xx Lower Back Pain

Lower Back Pain is one of the most common conditions we treat. If you have acute Lower Back Pain, the sooner you see a physiotherapist, the better to ensure a faster recovery.

Acute Lower Back Pain may be due to a muscle ligament or joint strain often caused by a simple movement, such as bending over and turning. Often the back will go into painful spasm, which is the back’s way of protecting itself. When this happens, we would advise you to avoid sitting for the first 24-48 hours; instead alternate walking around with lying on your side, back or tummy with support if necessary. Apply warmth to the area (for example, a hot water bottle in a towel or a wheat bag). Check with a pharmacist or your GP that you are able to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for the pain.

The physiotherapist will start treating the problem with mobilisations, massage, self-help exercises and acupuncture to help reduce the pain and help you return to full function much more quickly.

Chronic Lower Back Pain

If you have had back pain for a long time, months or even years, the physiotherapist will ask about your lifestyle, work, exercise regime and may be able to offer advice on how to manage your condition.  There is no quick fix for chronic back pain, especially if you have been suffering with it for a long time. However, physiotherapy can help with pain relief through manual therapy, a specific exercise programme and advice on how to manage your condition.

Sciatica

This is a pain that goes from the lower back, through the back of the thigh and all the way down the leg, sometimes even to the foot or toes. Common symptoms include a burning or tingling sensation down the leg; a constant pain on one side of your bottom that is worse when you sit down; weakness, numbness or difficulty moving your leg or foot; a shooting pain that makes it difficult to stand up. If you are able to take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, these would help. Physiotherapy could also help with pain relief, acupuncture, joint mobilisations, soft-tissue release and advice on the use of a TENS machine. Once the pain has decreased you can proceed with specific exercise rehabilitation.

Slipped Disc

Discs are protective shock-absorbing pads between the bones of the spine. Although a disc does not actually slip, it may split or rupture and is very painful. It can be caused by lifting something awkwardly, especially if you twist or turn at the same time. It can also be due to aging and degeneration and loss of elasticity at the discs.

When this happens your body will be flexed or rotated with a lateral shift (to one side). You may feel pains, such as pins and needles down the leg.

If the problem is severe, you may need a referral to a specialist for an MRI or even surgery. However, in the first instance, the physiotherapist will advise you on sitting and standing and give you some gentle exercises to do. As the pain reduces you can start to do more specific exercises to help you return to full function.