that you seek professional advice before attempting any exercise, as you may exacerbate the condition.

Start Treating Lower Back Pain Today – Call Erko Physio

Prompt diagnosis and early intervention is key to restoring movement, minimising pain and getting back to your everyday routine. The team at Erko Physio are highly skilled at treating lower back pain, particularly radicular syndromes and non-specific lower back pain (NSLBP). Most patients respond well to physiotherapy and are able to resume their routine in a matter of weeks.

Call us now on 02 9557 9272, or make an online booking via our website today. We look forward to playing a role in your recovery journey.