Comprehensive Lower Back Pain Treatment

Lower Back Pain/Sciatica

Lower back pain is an extremely common condition with up to 80% of the population experiencing back pain at some stage during their adult life.

Although the underlying pathology of lower back pain is usually not serious, it is important for the physiotherapist to determine if your pain is mechanical in origin. Mechanical back pain has a considerable impact on the economy due to the cost of treatment and lost time from work. It is important to identify a cause for your back pain and a management strategy as soon as possible.

Causes of Back Pain

Most back pain is mechanical in origin, either traumatic or the result of overuse activity or poor posture.

Back pain is the result of irritation to the nerves supplying the bones, joints, discs, ligaments or muscles of the lower back.

Other non-mechanical causes of low back pain include inflammatory arthritis, eg ankylosing spondylitis, neoplastic disease (cancer) or fractures (trauma or osteoporosis).

Back Pain Physiotherapy Assessment

Physiotherapy assessment will involve a detailed history as well as orthopaedic, neurological and spinal examination to determine a likely cause of your low back pain. The main emphasis of the assessment is to establish if your back pain is mechanical or non-mechanical in origin. Sometimes x-rays or scans are recommended or a referral to a doctor or specialist to establish a working diagnosis and management plan.

Back Pain Treatment

Physiotherapy treatment of low back pain focuses on restoring function to poorly moving spinal joints, as well as reducing muscle tension and increasing muscle strength. This results in improved movement, reduced pain and deceased nerve irritation.

Management is tailored to the individual case usually consisting of spinal mobilisation and soft tissue therapy. Core stabilisation advice, strengthening exercises, stretching and heat/cold therapy are often included. Our physiotherapists are qualified in the McKenzie method of managing lower back pain.

Fairfield Physiotherapy recognises the impact back pain has on people’s lives, at work or at home. Our management plans include both physical and emotional factors.

Please contact us to arrange your comprehensive lower back consultation to help identify the exact cause of your back pain and begin a course of corrective care today!

Comprehensive Lower Back Pain Treatment

Lower Back Pain/Sciatica

Causes of Back Pain

Back Pain Physiotherapy Assessment

Back Pain Treatment

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