Targeted Pain Relief: Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain

May 10th, 2024
Targeted_Pain_Relief_Physiotherapy_For_Lower_Back_Pain

Struggling with lower back pain? If so, you’re not alone: lower back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the world, including in Canada. In fact, around 80% of Canadians will experience it at least once! While the condition can profoundly impact your quality of life, physiotherapy for lower back pain is a proven solution.

Part of the reason lower back pain is so prevalent is that it stems from so many different conditions and underlying causes. Some bring along additional symptoms, such as leg pain or muscle weakness, and each one can vary in duration and severity. A sprain in your back muscle might resolve on its own, whereas arthritis of the spine will need constant management.

Because lower back pain is so variable, trying to get a handle on it can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, the physiotherapists at Raynen Therapies understand your body’s musculoskeletal system, including your spine, hips, core muscles, and major nerves–all potential contributing factors in lower back pain.

Physiotherapy for lower back pain is a holistic approach to addressing the condition. Our therapists aim to identify and address the underlying cause of your back pain rather than simply trying to mask the symptoms. Through targeted exercise, manual therapy, posture corrections, and more, we’ll help you find the solution that works for you.

Curious to learn more? Request an appointment at our Scarborough physiotherapy clinic to talk to one of our specialists!

A Brief Overview of Lower Back Pain

Experts generally divide lower back pain into three categories based on the duration of the pain:

  • Acute lower back pain lasts for less than six weeks. Minor lower back pain often resolves on its own within this time frame.
  • Sub-acute lower back pain lasts between six weeks and three months. Both acute and sub-acute pain generally indicate an underlying injury, such as a muscle strain.
  • Chronic lower back pain lasts over three months, well past the time an injury would have healed. It may indicate an underlying condition (such as spinal arthritis), but not always.

Back pain has many potential causes, with injuries being among the most common. One of the roles of a physiotherapist is to determine the source of your back pain so that they can develop a tailored treatment plan that, often, can resolve your pain completely.

Here’s a quick rundown of three of the more common causes of lower back pain:

  • Sprains and strains: These common injuries will generally resolve on their own (although physiotherapy can help you with pain management). Damage to your back muscles is a strain, whereas damage to your spinal ligaments is a sprain.
  • Degenerative disc disease: As we age, our vertebrae discs–soft cushions that protect the vertebrae from rubbing against each other–start to break down and dry out. This condition can cause pain in and of itself or lead to other spinal conditions, such as a herniated disc (when one of those discs bulges and irritates a nearby nerve).
  • Osteoarthritis: The most common form of arthritis, this condition can impact any joint in your body, including your spine. It causes the cartilage and bone in the joints to break down, leading to pain and immobility.

This is by no means an exhaustive list. A visit to Raynen Therapies can help you pinpoint the exact source of your lower back pain!

Physiotherapy Techniques Used In Treating Lower Back Pain

In addition to identifying the underlying source of your lower back pain, our physiotherapists will develop a customized treatment program that addresses your specific symptoms, impairments, and overall wellness goals. No two plans will look alike, but they do pull from a pool of proven physiotherapy techniques, including the following:

  • Manual Therapy: Manual therapy includes several different hands-on treatment approaches, including spinal mobilization (in which we guide the spine through its current range of motion) and soft tissue manipulation (in which we manipulate and massage the muscles, tendons, and ligaments in your lower back).
  • Therapeutic Exercise: Movement is one of the best ways to manage lower back pain. We’ll help you develop a personalized exercise program that stretches and strengthens your back. Gentle aerobic exercises, such as walking or swimming, can also help (while contributing to overall health and wellness).
  • Core Work: Did you know that your core muscles play a significant role in supporting and stabilizing your spine? Strengthening your core relieves some of the pressure on your lower spine, helping to alleviate pain. We’ll show you how to get started.
  • Lifestyle Modifications: A few simple changes can often help reduce lower back pain. For example, prolonged sitting puts undue stress on your lower spine, so something as simple as getting up every 30 minutes or so can go a long way. Our therapists will show you other simple modifications to ensure good spinal health.
  • Additional Pain Management Techniques: We also offer pain management modalities, such as hot and cold therapy or TENS, to provide additional pain relief.

Discover the Benefits of Physiotherapy for Yourself!

Just because lower back pain is common doesn’t mean you have to live with it! Physiotherapy for lower back pain is a safe, effective means of addressing it at its root.

The Raynen Therapies physiotherapists are here to help the Scarborough community find solutions to their discomfort. Schedule an appointment today to get started!

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