Back Pain
Back Pain is a very common complaint and is experienced by almost the entire population at some stage in their lives. Physiotherapists are most qualified to diagnose, treat and resolve Back Pain.
Chronic back pain can be painful and frustrating. Recent research has shown that persistent low back pain is due to a range of factors including: poor disc hydration/health, stiff spinal segments, poor muscle control, degeneration of the spine and nerve compression. This can lead to not enough or too much movement between the vertebrae segments thus causing pain. Specific exercises aimed at improving normal spinal range and function will improve the back’s function and decrease pain. These exercises involve both back muscles and abdominal muscles but play an entirely different role to the abdominal muscles we use with exercises such as sit-ups. In fact there is a theory that these types of exercises such as sit ups can cause an increase in chronic pain because the wrong type of muscles are being utilized.
There are a range of muscles that help to stabilize the spine including the lower abdominal muscles, which involve the transverse abdominus, and the internal oblique muscles. These muscles can be felt in the lower tummy area just below the front hipbones. The simplest way to exercise them is to try to gently pull in these muscles without tightening the upper abdominal muscles and while continuing to breathe normally. This type of exercise then becomes incorporated with activities of daily living so that it becomes an unconscious action involved in posture.
Before you start on an exercise program we would suggest that you get a full assessment of your problem, as instability or weak muscles may not necessarily be the cause of your problem. Your posture and spinal range needs to be assessed. The lower abdominal muscles and other joints around the back need to be tested for their function. An individually planned exercise program incorporating both strength exercises and stretches is often needed. Initially progress can be slow and the longer the problem has been, the slower the rehabilitation can be. But persist; with a good physiotherapist your pain can be managed well.
Grange Physiotherapy specialises in back pain and uses a variety of techniques including Acupuncture, mobilisation, manipulation and exercise to regain range of movement in the spine and strengthen the core muscles which support the spine. We also offer Clinical Pilates, Hydrotherapy, remedial massage therapy and gym classes to combat back pain with great results.
