Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints we see in the clinic and it can affect anyone at any age.
It can occur as the result of a particular incident or for no obvious reason.
There are many structures that can cause lower back symptoms:
- Lumbar disc
- Facet joints
- Ligaments
- Muscles
- Nerves
Physio Performance will identify what is causing your symptoms and how best to fix them.
We will discuss what could be causing your lower back pain and how to fix it.
Lumbar Discs
The discs are situated between each vertebrae and they act to cushion the lumbar joints and provide stability.
They can cause lower back pain for a variety of reasons.
The discs can bulge or protrude. This is sometimes referred to as a ‘slipped disc’, but in reality the disc is being squeezed outwards, like pressing down on a balloon.
The bulge can sometimes press on the nerves in the lower back, causing sciatica down the leg.
Rarely, the disc will rupture, causing inflammation and pain in lower back.
The lumbar discs degenerate as we age, which is a normal process. However, this can lead to pressure on the vertebral joints.
The signs and symptoms of disc problems include:
- Sudden onset of pain, but not always
- Lower back pain in the mornings
- Pain on bending forwards or sitting for long periods
- Pain, pins and needles, and numbness radiating down the leg and into the toes
The good news is that disc bulges can return to their normal shape.
Physiotherapy treatment involves restoring normal movement, strengthening the muscles that surround the spine, and advice on posture and activity.
If symptoms persist then a spinal injection may be required.
A small portion of people require surgery to shave the protruding disc but this is only offered in extreme cases if all else fails.
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Facet Joints
The facet joints are situated either side of the spine.
They are extensions of the vertebrae and provide stability to the spine when you bend forwards and backwards and rotate side to side.
The most common pathology in these joints is degeneration.
As the pressure on the joints increases, they begin to grow small edges of bone, known as osteophytes.
This is a normal process as we grow older, but sometimes the osteophyte can press on the nerve, causing sciatica.
Treatment is similar to that for disc problems i.e. flexibility and strengthening exercises, advice and postural correction.
Sciatica
Sciatica is a term that is used when lower back pain causes leg pain, pins and needles or numbness.
This is often caused when there is pressure or irritation of the lumbar nerves.
The symptoms could be in the groin area or they could radiate as far as the toes.
The nerves of the lower back also supply the bowel and bladder.
If you are having issues with your bowel and bladder that are associated with your back pain, it is important to attend Accident and Emergency immediately for an assessment.
Physiotherapy treatment involves finding the cause of the issue and then using treatment techniques that reduce pressure or irritation of the lumbar nerves.
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Location
At our Newforge Clinic we provide a range of treatments including physiotherapy, sports massage, acupuncture and dry needling. We treat many common conditions including, elbow and shoulder injuries, neck injuries and knee injuries.
