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Lower Back Pain- What You Need To Know

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Lower Back Pain- What You Need To Know

 

Low Back Pain: What You Need to Know

Low back pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages. It is estimated that 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. In most cases, low back pain is mechanical in nature, meaning that it is caused by problems with the muscles, bones, or joints in the back.

In most cases, lower back pain arises due to a combination of a number of factors including (but not limited to):

  • Lifting heavy objects
  • Twisting or bending the back suddenly
  • Prolonged static postures
  • Sitting or standing for long periods of time
  • A sedentary lifestyle
  • Injury
  • Stress 

 

 

The symptoms of mechanical low back pain can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the lower back
  • Pain that radiates to the buttocks or legs
  • Numbness or tingling in the legs
  • Stiffness in the back
  • Difficulty moving or bending

It is REALLY important to emphasise that in the majority of cases, low back pain is not serious and will usually subside within 6-8 weeks. However, there are things you can do to relieve the pain and speed up the process.

These include:

  • Keep moving- lying in bed WILL NOT help in the long run. At the onset of the issue, movement might be limited to walking around the house or doing some simple mobility exercises. 
  • Applying heat or ice
  • Taking over-the-counter pain medication
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises
  • Getting back to work and normal activities as soon as possible

 

 

Physiotherapy can help from the early stages of onset of lower back pain and it is always advisable to get assessed and start your treatment as early as possible. We use a variety of physiotherapy techniques to relieve pain and improve function, including:

  • Education and reassurance about your issue. Lower back pain can be a frightening and unnerving experience and speaking to a professional with experience in dealing with the issue can put your mind at rest.
  • Manual therapy, such as massage and stretching and joint mobilisation.
  • Exercises to strengthen and mobilise your back and body in general.

Below are some general tips for preventing low back pain:

  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Exercise regularly.
  • Avoid big fluctuations in your training regime and if you are starting to exercise- start slowly and build up intensity gradually.
  • Avoid repetitive postures- change your posture and position regularly.
  • Use proper body mechanics when lifting.
  • Try to keep on top of stress and anxiety
  • Keep well hydrated and avoid smoking 

 

 

By following these tips, you can minimise your chances of low back pain affecting you. 

If you have any questions or concerns about low back pain, please do not hesitate to contact us or book online.