Lower back pain

The symptoms of Lower Back Pain include:

• Pain or aching in the base of the spine . It may refer to the buttock or hips.
• Pain that is aggravated by bending or twisting
• Increased pain when lifting, straining or coughing
  

Lower back pain can come from many sources but typically arises from facet joints and the soft tissues that surround and support your lumbar spine. The area of the spine that takes the most load from movement and activity is the lower back, or lumbar region. This consists of five relatively large vertebrae and discs. The discs cushioning these vertebrae can bulge, tear and decrease in height due to repeated bending or prolonged sitting and can result in Lower Back pain for ‘no apparent reason’ or can occur in acute sudden episodes.

• Staying active as advised by your Physiotherapist. Evidence suggests that staying active with even acute back pain gives you better long term results. You will not be harming your back if you stick to the recommendations.
• Rest for aggravating activity (no prolonged sitting, especially with your feet up or bending).
• Taping from your Physiotherapist to improve your spine's posture in the early stage. Learn correct posture of how to unload your back and relieve muscle spasm if it exists.
• Using a lumbar support or placing a lumbar roll behind your back while sitting.
• Gentle exercises to strengthen and support the lower back. Your treating practitioner may refer you to one of our Pilates specialists to take you through exercise progressions to help prevent reoccurrence of Lower Back Pain.