The majority of low back pain is caused by soft tissue strain or overload of the muscles and joints. The remaining 20-30% of low back pain relates to bone, disc or nerve structures, and occasionally infection.
The most common causes of soft tissue low back pain are:
- The way you move
- The postures you hold
- The type of activities you do
- Inactivity/low fitness level, being overweight
Treatment of lower back pain varies based on your diagnosis and the factors contributing to your pain. There is generally four stages of rehabilitation:
- Settling acute pain which is often more severe and has quick onset. Our physiotherapists can use a variety of treatments to help reduce pain including taping, massage, dry needling/acupuncture, ice/heat, and providing you with an understanding of how to move to reduce pain.
- Getting your movement back is where our physiotherapists excel. A clear and simple understanding of movement throughout the back, hips, knees and ankles is helpful to getting you moving again. Just getting the back moving again is insufficient. Our exercise programs will give you the skills to move well and get rid of the pain. We also help you get there quicker with manual therapy (soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and sometimes manipulation).
- Returning to activity needs to be done gradually with low back pain. You set your exercise and activity goals and we guide you towards them.
- Prevention of recurrences involves a combination of the right exercises and staying active. This usually involves a combination of core exercises, stretches and cardiovascular exercise along with knowing how to move well through your back and hips.
Get an opinion that you can trust by booking an appointment on 49216879.