LOW BACK PAIN...

While this is a very common area that we treat at the clinic, it is a very broad term that could mean many things. There are various causes and risk factors behind it which makes each patient and their condition unique in their own way and the same for their treatment. In this blog, I will try to differentiate between the different causes of LOW BACK PAIN.

These are the most common causes of low back pain.

• Osteoporosis:

A disease that weakens your bones, as the disease progresses the bones become fragile and therefore at a higher increased risk of sustaining a fracture. Osteoporosis is most common in the aging population, though it is also a hereditary problem. Along with the episodic back pain, one can feel general weakness, lower functional activity level, rounded shoulders (kyphosis), frequent fractures, and a decrease in height. Physiotherapy interventions for individuals with osteoporosis include weight-bearing exercises, flexibility and strengthening programs, education, postural and balance exercises, and agility training.

• Muscle strain & Ligament sprain:

Strain and Sprains happen due to heavy lifting, and sudden twisting movements. The type of pain is usually episodic, exaggerated with twisting, standing, or stretching with involved muscles. Physiotherapy treatment may include manual therapy techniques, stretching, strengthening, ergonomic and postural adjustments as well as education regarding prevention and acupuncture.

• Arthritis: 

Arthritis in the Low Back is the result of inflammation in the joints with degenerative changes and while this is a normal part of aging it can be debilitating for many. The pain presents along with stiffness in the back, lack of movements and sometimes referred pain in the lower body (buttocks, thigh, up to the knee). Manual therapy such as joint mobilization to improve range of motion, Exercise prescription, specifically focusing on core stability, strengthening and mobility can aid to manage this condition and education on how to minimize flare-ups.

• Herniated Disc-Related Pain:

For instance, Herniated disc, Degenerative disc, etc. The main function of discs in our back is to provide cushioning and mobility between vertebrae. Degenerative disc mainly results from the aging process by getting dehydrated, loosening elasticity, and collapsing. Usually, this pain gets provoked by prolonged sitting, bending forward, and lifting heavy things from the floor. A personalized treatment plan can include manual therapy for joint mobilizations and spinal manipulations, core stability, education, and exercise to have you return to all the activities you want to.

On the other side, Disc herniation can be caused by trauma, aging, repeated bending activities, or congenital disorders. Unlike, degenerative disc… herniated disc can be a more painful and severe condition that gives radicular pain symptoms starting from the back towards the lower body in most cases and can result in Sciatica. The nature of the pain is burning, stinging, or tingling. Walking can be slow and difficult due to pain. 

Physiotherapy programs are often helpful in this condition for the treatment of pain and restoration of functional activities by reducing symptoms of herniation. A personalized exercise program to have you regain mobility and increase strength is very beneficial and necessary to return to everyday activities. It can be congenital (by birth) or adaptive (due to incorrect posture, or trauma). Some of the most common are Kyphosis, Lumbar lordosis, and Scoliosis. Along with pain, you can see uneven shoulders, waist, legs, or hips, walking difficulty, and breathing difficulty in affected people. The approach of physiotherapy involves exercise therapy, manipulation, bracing, correction and awareness of posture. The above 5 causes are very generalized reasons for low back pain. If you have any specific questions or need assistance with recovering from low back pain please contact our clinic to talk with a Registered Physiotherapist. I would be happy to help you to achieve your goals, 

Written by: Anjali Patel. Registered Physiotherapist Resident. Orthopaedic Physiotherapist. Concussion Management

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906

https://www.physio-pedia.com/Low_Back_Pain

Orthopaedic Division. Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Integrative Physiotherapy is a Barrie-based clinic that believes in a one-on-one patient-centered, manual therapy (hands-on) approach to physiotherapy. We aim to empower our patients by providing quality care that is personalized to each patient in an interactive and friendly manner. Through the use of the best available treatment techniques, we aim to provide exceptional care so that each patient feels engaged and motivated.

Our therapists are continually upgrading their skills and taking time to provide comprehensive assessment and treatment techniques that are always one on one without the use of assistants or double booking patients to make sure that you achieve your functional and sports goals as soon as possible.

Our therapists would be happy to help you to achieve your goals, get in touch to schedule your appointment. Don’t let pain ruin your day!

Integrative Physiotherapy, Empowering Patients with Personalized Care.