Lower Back Pain

General Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injury, poor posture, and age-related wear and tear on the spine.

In this blog post, we will discuss the causes of low back pain, its symptoms, how it can be treated, and provide scientific references to support the information provided.

What Causes Low Back Pain?

Low back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including –

1. Muscle strain or sprain from sudden movements, heavy lifting, or repetitive motions.
2. Poor posture, especially from sitting for long periods.
3. Injury from car accidents, falls, or sports activities.
4. Age-related degeneration on the spine.

Common Signs and Symptoms

The symptoms of low back pain can vary from person to person, but common signs and symptoms include –

1. Pain that is localised to the lower back.
2. Stiffness or limited range of motion in the lower back.
3. Pain that worsens with certain activities, such as bending or lifting.
4. Muscle spasms in the lower back.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

How Can Low Back Pain be Treated?

Treatment for low back pain depends on the severity of the condition.

In mild cases, rest, heat, ice, graded resistance strengthening, manual therapy and over-the-counter pain medication may be sufficient to manage the symptoms.

In more severe cases, specialised strengthening and physiotherapy, injections or surgery may be required.

Physiotherapy can be particularly effective in treating low back pain.

It can help to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and strengthen the muscles that support the spine.

Common physiotherapy techniques used to treat low back pain include massage, heat therapy, and strengthening exercises that focus on strengthening the body, core muscles and improve global conditioning.

In addition to physiotherapy, medications may be prescribed by the treating Doctor to help manage the symptoms of low back pain.

This may include over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, muscle relaxants or prescription-strength pain medication.

In some cases, corticosteroid injections may also be used to reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Conclusion

Low back pain is a common condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort.

However, with proper treatment, it is possible to manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.

If you experience any symptoms of low back pain, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

With the right treatment plan, you can get back to doing the things you love without pain and discomfort.

If you need help with your low back pain please book an appointment with our team today by clicking the button below –

Scientific References

Chou R, Qaseem A, Snow V, et al. Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: a joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society. Ann Intern Med. 2007;147(7):478-491.
Hartvigsen J, Hancock MJ, Kongsted A, et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. Lancet. 2018;391(10137):2356-2367.
Maher C, Underwood M, Buchbinder R. Non-specific low back pain. Lancet. 2017;389(10070):736-747.