About Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain refers to pain or discomfort in the lumbar region — the lower back — from the buttocks up to the 12th rib. It is a very common condition, but in many people it becomes chronic; for this reason it is classified as acute, sub-acute, and chronic pain. Many tissues of the human body are found in this area and the cause of the pain may not be immediately clear, which is why assessment by an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist is essential.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Symptoms that may present include:
• Pain on movement
• Pain at rest
• Difficulty walking long distances
• Difficulty standing up
• Pain radiating down the leg
• Numbness, reduced sensation
• Muscle weakness
• Functional limitations
• Reduced quality of life for the patient
Factors That Predispose to Lower Back Pain
A predisposition develops due to:
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Reduced movement — avoiding physical activity
• Muscle weakness — muscular imbalances
• Disc herniation
• Age-related wear of the spinal joints
• Conditions that cause lower back pain
Differential Assessment
Assessment by an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist is required, including a full medical history, clinical examination, and clinical tests, so that appropriate treatment can be provided based on the type of lower back pain and its likely origin, which may be:
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle spasms
• Radiculopathy
• Muscle strain
• Neural tissue entrapment
• Facet joint syndrome
• Ligament injury
• A condition requiring referral to a Doctor
What Will Happen If Lower Back Pain Is Left Untreated
If not managed appropriately, a chronic condition may develop with symptoms such as:
• Chronic pain
• Frequent recurrences — lumbago
• Functional limitations
• Reduced quality of life
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Physiotherapy is essential for the management of lower back pain. Initially, acute pain is addressed with orthopaedic manual massage, manual physiotherapy of neural tissue, electrotherapy, and TECAR. A suitably personalised structured exercise programme is then provided, which strengthens the muscles, corrects posture, and protects against future recurrences. The interventions applied are:
A structured exercise programme for lower back pain includes:
• Core strengthening
• Lower limb strengthening
• Muscle stretching
• Neural tissue stretching
• Aerobic programme
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Athanasia A.
Mr Danalis is a thoroughly professional practitioner who gives the necessary attention to both the patient and their problem. Most importantly, the quality and effectiveness of the treatment is delivered in a creative and above all productive manner. I recommend him without reservation.
Erifylli S.
Mr Danalis knows his field very well and gives each patient a great deal of personal attention! He has a positive attitude and has helped me enormously!! I trust him completely and recommend him without reservation.
Verified user
Mr. Danalis is a wonderful physiotherapist and also a wonderful person. He has helped me with various problems I have had after a car accident. With a personalised systematic program, I am now in the best shape I have ever been in!
How Can I Prevent Lower Back Pain
Prevention of lower back pain requires a monthly programme that includes:
• Orthopaedic manual massage
• Structured exercise programme
More tips on prevention and self-management by the patient can be found at the links below:
• Patient perspectives
• Patient perspectives
• Patient perspectives - pregnancy
What Is the Cost of Treatment
The cost of treatment is not high. Typically, 6 sessions are required, during which the treatment programme is adjusted each time to the patient's current condition. Once symptoms have subsided, a structured exercise programme is introduced to prevent any recurrences. The programme is provided to the patient electronically so they can follow it independently, with the option of online supervision at a low cost. The patient has the continuous support and communication they need with the Physiotherapist in order to manage any difficulties.
For the management of lower back pain, call PhysioDanali today for specialist advice from the Physiotherapist!
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George SZ, Fritz JM, Silfies SP, Schneider MJ, Beneciuk JM, Lentz TA, Gilliam JR, Hendren S, Norman KS. Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021 Nov;51(11):CPG1-CPG60. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2021.0304. PMID: 34719942.
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Corp N, Mansell G, Stynes S, Wynne-Jones G, Morsø L, Hill JC, van der Windt DA. Evidence-based treatment recommendations for neck and low back pain across Europe: A systematic review of guidelines. Eur J Pain. 2021 Feb;25(2):275-295. doi: 10.1002/ejp.1679. Epub 2020 Nov 12. PMID: 33064878; PMCID: PMC7839780.
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