If you’ve ever experienced a pain in the backside that just won’t go away, rest assured you are not alone. Low back pain is a common condition, and up to 70% of Australian’s will experience it at some point in their life. Lower back pain can be debilitating and narrow your employment and recreational opportunities, but with physio treatment it is possible to overcome your symptoms and return to your usual routine safely and with confidence.
Causes of Low Back Pain
Typically occurring at the base of the lumbar spine, some individuals also experience pain at the buttocks, groin, thighs, leg and feet. Pain can vary from mild to severe, typically lasting from several days to several months. Some common pain symptoms include a dull ache, throbbing, shooting and burning sensations.
There are a number of causes of the lower back pain, with the most common being lumbar disc herniations, lumbar joint irritation and lower back muscle strains. These conditions can arise through repetitive bending or lifting, prolonged and awkward postures (i.e sitting, furniture removals, gardening), forceful injuries (i.e motor vehicle accidents, contact sports) and as a result of certain genetic conditions.
There are various other causes of low back pain, including:
Spinal degeneration (common amongst the elderly)
Herniated discs
Sciatica
Osteoporosis
Muscle strains
Injury sustained during sports/physical activity
Workplace incidents (e.g. prolonged periods of heavy lifting and poor ergonomics for seated office workers)
With a wide range of potential causes, it is important to seek a diagnosis and treatment plan from your physiotherapist as soon as possible.
Helpful Tips for Avoiding Low Back Pain
Here are a few helpful tips to minimise your risk of experiencing back pain:
Pay attention to your posture and seek a postural assessment from your Physiotherapist
If you work at a desk, take a break every hour to stretch and walk around
Adhere to Workplace Health and Safety guidelines for heavy lifting
Exercise daily
Maintain a healthy weight
Physio Treatment for Low Back Pain
There is no ‘one size fits all’ approach for treating lower back pain, and at New North Physiotherapy we take a tailored approach to condition management. Left untreated, inflammation will worsen and back muscles will become weaker which can lead to chronic pain and discomfort. It is important to seek a diagnosis as early as possible.
Physio treatment will help to alleviate pain and is typically comprised of exercised-based therapy along with techniques including massage, manual therapy and dry needling. A postural assessment and ergonomic improvements to your workspace may also be beneficial.
Physio treatment will aid in improving:
Spinal stability
Comfort
Circulation, flexibility and bone density
Muscle Strengthening
Start Your Recovery Journey with New North Physiotherapy Today
Back injuries and back pain can be debilitating, take the first step towards recovery and book an appointment at New North Physiotherapy today. Our clinic is located in Hamilton QLD, and we can be reached on (07) 5619 5208 or via email at reception.nnp@outlook.com. We look forward to seeing you soon.