Lower back pain
Introduction to lower back pain
This is a very common issue, that can often occur for either days, weeks or months. Commonly, back pain is located in the lumbar (lower back) region. It can also be situated around the thoracic and cervical spine region, as well as, the neck. Lauren our Sports and massage therapist in Truro would like to introduce you to some key points surrounding lower back pain.
Common causes of back pain
Strain/sprain- Muscular strains and ligaments sprains can often occur through incorrect movements, poor posture, overloading (lifting heavy objects) and overusing (repetitive movements). Whereby the muscle fibres or the ligaments are overstretched or begin to tear. However, this can often happen for no apparent reason, in the way that patients often don’t know how the injury occurred.
Sciatica – involves irritation of the nerve that runs from the lower spine lower and follows a long path through the buttock, down the back of the thigh and leg, and finally ends in the foot. Sciatic pain often is irritated by the compression of bone or muscle on the nerve.
Ankylosing Spondylitis- Involves the ligaments of the lower spine to become inflamed at the points where they attach to the spinal bones (vertebrae). In time, these bony growths may become larger and form bony bridges between vertebrae that are next to each other. This means that the bones may tend to join together and fuse across the joint.
Spondylolisthesis- When the vertebrae slip out of position
A Slipped Disc- A slipped disk is when a cushion of soft tissue between the bones (vertebrae) slips out of place in the spine and presses on a nearby nerve.
Common Symptoms
- Dull or achy pain
- Stabbing pain
- Muscle spasms
- Shooting pains which can travel from lower back, buttocks, legs to feet
- Sudden pain which appears then disappears upon certain movements
- Pain that often gets worse sitting in prolonged positions
- Pain eases during regular movement
Information is also available on the NHS website
Helpful Tips on Reducing Pain or Increasing Recovery
In most cases, there are possible ways to help relieve back pain:
- Massage
- Heat Therapy
- Cold Therapy
- Yoga or Pilates
- Back exercises and stretches.
Tips on How to Help Prevent the Risk of Back Pain
- Stay active
- Check your posture when lifting objects
- Be aware on the amount of weight you’re lifting.
- Check your posture when sitting at your desk or sofa
- Avoid sitting for long periods- Move around regularly
- Strengthen core muscles
- Positioning of pillows and positioning of body when sleeping
It’s a good idea to get assessed by a healthcare professional if pain:
- does not start to improve within a few weeks
- stops you doing your day-to-day activities
- Gets worse over time
- you’re worried about or struggling to cope
More details on when to see a healthcare professional are here
If you would like some back exercises and stretches, then feel free to contact Lauren@keherentherapy.co.uk