Lower Back Pain
August 2, 2022
Low back pain is very common, perhaps the most common presentation in our clinic! It is likely that almost everyone will experience some low back pain at some point in their lives.
What are the possible causes for my low pain?M
Low back pain may be caused by various factors and conditions including:
- Muscle strain – AKA a pulled muscle. This may either be due to an injury or to overuse.
- Sciatica. This is when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your spine to the back of your thigh, dividing into two other nerves above your knee which travel all the way down to your foot, becomes irritated.
- Disc injury – tears, herniation. You may have heard people mentioning ‘slipped disc’.
- Facet joint irritation. The facet joints are located on the posterior aspect of your spine and may become irritated because of repetitive movements, trauma or arthritic changes.
- Degenerative changes in the spine à these changes start before we are in our 30s!!
What are the different symptoms associated with low back pain?
If you are suffering from low back pain, you may notice that the pain gets worse when you bend forward or backward, sneeze, laugh, cough or lift something heavy. The pain maytravel to your buttocks, hips and legs. You may also experience muscle tightness, spasm or weakness. Your low back may also feel stiff, and you may have observed a decreased in your low back mobility. Sometimes, individuals with low back pain, also experience pins and needles and/or numbness in their legs and feet.
GOOD NEWS – OSTEOPATHY CAN HELP
How can osteopathy help?
- Decrease pain
- Release muscle tension
- Improve joint mobility and how your body moves
- Improve blood flow
- Strengthening exercises & stretches
- Lifestyle advice – sitting posture, lifting techniques
What can I do at home to ease my low back pain?
- Stay active and continue with your daily activities when possible
- Ice pack (a bag of frozen peas!) – reduces inflammation, pain and swelling
- Heat pack (hot water bottle!) – relieves muscle spasms and stiffness
- Exercises and stretches for low back pain
- Take frequent breaks and move around the room
WARNING Call 111 or 999 if:
- Pain, pins & needles, numbness or weakness in both legs
- Pins and needles or numbness around your buttocks or genitals
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Got it after a serious accident
We aim to provide immediate relief from unnecessary aches and pains through a variety of treatments; enabling you to live a more active, healthy and pain-free life.
