Back pain affects millions of Australians every year and is a common reason for absence from work, big medical bills and a noticeable reduction in overall quality of life.
But although back pain may be painful and uncomfortable, for the majority of patients it is not too serious and can be more easily and affordably treated than first thought.
Even though back pain can affect people of any age, it is significantly more common among adults aged between 35 and 55 years. In most cases back pain is associated with the way the bones, muscles and ligaments in our backs work and connect together. In particular, it is most commonly due to the weakening of muscles known as “stabilising muscles” that keep everything in your back in the right place.
There are several ways to treat back pain. One of the most effective is to use a Swiss Exercise Ball.
Swiss Exercise Balls treat back pain by providing an unstable surface that, when you are sitting or exercising on it, forces your body to automatically recruit your natural balance reactions. This process includes the activation of your back’s stabilising muscles.
With repeated use over just a few days, patients’ stabilising muscles will automatically start working again and they will have significantly less chance of sustaining recurring lower back pain.
The Swiss Exercise Ball can also be used to learn proper posture, strengthen abdominal muscles, increase balance and develop overall control and strength of the core body muscles.
Another cause of back pain can be a result of weakened connective tissue muscles that can restrict a person’s range of movement. Restricted movement can then lead to the formation of knots as muscle fibers bind to muscles and nerves, which in turn will inhibit motion and cause pain.
Aside from the Swiss Exercise Ball, many of our patients have experienced success using a Foam Roller to alleviate back pain. In fact, the benefits your body receives with regular use of the right kind of foam roller can be similar to those of a deep-tissue massage.
Foam Roller exercise is also known as “self-myofascial release” and combines the benefits of flexibility training and massage in the one piece of equipment. Because of its cylindrical shape, the foam roller – like the Swiss Exercise Ball – provides an unstable surface that activates connective muscle tissue and allows the targeting of areas on your body that are tight or painful.
But beware; while the right Foam Roller can be highly effective for many back pain sufferers, the wrong product could make the problem even worse.
Want to get the ball rolling on beating your back pain? Make an appointment with Fairfield Physiotherapy and get the right Swiss Exercise Ball or Foam Roller for your needs.
