Treating Lower Back Pain With Physical Therapy

Treating Lower Back Pain With Physical Therapy

You are not alone if you are dealing with lower back pain. This condition is common and can be so severe that people take time off work. If you suffer from lower back pain and don’t know the best treatment, you have come to the right place.

This article explores the common causes of lower back pain. We also discuss their treatment. You will learn how to treat this pain at home and when to get physiotherapy in Richmond, BC.

Kindly read along!

What Are The Causes Of Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pain can result from several causes. You will need a diagnosis from your doctor to determine the cause of your lower back pain. Some of the causes of this pain include the following;

Strains And Sprains

A back strain occurs when you injure your muscle, while a sprain is when you overstretch or tear your ligaments. You are likely to have a sprain or strain in your back if you lift heavy objects repetitively or unsafely. 

Also, everyday tasks like sneezing, coughing, or bending over to pick a sock can cause a back injury if not done correctly.

Fractures

If you sustain an injury, experience a car accident, or fall, you may fracture your back. A back fracture occurs when the bones in your spine break. This condition can result in permanent injury if left untreated.

Structural Problems

Your spine supports your back and helps you perform activities like walking, twisting, and moving. If there is an issue in the spine structure, you can experience back pain. For instance, spinal stenosis and scoliosis are common structural problems affecting the spine.

Spinal stenosis is when your spinal cord cannot fit in its column, resulting in back pain. Conversely, scoliosis is when your spine curves sideways, leading to pain and stiffness.

Disk Problems

Your spine has discs that act as shock absorbers. If these discs bulge out of their position, they can press on a nerve and cause pain. Other disc problems include herniated discs and degenerative disc disease.

A herniated disc is when the disc tears or ruptures. Degenerative disc disease is when the disc becomes flat and offers less protection for your spine. 

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis that can affect your spine. This condition occurs when there is wear and tear in your spine’s cartilage, leading to inflammation and pain.

At-Home Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Although there are several treatments for lower back pain, you can start by treating it at home. This treatment can work for mild pain without underlying medical conditions. You can try any of the following at home if you experience back pain;

Pain Relievers

You can use over-the-counter pain relievers to treat back pain. Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are effective in treating this pain. However, when using medications, do not use them for too long. They may cause unpleasant side effects. If your pain persists despite using pain relievers, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Physical Activity

Although rest is essential when you experience lower back pain, it is crucial not to do it too long. You can rest for a few hours to prevent muscle stiffness. Physical activity can loosen tense muscles and activate your body’s natural healing process.

You should aim to include aerobic activity, flexibility exercises, and strength training in your exercise program. Stretches are also an excellent addition to your program. These exercises are low-impact, and they reduce stiffness.

Use Cold And Heat

Cold and heat can also reduce swelling and provide pain relief. You can apply an ice pack to your back when you feel pain. Ensure you wrap the ice in a towel. You should do this for 20 minutes at a time.

You can apply a heat pack if your back is no longer swollen. Heat improves blood circulation and provides pain relief. You can use a heat pad or wrap a hot water bottle in a towel before applying it to your back.

When Should You See a Professional for Lower Back Pain?

You must see a health professional if your lower back pain is still present despite at-home treatments. You should also seek immediate medical attention at Cambie Physiotherapy if the pain is accompanied by other symptoms like tingling or numbness in your arm or legs.

Your doctor will assess your condition and develop a treatment plan addressing your pain.

Chiropractic Treatment For Back Pain

Chiropractic treatment can treat lower back pain without using surgery or drugs. Your chiropractor will use manual therapy to manipulate and readjust your spine. You should get chiropractic care if bending over to pick something difficult. 

Your chiropractor will address your condition and medical history to prescribe the best treatment for your lower back pain. Depending on the severity and cause of your back pain, you may need multiple treatment sessions. You may also undergo maintenance sessions for long-term relief.

Physiotherapy Treatment For Back Pain

Physiotherapy is also used to treat lower back pain. This treatment is different from chiropractic care. Your chiropractor will focus more on issues affecting your spine and its alignment. Your physiotherapist, on the other hand, will focus on treating your muscles through exercises and mobilizations.

Physiotherapy Surrey for lower back pain is personalized care that addresses your unique needs. Your physiotherapist will create a tailored plan with exercises and modalities to relieve your pain. You may also undergo postural exercises and lifestyle modifications, like using ergonomic chairs.

Physiotherapy Treatment Techniques For Lower Back Pain

Your physiotherapist in New Richmond is skilled in several techniques for treating lower back pain. They can use modalities and exercises to target the source of your pain and address it. Some physiotherapy treatments for lower back pain include the following:

Laser Treatment For Back Pain 

Laser therapy can reduce pain and regenerate damaged tissue for optimal health. This treatment is safe. Your physiotherapist will use low-level lasers to send signals into your body. These signals encourage your damaged back tissues to heal and regenerate. 

Although this treatment is safe, discussing it with your physiotherapist is best. The treatment may pose a risk to your health if you are pregnant or have cancer.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound therapy is another physiotherapy modality for lower back pain. Your physiotherapist will use a hand-held machine to deliver sound waves to your lower back. These waves penetrate your skin and produce heat and vibrations. This heat then speeds up your recovery by reducing pain.

TENS

TENS is another physiotherapy modality for treating lower back pain. Your physiotherapist will use a small, battery-operated ceviche to deliver mild electrical current to the sore region. This device has sticky pads, also known as electrodes. 

This treatment is safe and has a low risk of complications. However, your skin may become irritated if you are allergic to the pads. You should inform your physiotherapists if this happens.

Physiotherapy Exercises For Lower Back Pain

Physiotherapy exercises can help relieve your pain. They also benefit you for years because they maintain strength and spinal flexibility. You should include these exercises in your daily routine for maximum benefits. 

Some of the popular physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain include:

Knee to Chest

This exercise loosens the muscles in your lower back to reduce pain and stiffness. You can do this exercise by:

  • Lie on your back
  • Bend your knees and keep your feet flat on the floor
  • Bring one knee to your chest and keep the other foot flat on the floor
  • Hold this position for at least 15 to 30 seconds
  • Repeat for the other knee
  • Repeat this exercise 3 times per day

Knee Rotation

This exercise improves your flexibility and reduces lower back pain. You can do this exercise by:

  • Lie on your back and keep your feet on the ground
  • Bend your knees to the same side
  • Gently move your knees from side to side. This motion should be like a windscreen wiper.
  • Rotate to each side 10 times
  • Repeat 3 times per day

Child’s Pose

This exercise stretches your lower back and other body parts, like your hips and ankles. You can do this exercise by;

  • Kneel with your toes touching and sit on your knees
  • Lean forward while keeping your buttocks on your heels
  • Rest your forehead on the floor and stretch your arms in front of you
  • Hold this pose for 30 seconds 
  • Repeat this exercise 5 times per day

Conclusion

Lower back pain can affect your daily activities. You may find it challenging to bend, walk, or work. Fortunately, you can try the home remedies discussed in this article to experience pain relief. However, if you still feel pain, physiotherapy in New Westminster, BC, can help.

Our physiotherapists will devise a treatment for back muscle pain plan to address your needs. You can rest assured that you can return to your daily activities and everyday life after treatment.