Lower back pain can be referred to any pain felt between the lower ribs and the gluteal folds. It is extremely common with 60-80% of adults experiencing at least one episode of lower back pain within their lifetime. Up to 23% of adults may suffer with chronic lower back pain. Chronic lower back pain has a high reoccurrence rate.
Lower back pain can develop suddenly, often after lifting something heavy, twisting awkwardly, or an unexpected movement - or it can build gradually over time due to posture, muscle weakness, or repetitive strain. Pain can vary greatly from mild-severe and constant or intermittent. In many cases, the pain comes from irritation or strain of the muscles, joints, discs, or nerves in the lower spine. Occasionally, lower back pain can cause muscle spasm, pins and needles, numbness, muscle weakness or referred pain into the hips and/or legs. Lower back pain can be acute (less than 6 weeks), sub-acute (between 6-12 weeks) or chronic (12 weeks or more).
Up to 90% of lower back pain can’t be attributed to a specific cause and is often associated with many different contributors that need to be addressed such as mobility issues, strength imbalances, diet, hydration, stress, anxiety, lifestyle factors, posture and many more! Very rarely there may be a specific cause for your lower back pain, and if deemed appropriate, further investigations may be required to ascertain the exact cause and to inform future management. However, scans such as X-rays or MRI’s are usually not required and shouldn’t be offered as first line investigation unless under very specific circumstances.
Your therapist will go through a comprehensive subjective and objective examination to determine if there is a specific cause to your pain and if scans and onwards referral is required.
Treatment will be personalised to each individual as no one person’s back pain is exactly the same. Treatment will often involve addressing lifestyle contributors, muscular imbalances, mobility deficits, postural imbalances, activity levels and beliefs regarding the injury as well as other passive therapies such as manual therapy and acupuncture to help with pain.
While lower back pain can be frustrating and sometimes limiting, most cases improve with the right combination of movement, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments. Physiotherapy helps identify the underlying cause and provides targeted treatment to reduce pain and improve long-term spinal health.
I highly recommend Donna at Blue Sky. I have found her to be kind, understanding and compassionate. She saw me at short notice for my first appointment with her and she has helped me immensely. Donna is very dedicated to her clients and in helping them recover. Thank you.
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