Back pain is the second most common problem presented to GP’s. About 80% of people are affected by back pain at some point in their lifetime. Lower back pain can affect anyone at any age, but lifestyle differences do play a large role.
Back pain can be a result of injury, inflammation or irritation of any of the structures of your back including bones, joints, discs, muscles, ligaments and tendons. Pins and needles or numbness may also accompany back pain depending on the severity.
The direct cause of back pain is often unknown. However, there are a number of factors that can increase your risk of back pain, for example standing, sitting or bending for extended periods, incorrect lifting techniques or poor posture.
There may be other, more serious underlying causes of your back pain including fractures, osteoporosis (weakening of the bones), osteoarthritis (degeneration of joints) or disc bulge/rupture. In very rare cases there may be other causes of lower back pain, however your Physio or Myotherapist is trained recognise these symptoms.
Due to the wide variation in presentation of lower back pain, it is important that each patient is assessed and treated as an individual, specific to their presentation. Treatment can involve manual therapy, exercise and postural correction. Clinical Pilates can also play a huge role in the rehabilitation of lower back pain by improving core stability and teaching self management techniques.
