Physiotherapy Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is a common issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Whether it’s due to prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or an underlying medical condition, the discomfort can significantly impact daily life. Fortunately, physiotherapy for lower back pain offers effective, non-invasive treatments to manage and alleviate this pain. 

This blog will give you detailed insights on the causes, symptoms, and physiotherapy for lower back pain, helping you understand how to regain mobility and live pain-free.

What is Back Pain? What Causes of Lower Back Pain?

Back pain is the pain and discomfort in the lumbar region. It can range from a mild ache to sharp, debilitating pain. There are several causes for back pain, including bending, twisting, or sudden heavy lifting. The most common causes of lower back pain are –

• Common causes include poor posture and lack of movement. This is especially true for the people who have sitting jobs.
• Indulging in repetitive activities that strain the structure in the back.
• Medical conditions like malignancy, infection, inflammatory diseases, arthritis, or pregnancy-related backache can trigger the condition of the lower back.
• Some complex causes include – joint impingement, osteoporosis, arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fracture, and many more, which require a detailed assessment.

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

In the initial stage of the back pain, you experience low-grade aches with stiffness and a little discomfort. You can relieve such short-lived symptoms with the help of light exercise and avoid extensive sitting on the weekends. But if you ignore the symptoms and they become serious, you need to do physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain.

Some symptoms may be there due to fracture, nerve root compression, or prolapsed disc. These are –

• Numbness in the buttocks, feet, or lower limbs.
• Pain extending to the back or front of your leg.
• When your lower back faces excessive levels of stiffness.

Consult physiotherapy for lower back pain to properly address these symptoms. A professional physiotherapist will make a thorough diagnosis and provide you with the appropriate treatment and advice. Many clinics offer direct billing to insurance providers, making the process more convenient and stress-free for patients. In dircet billing, the clinic you are going to for the treatment bills your insurance company directly and ensures that there is minimum paperwork that come in between your well-being.

More serious conditions like cauda equine can, at times, become the cause of lower back pain, although it is rare. In this condition, nerves at the bottom of the spinal cord become compressed. You will begin to feel these kinds of symptoms if you have cauda equine –

• Unsteadiness while walking or standing.
• Facing difficulties in passing urine or controlling bladder or numbness in either area.
• Previous medical history of cancer or osteoporosis.
• Back pain due to unexplained fever or weight loss.  

Types of Back Pain That May Benefit from Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy for lower back pain can treat several back pain conditions. It helps address pain caused by –Sciatica

Sciatica is a nerve pain that runs down your lower back or butt and into your legs. This condition is not dangerous and usually goes away on its own using self-care treatments. Some exercises recommended for sciatica are – extension and flexion exercises, nerve and joint mobilization methods, lumbar strengthening exercises, etc. However, severe cases can be treated with surgery.  

Post-Surgical Pain

Lower back physio exercises help get rid of fatigue so that you can return to your normal day-to-day activities and avoid any odds of re-injury. Following physiotherapy exercises consistently with the help of professionals is vital in your healing and minimizing future episodes of back pain.

Physiotherapists recommend some exercises that you can do post-surgical exercise programs, like back, abdominal, and leg strengthening exercises, along with some aerobic exercises.

Keep in mind that it is not recommended to go to physiotherapy when you are suffering from serious medical conditions like spinal tumors, cauda equina syndrome, etc., where immediate surgical assistance is needed.

Axial Back Pain

The unknown cause of back pain is called axial back pain or non-specific back pain. Several factors together are responsible for this, like being overweight and having unsupported posture. Experts advise physical therapy for 3 months for chronic axial back pain in which the focus is on stretching and strengthening the lower back. Moreover, professional physiotherapists help you eliminate the lifestyle factors that are leading to your pain.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Lower Back Pain Relief

Physiotherapy employs a range of techniques to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and prevent future issues. Some physiotherapy treatments for lower back pain relief are –

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses a specific wavelength to reduce pain levels and inflammation and begin the healing process. It promotes cellular repair and reduces muscle spasms in the back. You must get in touch with laser therapy specialists for this treatment. Visit laser therapy in Brampton to know more.

Decompression Therapy

If you are facing pressure on your spinal disc and nerves, go for decompression therapy. This involves gently stretching the spine to reduce nerve impingement and improves the exchange of nutrients in your body.

Machine-based Therapy

Machined-based therapy includes advanced equipment for dealing with discomfort. Some machines, such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), inferential therapy (IFT), and ultrasound machines, reduce pain. Each machine is adept at targeting the root cause of your back pain.

Physiotherapy Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Some lower back physio exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility are –
Core-strengthening exercises

The body’s core consists of stomach muscles, spinal and buttock muscles, pelvis muscles, the hip at the bottom, and the bottom of the lungs or the diaphragm on the top. A weak core means uneven distribution of the weight throughout the spine and into the legs, which worsens the back pain. Core strengthening exercises build strength, reduce pain, and improve the functionality of your lower back. Some examples of core physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain are – cat-cow pose, high and low planks, pelvic tilt, crunches, and exercises performed with the help of a Swiss ball.

Stretching exercises

You can perform stretching exercises for back pain relief every day to support your spine. Typical stretching exercises include hamstring stretches, child’s pose, and bridge pose, to name a few. Consult physiotherapy for lumbar pain to know more.

Aerobic exercises

Aerobic exercises increase your heart rate and also get you moving. They not only are a great aid for stiffness but also give a boost to your overall well-being. Your lower back physio exercises may include simple aerobic exercises such as swimming, brisk walking, an elliptical trainer, or a stationary bike. Doing these exercises 5 times a week for approximately 30 minutes can assist extensively in reducing stress and allowing for a greater range of motion.

Postural training

Many exercises of physiotherapy for lower back pain include posture correction exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles, such as pelvic tilts, calf stretching, or seated squats. Your physiotherapist will teach you proper physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain to achieve your desired goal so that you can perform these exercises on your own.

Final Thoughts

Lower back pain can disrupt your life, but physiotherapy for lower back pain offers effective solutions to alleviate discomfort and promote long-term recovery. From targeted treatments like laser therapy to personalized exercises, physiotherapy addresses the root causes of pain and restores mobility.

If you’re struggling with lower back pain, trust the experts at Mankind Rehab Centre to get advice on physiotherapy in Brampton and to guide you toward a pain-free life. Our team designs a personalized treatment plan for you as per your requirements to restore your body’s strength. We are not only limited to providing physiotherapy but also laser therapy, chiropractor therapy, osteopath services, and many more that can improve your well-being as a whole.

Contact us to book your consultation and start your journey to recovery today!