Getting You Back Into Action

Low back pain

Low back Pain is commonly associated with joint and disc pathology. This can place pressure on nerves and lead to severe episodes of pain which can radiate down the leg and result in loss of sensation, reflexes and muscle power. At Hindmarsh Physiotherapy our aim is to relieve pain, and improve any neurological dysfunction. Additionally, we examine the cause of your LBP and it’s effect on your movement and strength.

The most common cause of back ache is known as Mechanical low back pain.

It is called Mechanical back pain because it is caused by the mechanical loading of the spine in various static positions for prolonged periods of time and can range from occasional stiffness that you can walk off comfortably to severe low back pain and associated muscle spasm.

To avoid this :

• Sit up properly and arrange your work station to best suit your height and shape.
• Stand up every 15-20 minutes to recover the arch in your spine, both at home and at work.
• Go for a good walk (40 minutes) per day, ideally in one go or split it in two, 20 minutes at lunch and 20 minutes when you finish work.
• Try to stretch regularly through the day.
• Develop Core strength.
• Dont drive for greater than one hour without getting out to stretch your legs.
• See a Physiotherapist if you have pain that doesnt settle down in 48 hrs

Some people also experience Sciatica associated with their low back pain. For more detailed information about this our Patient Resource is available here What is Sciatica

Treatment

A typical Low Back Pain treatment program will involve the following stages:

• Initial examination by one of our experienced Physiotherapists to allow an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan to commence.
• Eliminate possible causative factors – these may include changing posture, reducing prolonged sitting with poor desk setup and correcting poor lifting techniques in the gym and at home.
• Reduce pain and inflammation – this is best achieved with physiotherapy treatment techniques, ultrasound, dry needling, massage, heat, taping, bracing and possible anti- inflammatory medications from your local doctor.
• Improve and restore full range of spinal motion – this will involve gentle mobility exercises for the back, physiotherapy treatment techniques, massage, swimming, walking, cycling and other gentle exercise methods.
• Restore and improve overall flexibility and strength – this stage involves the correction of specific flexibility issues and improvements in areas such as core control and general strength overseen by your physiotherapist.
• Return to sport, work and life - improve your overall fitness – this final stage ensures that you return to your chosen sport and fitness activities with a reduced chance of re-injury and the correction of the initial causative factors.

If you would like to read our Physio's Guide on helping to avoid and mange your back pain click here : Managing Back Pain

What are some exercise we often prescribe : Eight of our best