Lower back pain is incredibly common in our modern world, and, unfortunately, almost everyone experiences it at some point. Back pain can affect your everyday activities and is a leading cause of people taking time off work.
In most cases, lower back pain is temporary and will heal fairly easily. Often, simple treatment at home is enough, and with the assistance of a physiotherapist for guidance, relief should be quite quick, with a full recovery in just a few weeks.
The spine is made up of multiple structures, including:
- Vertebrae
- Discs
- The spinal cord
- Muscles
- Ligaments
- Peripheral nerve roots
Any of these structures can be injured and, therefore, cause pain, but it is important to know that the muscles, ligaments, and other structures in the back are very strong, and very severe injuries are rare.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
Several factors contribute to pain in the lower back, which can be felt as a muscular ache, a shooting pain, burning, or a stabbing sensation. In some cases, pain may radiate down a leg, and bending, twisting, lifting, or walking can make it worse.
Muscle or Ligament Strain
A sudden, awkward movement or repeated heavy lifting can put pressure on the back muscles and spinal ligaments, causing strain. If the back is constantly stressed, painful muscle spasms can occur, causing great discomfort.
Bulging or Ruptured Discs
Spinal discs act as cushions between the vertebrae, and the soft material within them can bulge or rupture, putting pressure on a nerve. Sciatica is a term that refers to pain caused by nerve root compression, and the pain travels along the sciatic nerve from the buttocks and down the leg. It is commonly a herniated disc or a bone overgrowth that puts pressure on the lumbar nerve root, resulting in inflammation and symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Arthritis or Osteoporosis
The most common degeneration of the spinal joints is osteoarthritis, which can lead to the space around the spinal cord narrowing and cause pain.
Osteoporosis can weaken the vertebrae and cause the bone to break.
Structural Problems or Disease
Sometimes, conditions of the spine cause pain, such as scoliosis or curvature of the spine, which can create pain and stiffness.
Pinching of the spinal cord can cause sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain.
Tumors or cancer in the spine can cause pain, as can kidney stones.
The movement to Help Lower Back Pain
While moving during the day, your muscles and other tissues produce chemicals and acids as a by-product of cell activity and energy use. If you are inactive for long periods, these by-products build up within the tissues as they don’t have the movement to flush them out.
This build-up of chemicals sends danger signals to the brain, which can result in pain. If you have persistent pain in a system that has become more sensitive, less of a stimulus is required for a pain signal to be produced. Therefore, movement helps desensitise our system and reduce pain levels.
Physiotherapy for Common Lower Back Pain Injuries
A physiotherapist is a great place to start for lower back many treatment options are available. A visit to your physio for a thorough consultation will allow a rehab plan tailored to your specific lower back issue.
Massage
In the early stages of back pain, massage can help reduce muscle spasms and desensitize your system, reducing pain. It reduces muscle tension and relaxes the area, helping you feel better almost straight away.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is another option to help reduce pain and muscle spasms early on in your treatment. If you are sore, dry needling is often better tolerated than other treatment methods.
Joint Mobilisations
Moving your joints again without pain can be assisted by passive movements of the skeletal joint. A back-and-forth joint oscillation can help restore motion and reduce muscle spasms.
Strength Training
Recurring injuries are likely the result of an underlying strength or control problem. Strengthening the relevant areas will support the structures and, therefore, is crucial for reducing further injuries in the future.
A sports physiotherapist can recommend an exercise journey and provide strategies to work around your pain to get you moving again. The qualified team at Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy in St Kilda, Blackburn, and Essendon has staff experienced with lower back pain who will take you through your recovery efficiently and safely. Give them a call or book an appointment online.
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