Unlocking Relief: A Guide to Back Pain Management

Back pain is one of the most common injuries, affecting activities of daily living (ADLs) as well as quality of life. Physiotherapy & chiropractic treatment offers a range of effective strategies and modalities for initial relief, causative factor identification, and rehabilitation of these issues.

Back issues can be sub-categorised into two groups:

Acute Pain: Sudden onset, due to an injury or strain in a moment you can remember.

Chronic Pain: Slow onset, lasts longer than three months and results from various underlying causative issues.

What Are The Common Causes Of Back Pain?

• Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain: Acute, often caused by heavy lifting or awkward movements.
• Bulging Discs: Discs can bulge acutely or over time, and can also compress nearby nerves, leading to referred pain.
• Arthritis: Chronic, osteoarthritis from de-generation over time, or rheumatoid arthritis where the body starts to attack itself.
• Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions like scoliosis, or biomechanical asymmetries can contribute to discomfort and pain.

How Can Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Care Help?

Assessment and Diagnosis – A thorough assessment by a physiotherapist/chiropractor is crucial to discover the causative factors. Their job is to assess your posture, movement, flexibility, and pain levels to develop a tailored treatment plan.

Manual Therapy – Techniques such as soft tissue work, mobilisations and manipulations can help reduce pain and improve mobility. These hands-on approaches can alleviate tension in the muscles and joints.

Exercise Therapy – Targeted exercises to strengthen core muscles, improve mobility in necessary joints, and promote good posture.

Postural and Ergonomic Education – Educating on how to maintain proper posture while sitting, standing, and lifting is imperative. Ergonomic assessments can also be beneficial to aid those with desk jobs.

Modalities for Pain Relief – Techniques like heat therapy, cold therapy, dry needling, low level laser therapy (LLLT) and electrical stimulation can provide pain relief and facilitate healing.

Lifestyle Modifications – Education on maintaining a healthy weight, staying active (in the right ways), and managing stress on the body and mind can all significantly impact back pain.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

If back pain persists for more than a few days, interferes with ADLs, or is accompanied by other symptoms like numbness or weakness in the legs or arms, it’s crucial to seek professional help as soon as possible. 

Early intervention can not only improve immediate signs and symptoms, but also prevent more serious problems down the line.

Ready To Reclaim Your Life From Back Pain? Take Action Today!

Back pain can be debilitating, but with the right assessment and treatment, relief is more than possible. By combining manual therapies, modalities, exercise prescription, education, and lifestyle changes, individuals can regain independence and improve their quality of life. Remember, a personalised approach is key, and if you consult a physiotherapist or chiropractor, they can develop a plan that works for you.

Consider consulting with our team at Spinal & Sports Care to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs. Reach out to our physiotherapists and chiropractors at Spinal & Sports Care today.