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Low Back Pain (LBP)
Low Back Pain is thought to afflict approximately 85% of people during the course of their lives, and as such is a huge economic burden as well as a potentially debilitating and life altering condition to the individual. The presentation of LBP can be extremely diverse from an ongoing ache over many years, to acute episodes where you feel unable to straighten up, to nerve referred pains such as sciatica. It is because of this variety that it is essential that a back specialist, such as your physiotherapist, fully assesses your condition to determine the appropriate course of treatment for your particular symptoms. All of our physiotherapists are highly experienced in treating LBP as it is by far the most common condition that we encounter in our clinics.
By undertaking a full physical examination your physiotherapist will be able to diagnose the likely cause of your back pain. Two of the most commonly encountered presentations are listed below:
- Disc related pain - Discs sit between each of the vertebrae throughout the spinal column, acting as shock absorbers and helping to maintain a balanced distribution of forces within the spine. Each disc consists of a gel like centre, called the nucleus, and is surrounded by an outer protective layer called the annulus (imagine a jam doughnut). Due to the often repetitive and sustained postural nature of many of our professions and hobbies the disc can be placed under repeated stress in certain positions. This can sometimes lead to a bulging of the disc, which can then press on some of the surrounding structures producing pain. If the disc happens to press on a nerve, you are likely to experience pins and needles, or numbness sometimes down to your toes.
- Facet joint pain - Each vertebra has two facet joints connecting to the level above and two to the level below. In a well conditioned back the facet joints slide and glide on each other to allow us to move normally and without pain. With LBP this can cease to be the case. One of the facets may become restricted in its ability to slide and glide, or following trauma may be impacted on the either the facet above or below, leading to LBP. The facet joints usually produce pain locally to one side, but if highly aggravated may refer pain into the leg.
Treatment for LBP:
We strongly believe that a course of treatment must address not only the actual symptoms, but the cause of the problem. We frequently encounter patients who feel that their back has just ‘gone’ for no reason, but when delving into the requirements of their occupations, hobbies or family life, find clues as to why this may have happened. Initial treatment may involve manipulation or mobilisation, and exercises to restore the range of movement, and reduce the pain in your back. Following this, a consideration of lifestyle factors and a strengthening program to address the core muscles (e.g. Pilates) is often indicated. Every treatment program is individually designed to your symptoms and lifestyle demands.
To arrange an appointment or to speak with one of our specialists, call us on
01562 67129 / 0121 550 5778 or email:
info@worcestershirephysiotherapy.co.uk
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All our physiotherapists are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), and also registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).
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