Back pain is debilitating and can affect all areas of life including work, leisure time and sporting activities.
It is the second most common reason for visits to a GP in Australia, and one of the most common reasons for people to take time off work.
Causes of back pain
Back pain is an extremely common condition with up to 80% of the population experiencing back pain at some time during the lives. Although the underlying pathology of low back pain is usually not serious, with the vast majority of patients recovering within 6 weeks, it is a significant cause of pain in the community and can have a considerable impact on people’s day to day lives.
There are many causes of back pain, but most commonly it is caused by a muscular injury or strain, a degenerative condition such as arthritis, or a problem with the spine. Other less common causes include stress, pregnancy and infections.
Most causes of back pain are the result of irritation or poor function of the bones, joints, ligaments or muscles in your back. Such irritation can be the result of vertebral dysfunction, a common condition that occurs when the spinal vertebrae compress or irritate the delicate nerve structures of your lower back.
Types of back pain
Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is the most common type of back pain, affecting around 80% of people at some point in their lives. The pain can vary from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing pain and is often made worse by movement, coughing or sneezing. Lower back pain can be caused by a number of different things including muscle strain, poor posture, arthritis or a problem with the spine.
Middle Back Pain
Middle back pain is less common than lower back pain, but can still affect around 10-20% of people. The pain is usually a dull ache that radiates from the lower back and can be made worse by movement or sitting for long periods of time. Middle back pain can be caused by muscle strain, arthritis or a problem with the spine.
Upper Back Pain
Upper back pain is the least common type of back pain, but can still affect around 5-10% of people. The pain is usually a dull ache that radiates from the lower back and can be made worse by movement or sitting for long periods of time. Upper back pain can be caused by muscle strain, arthritis or a problem with the spine.
Symptoms of back pain
The main symptom of back pain is, unsurprisingly, an ache or pain in the back. This can be a sharp pain, a dull ache, or a burning sensation. The pain may be constant or it may come and go. It may be felt only on one side of the back, or it may radiate to the hips, legs or arms. Other symptoms associated with back pain include stiffness, muscle spasms, and difficulty moving.
Treatment for back pain
Physiotherapy may be the solution to your back pain and enable you to return to the movement and activity you love. Physiotherapists can treat the cause of back pain using hands on techniques without medicine or surgery. Physiotherapists are highly qualified and experienced health professionals who understand the cause of back pain and are skilled in making your recovery as smooth and fast as possible.
Physiotherapy and chiropractic treatment of back pain focuses on restoring function to poorly moving spinal joints, as well as reducing muscle tension and increasing muscle strength. This results in improved movement, reduced pain and deceased nerve irritation.
Treatments are tailored to the individual case usually consisting of spinal and soft tissue mobilisation, core stabilisation advice, strengthening exercises, stretching and heat/cold therapy.
Please contact us to arrange your comprehensive lower back consultation to help identify the exact cause of your back pain and begin a course of corrective care today!
BOOK ONLINE or CONTACT US on 4740 4516 for your appointment at The Physio Movement, Townsville.
