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Back Pain

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Overview

What is a lower back pain?

Lower back pain targets the lumbar region of the spine and can arise from various causes, primarily muscle or tendon injuries. It's extremely common, affecting nearly everyone at some point, and can range from mild to severe. Most cases are temporary, but chronic lower back pain affects up to 23% of adults worldwide. In severe instances, it can hinder daily activities like walking, sleeping, or working. Lower back pain can also result from disc-related injuries, such as a herniated or bulging disc. These occur when the soft material inside a spinal disc pushes out through a tear in the outer layer, putting pressure on nearby nerves. This can lead to pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, as well as radiating pain down the legs (sciatica). Disc injuries often develop from improper lifting, twisting movements, or degeneration over time.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the symptoms of lower back pain?

Lower back pain can present a variety of symptoms, including:

  • Sudden or gradual onset.

  • Triggered by specific actions, like bending over, sometimes accompanied by a "pop" sound.

  • Sharp, dull, or radiating pain down the leg (sciatica).

  • Worsens with certain positions, but improves when lying down.

Other symptoms may include stiffness, difficulty moving, posture issues, or muscle spasms. Muscle spasms can cause severe discomfort and limit mobility. If your pain is intense or interferes with daily activities, get in touch with us.

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What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain is common because the lumbar spine supports much of the body’s weight and movement. Some detailed causes include:

  • Strains/Sprains: Often from lifting heavy objects or sudden movements like twisting or sneezing, resulting in damaged muscles, tendons, or ligaments.

  • Spinal Fractures: Resulting from accidents or conditions like osteoporosis, increasing the risk of fractures (e.g., spondylolysis in young athletes).

  • Disk Problems: Bulging or herniated disks can press on nerves, causing pain, while degenerative disk disease flattens disks with age.

  • Structural Issues: Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), lumbar scoliosis, or vertebrae slipping out of place (spondylolisthesis) can cause pain.

  • Arthritis: Osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis can lead to inflammation, stiffness, and lower back pain.

  • Disease: Tumors, infections, or other conditions like kidney stones, abdominal aortic aneurysms, or fibromyalgia can also trigger back pain.

These conditions can cause varying degrees of discomfort, from mild to severe, and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional if they interfere with daily life.

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What are the risk factors?

Certain factors can increase a person’s likelihood of experiencing lower back pain:

  • Age: People over 30 are more prone to back pain due to the natural wear and tear of vertebral disks, leading to pain and stiffness.

  • Weight: Individuals with a BMI over 25 (overweight/obesity) face greater pressure on joints and disks, heightening their risk. Pregnancy weight gain can also strain the lower back.

  • Poor Core Strength: Weak abdominal muscles offer less support to the spine, causing sprains or strains.

  • Lifestyle: Smoking, excessive alcohol use, and physical inactivity raise back pain risks.

  • Occupation and Activities: Jobs or hobbies requiring heavy lifting, bending, or athletic activities increase injury potential.

  • Mental Health: Research suggests a link between depression and back pain, though it remains unclear if depression directly causes it.

Taking preventive measures like strengthening your core, maintaining a healthy weight, and adopting safe lifting techniques can reduce the risk of lower back pain.

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The Role of Sports Therapy & Physiotherapy in 

Effective rehabilitation is crucial for recovering from tennis elbow. Sports Therapy & Physiotherapy focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and preventing further damage, while sports therapy incorporates advanced techniques tailored to the specific demands of athletes.

  • Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle exercises help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness in the lower back.

  • Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to rebuild strength in the lumbar spine muscles and surrounding joints, particularly those supporting the lower back.

  • Pain Management: Modalities such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

  • Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing, reduce pain, and stimulate blood flow in the damaged tendon.

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatments, including massage, soft tissue mobilisation, and joint manipulation, help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the healing process.

  • Functional Training: Sport-specific exercises that mimic the movements of the athlete’s activity, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of re-injury.

  • Neuromuscular Re-education: Techniques to improve coordination between nerves and muscles, enhancing stability and control around the elbow.

This comprehensive approach supports recovery, pain relief, and long-term prevention of lower back pain.

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Why Visit a Sports Therapist or Physiotherapist?

While general information can be helpful, the personalised care and expertise of a musculoskeletal injury specialist are crucial for effective treatment of tennis elbow. We can provide:

  • Customised Treatment Plans: Based on individual assessment, a tailored program to address specific needs and goals.

  • Expert Guidance: Professional supervision to ensure exercises are performed correctly and safely.

  • Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments to track improvement and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

  • Preventive Strategies: Education on body mechanics and preventive exercises to reduce the risk of future injuries.

What to book in for?

For a full assessment, treatment, advise, exercise plan etc... Book for a Initial Consultation & Treatment service. 

Book Here

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