Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain: Understanding and Managing It with Align Life Physio

Nearly everyone experiences lower back pain at some point in their lives. The pain can range from mild to severe. 

Lower back pain affects the lumbar region of your spine or back. It can result from many different injuries and conditions. 

Here are some of the common causes of lower back problems.

Mechanical lower back pain 

Most cases of lower back pain are known as “non-specific” (there’s no obvious cause) or “mechanical” (the pain originates from the joints, bones or soft tissues in and around the spine). These are often caused by an injury, for example lifting or activities such as gardening. 

Disc prolapse 

Disc prolapses, otherwise known as slipped discs or bulging discs, is a common source of lower back pain. As well as causing back pain, a disc bulge can press on a nerve causing leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg. 

Often misdiagnosed, physiotherapists are experienced and trained to diagnose your back pain/sciatica and from the relevant findings following the detailed assessment, will form a treatment plan for you. 

Lumbar spondylosis 

Lumbar spondylosis relates to age-related changes in the low back area. It can include changes in the discs (reduction in height), and the joints (known as the facet joints). Physiotherapy treatment is very effective for lower back pain caused by wear and tear. Your treatment will involve hands on treatment, the exact treatment depending on the findings of the assessment. 

Lumbar stenosis 

Closely related to the natural age-related changes in our spine (spondylosis), stenosis causes lower back pain and / or sciatica when standing or walking, and is eased when sitting. As well as hands on treatment, your physiotherapist will provide strategies and exercises to help you manage your condition. 

Facet Joint Arthropathy 

The joints in our low back are called ‘facet joints.’ Just as our knee joint is prone to ‘wear and tear’ so are the facet joints. Back stiffness and pain is often present on moving after sitting or inactivity. Physiotherapy treatment will include hands on treatment. In addition, your physiotherapist will provide strategies and exercises to help you manage your condition. 

Spondylolisthesis 

Spondylolisthesis causes one vertebra to slip forwards of the other. It is caused by several factors including, 

• Repetitive trauma to the spine, such as cricket or gymnastics,
• A sudden injury or trauma to the spine, such as a fracture a birth defect

Symptoms can include lower back pain and stiffness which is worse with standing and relieved when lying down. 

Muscle Strain or Sciatica? 

Muscle strain is often the cause of back pain from heavy lifting or vigorous exercise. But sometimes it’s due to small jelly-filled disks meant to protect the space between vertebrae. When one of these disks bulges or breaks, it can push on a nerve. When it’s the sciatic nerve, pain runs from the buttock down one leg. This is sciatica. 

Common causes include: 

• Lifting a heavy object, or twisting the spine while lifting
• Sudden movements that place too much stress on the low back, such as a fall
• Poor posture over time
• Sports injuries, especially in sports that involve twisting or large forces of impact 

What Physiotherapist Do In Lower Back Pain?

Depending on the cause of the pain, a physiotherapist will provide you with information on how to manage the pain at home. Treatment may involve:

• Manual therapy including massage, joint mobilisation, spinal manipulation, and soft tissue techniques. 
• Heat and cold packs.
• Patient specific exercises. 
• Dry needling or acupuncture.
• Electrophysical agents such as therapeutic ultrasound, low-level laser, and NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation). 

Will Physical Therapy help Arthritis in the Back? 

As you get older, the risk of developing arthritis increases. The condition may also result from injury. Some signs that your lower back pain is related to arthritis include, loss of range of motion, weakness or fatigue, nerve pain, stiffness, and back pain. 

Physiotherapy helps relieve lower back pain through exercises and stretches that increase flexibility, improve blood flow, and lubricate the joints to improve movement. Physical activity causes weight loss, and that takes some pressure off your joints. 

If you have arthritis, your physician may recommend you to a physiotherapist. What a physiotherapist will do is design a treatment program that targets your specific symptoms, the program may include stretching, core building, patient-specific exercises.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Lower Back pain 

• Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain May Eliminate the need for Surgery 
• Reduces Risk of Injury and Resurgence 
• Pain Management With home exercises and lifestyle changes 
• Better Mobility 
• Patient-Specific Care

Why Choose Align Life Physio for Lower Back Pain?

At Align Life Physio, we understand how debilitating lower back pain can be and how it affects your daily life. Our approach is designed to provide effective, personalized care that addresses the root cause of your pain. Here’s why Align Life Physio is the ideal choice for managing your lower back pain:

1. Expert Physiotherapists
   Our team of highly trained and experienced physiotherapists specializes in treating lower back pain using evidence-based techniques tailored to your specific needs.
2. Comprehensive Assessment
   We conduct a thorough assessment to identify the underlying causes of your back pain, ensuring accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
3. Customized Treatment Plans
   No two individuals are the same, and neither are our treatment plans. We create a personalized program to alleviate your pain, restore mobility, and prevent recurrence.
4. Advanced Techniques
   We incorporate the latest physiotherapy techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, dry needling, and more, to achieve optimal results.
5. Holistic Approach
   At Align Life Physio, we emphasize holistic care by addressing lifestyle factors, posture, ergonomics, and overall well-being to support your long-term recovery.
6. Convenient and Supportive Environment
   Our clinic offers a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, ensuring you feel comfortable and confident throughout your treatment journey.
7. Proven Results
   We take pride in our track record of helping clients recover from low back pain and regain their quality of life.

Don’t let lower back pain hold you back! Choose Align Life Physio for expert care and a path to a healthier, pain-free life.