In this blog we will discuss Lower Back Pain Factors & Treatment. Ace health centre specialise in many different lower back issues. Most importantly the assessments come Via physiotherapists, podiatrists and exercise physiologists. Therefore experts can put together a well rounded management plan for you.
What is lower back pain?
Low back pain refers to pain in the lower third of your back (lumbar spine). Lower back pain is the most common condition treated by physiotherapists. There are three main causes of low back pain. 2% is attributed to referral pain from visceral disease. 1% is attributed to non-mechanical spinal conditions such as inflammatory arthritis, scheurmann’s disease and paget’s disease. The majority (97%) of low back pain is diagnosed as non-specific low back pain. In other words, This means back pain that does not attribute to a known pathology and specific structure or deformity. There are more factors here.
Lower back pain factors
Firstly some of the major lower back pain factors that puts you at risk of low back pain. These include being overweight, a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture and environmental and workplace factors. Symptoms can include pain in the low back, buttock and hip. Secondly, It can also include pins and needles, numbness or weakness into one or both legs. Even though this is the case, it is important to visit a physiotherapist to clear the more sinister causes of low back pain. These are for example what we call red flags. Some of these red flags include:
- bladder dysfunction
- a history of cancer
- night pain
- history of trauma
- saddle anaesthesia
- lower limb neurological deficit
- unexplained history of weight loss
- fevers/ chills and recent infections
Lower back pain treatment and management
Management options include a combination of manual therapy and advice and education regarding your condition. Furthermore, Physiotherapists also identify the contributing factors to your condition. They will devise an exercise plan to best manage and prevent future episodes of low back pain. The biggest prevention strategy is through movement and strengthening.
This can be in the form of a tailored home exercise program or attending regular group exercise classes in clinic. It is expected that 80% of Australians will experience low back pain at some stage in their life. In addition, 60-80% of people experience another episode of back pain after a year. Therefore this is why prevention and continual work with a physiotherapist is so important. Most importantly you should continue even after the initial low back pain episode has subsided.
In conclusion at ACE Physio, we will work with you to develop a personalised plan for Lower Back Pain. Above all, we shall asses Factors & Treatment that will ease your pain and get you back doing the things you enjoy! Please call ACE Health Centre to book an appointment with our physiotherapist.