Back Pain

What’s back pain?

Conditions we treat

• Muscle or ligament strain: Often due to heavy lifting, sudden awkward movements, or overuse.
• Bulging or herniated discs: Discs act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. A herniated or bulging disc (often called a "slipped disc") can press on a nerve, causing radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the affected area.
• Degenerative disc disease: This occurs when the discs between the vertebrae break down over time, leading to pain and reduced mobility of lower trunk.
• Spinal stenosis: A narrowing of the spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back, sometimes leading to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord (spinal stenosis).
• Osteoporosis: This condition makes bones brittle and porous, leading to painful fractures.
• Sciatica: Pain that radiates along the sciatic nerve, which runs down one or both legs from the lower back. This is often caused by a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, which can cause pain and instability in the spine.
• Lumbago is a general term used to describe lower back pain. This pain can vary from mild to severe and can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Lumbago can arise from various causes and affects a significant portion of the population at some point in their lives.Scoliosis: An abnormal curvature of the spine, which can lead to pain and discomfort.
• Poor posture: Slouching or improper sitting and standing habits can strain the back muscles.

Causes of Lower Back Pain:

• Muscle or ligament strain: Often due to sudden movements, heavy lifting, or poor posture.
• Herniated or bulging discs: Discs between lower trunk vertebrae may protrude or rupture, pressing on nerves.
• Degenerative disc disease: Discs between vertebrae deteriorate with age, causing pain and stiffness.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal puts pressure on nerves, leading to pain.
• Osteoarthritis: Cartilage breakdown in joints and spine causes pain and stiffness at lower trunk.
• Spondylolisthesis: Vertebrae slip out of place, pinching nerves and causing pain.
• Trauma or injury: Falls, accidents, or sports injuries can injure muscles, ligaments, or vertebrae.
• Osteoporosis: Weak, brittle bones are more prone to fractures, causing pain.
• Sciatica: Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, radiating pain from the lower back down one or both legs.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain:

• Dull ache: Persistent soreness or discomfort in the lower back region.
• Sharp pain: Sudden, stabbing sensations at lower back that may worsen with movement.
• Stiffness: Reduced flexibility of lower trunk and difficulty bending or moving.
• Radiating pain: Pain that extends down one or both legs, often associated with sciatica.
• Muscle spasms: Involuntary muscle contractions in the lower back.
• Difficulty standing or walking: Pain worsens at lower back with weight-bearing activities.
• Numbness or tingling: Sensations indicating nerve involvement.
• Weakness: Difficulty lifting or holding objects due to pain or reduced muscle strength.

What We Can Do As Physiotherapist?

Lower Back Pain:

• Manual Therapy: Techniques to improve spinal alignment and relieve pain.
• Core Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the core muscles to support the lower back.
• Flexibility Exercises: Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
• Spinal decompression machine: Mechanical therapy that uses automated decompressive forces to mobilize joint, relieve the pressure over neuro-spinal structure, and relax elongate soft tissue.
• Ergonomic Advice: Teaching patients about proper body mechanics while working and ergonomic advice for workplace and home setup, including computer monitor height and chair adjustments.
• Education: Teaching patients about proper body mechanics and safe lifting techniques, including bending at the knees and keeping the load close to the body.