Understanding Lower Back Pain: Types and Physiotherapy Management
Lower back pain is a widespread condition ranging from a dull, nagging ache to severe pain, impacting one's daily activities and quality of life. In this blog, we'll delve into what lower back pain is, its different types, and how physiotherapy can help to manage and alleviate this ailment.
So what is it? Lower back pain refers to discomfort or pain localised between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the legs. This area bears much of the body's weight at times, making it susceptible to injury and pain.
Types of Lower Back Pain:
Acute Lower Back Pain: This type of pain typically lasts for a few days to a few weeks and is often the result of sudden injury or strain, such as lifting heavy objects improperly or sudden movements that strain areas of the lower back.
Chronic Lower Back Pain: Chronic pain persists for longer than three months and may be the result of underlying degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or structural abnormalities in the spine.
Sciatica: Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg, becomes irritated or compressed. This can cause sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and into the legs.
Muscle Strain or Sprain: Overstretching or tearing of muscles or ligaments in the lower back can lead to muscle strain or sprain, causing localised pain and stiffness.
It is important for us to determine the specific area and structured involved so usually we will consider the description and location of your pain to determine this and inform practice.
Physiotherapy Management of Lower Back Pain:
Physiotherapy plays an important role in managing lower back pain by addressing underlying issues, reducing pain, improving mobility, and preventing recurrence. Here are some common physiotherapy interventions:
Manual Therapy: Physiotherapists may use hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue massage to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and alleviate pain. It is important to note that recent evidence suggests that this has low level evidence and it will be a decision between yourself and your physiotherapist to decide if this is appropriate for you.
Exercise Therapy: Specific exercises tailored to individual needs can strengthen the muscles supporting the spine, improve flexibility, and correct posture. These may include stretching, core stabilization exercises, and low-impact aerobic activities. These will be tailored to you to not provoke pain and be encouraged to prevent the lower back pain recurring. This has a high level of evidence to reduce pain and ra-exacerbation.
Education and Ergonomics: Physiotherapists educate patients about proper body mechanics, lifting techniques, and ergonomic principles to prevent further injury and promote spine health in daily activities and work environments. We will also ask many questions to gain an understanding of your life as it is important to consider this and have open discussions as suggested by the latest evidence. Pain education is key in management so please also see our blog on pain education.
Lower back pain is a multifaceted condition with various causes and manifestations, but physiotherapy offers effective management strategies to alleviate pain, improve function, and enhance overall well-being. By combining hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, education, and lifestyle modifications, physiotherapists empower individuals to take control of their lower back health and live life to the fullest, free from the constraints of pain. If you're experiencing lower back pain, consulting a physiotherapist can be the first step towards finding relief and restoring your quality of life.
Overall, a comprehensive approach to managing your PsA, including medication, lifestyle modifications, physiotherapy, and ongoing self-care practices, can help you effectively manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and maintain functional independence.
Our approach is a unique one built on knowledge, communication, collaboration and trust. If you feel you may benefit from a discussion please contact us with any questions or visit in clinic to discuss this.
Information adapted from/great reads:
Grenier, J.-P., & Rothmund, M. (2024). A critical review of the role of manual therapy in the treatment of individuals with low back pain. The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/10669817.2024.2316393
Written by Kara Ballard
Physiotherapist
