Physiotherapy treatment for lower back pain
With 8 out of 10 working people in Canada having experienced back pain at some point, it’s no surprise that lower back pain is one of the more common symptoms we see in our Physiotherapy clinic. Patients with lower back pain are often referred to physio for lower back pain as a first treatment before considering more aggressive options such as medication and surgery. Our goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility and strengthen the back and core correctly to prevent a recurrence of the same issues.
Where does Lower Back Pain Come From?
Pain in the lower back can be triggered by a multitude of issues, such as poor working posture, poor muscle strength and endurance, structural issues of the spine, or technical problems when walking or running. Back pain can also originate in the hips, knees, ankles, and feet. Referred pain is also common, so you may have a lower back issue that is felt in your foot or down the back of your leg.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain, while painful and incapacitating, is often fairly simple to treat. However, the structure of the hip and lower back is complex, so it is important to see an expert early to properly address the unique origin of your pain and prevent it from worsening over time.
Physiotherapists have several tools for assessing back pain, and treatments can range from targeted active exercises and stretches to hot and cold packs and even electrical stimulation.
The Life Force Physiotherapy Approach to Treating Lower Back Pain
Physiotherapy Assessment
A full assessment of the lower back, spine, hips, legs and feet is always carried out so that the underlying causes of your pain can be accurately pinpointed and an effective treatment plan can be tailored to your needs.
Posture Correction & Strengthening
Ongoing back problems are often connected to an imbalance in the muscles supporting the spine caused by daily movements and positions. Your Physiotherapist will help you correct the issues with a comprehensive program of strengthening, stretching, rehabilitating exercises, and functional movements.
Joint Mobilization
Hip stiffness or lack of mobility can be the root of lower back pain. Your Physiotherapist can help restore the full range of motion in your hips by mobilizing your joints using passive movement techniques.
Massage, & and Trigger Point and Myofascial Release
Trigger Points are areas of shortened muscles that can contribute to referred pain or muscular imbalance. The myofascial system is a thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds the brain, spinal cord, muscles, joints, and all your organs. It can be restricted by injury or poor posture. Physio is also used to help release these “knots” and restrictions and bring balance back to your spine, treating lower back pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting needles into the top layers of the skin to stimulate specific points. It can help restore blood flow and bring relief for many types of back pain.
Physio Supervised Exercise Program
As you progress through your one-on-one physiotherapy
treatment, we at Life Force Physiotherapy believe that a supervised workout environment is crucial to help you ease safely into your self-directed exercise plan. Our physiotherapists will keep an eye on your movements so that you can feel confident that you’re staying on track.
TENS nerve stimulation
Depending on the underlying cause of your pain, your Physiotherapist may use TENS nerve stimulation. By placing electrodes on the skin, small electrical signals can stimulate nerves near the source of your pain, effectively relieving pain, often without the need for medication.
Are you looking for advice for dealing with your lower back pain? Please don’t hesitate to book an appointment with a Life Force physiotherapist to discuss your symptoms. We’re here to help!
References
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-619-m/2006003/4053550-eng.htm
