Low Back Pain

Understanding Low Back Pain

Low back pain is a prevalent condition that can significantly impact daily life and overall well-being. At Peak Physiotherapy & Wellness we strive to provide comprehensive care to address the diverse causes of low back pain. This guide aims to help you understand the various factors contributing to low back discomfort and how physiotherapy can offer effective solutions.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

• Muscle Strain: Overuse, poor posture, or sudden movements can lead to muscle strain in the low back, causing pain and stiffness.

• Lumbar Disc Herniation: Herniation or bulging of the intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine can result in compression of nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling sensations radiating down the legs (sciatica).

• Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear on the intervertebral discs can lead to degenerative disc disease, causing pain, reduced flexibility, and instability in the low back.

• Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina can occur due to age-related changes, arthritis, or other conditions, resulting in spinal stenosis and compression of the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.

• Facet Joint Dysfunction: Dysfunction or inflammation of the facet joints, small joints located between adjacent vertebrae, can cause localized low back pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

• Spondylolisthesis: Slippage of one vertebra over another, often due to congenital defects, trauma, or degenerative changes, can result in spondylolisthesis, causing pain, instability, and neurological symptoms.

• Musculoskeletal Imbalances: Imbalances in muscle strength, flexibility, or coordination in the core and hip muscles can contribute to low back pain by altering spinal alignment and biomechanics.

• Poor Posture and Ergonomics:P Prolonged sitting, standing, or lifting with poor posture can place excessive strain on the low back muscles and structures, leading to pain and discomfort.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Our experienced physiotherapists at Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness employ evidence-based techniques to address the root causes of neck pain and promote optimal neck function. Our personalized approach includes:

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques, including massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation, to alleviate muscle tension and improve joint mobility.

• Exercise Prescription: Tailored home exercise programs are designed  to improve mobility, strengthen muscles,  improve posture, optimize proprioception and enhance overall neck stability.

• Postural Education: Guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities to prevent and alleviate neck pain.

• Ergonomic Advice: Recommendations on ergonomic adjustments at work and home to reduce strain on the neck.

• Modalities: Application of therapeutic modalities, such as heat, ice, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), or interferential current (IFC) may be used to alleviate pain and promote healing. 

• Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Traditional Acupuncture may be applied for a short period of time to help improve blood flow, enhance healing, decrease nerve sensitivity and alleviate pain. Dry needling may be implemented to decrease size of muscle knots, reduce 

• Education and Ergonomics: Guidance on proper body mechanics, posture, and ergonomic adjustments to prevent further strain on the low back and facilitate healing.

• Activity Modification: Recommendations for modifying activities, lifting techniques, and workplace ergonomics to prevent exacerbation of low back pain and promote recovery.

• Functional Rehabilitation: Progressive rehabilitation exercises aimed at restoring normal movement patterns, improving functional capacity, and facilitating a safe return to daily activities and tasks.

What to Expect During Physiotherapy Sessions

• Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your condition, including symptoms, limitations, and lifestyle factors.

• Tailored Treatment Plan: A personalized plan addressing your specific needs, comprising exercises, manual therapy, and pain management techniques.

• Hands-On Therapy: Sessions may involve manual techniques and exercises guided by our physiotherapists.

• Education and Advice: Information on proper posture, exercises, and self-care strategies to aid recovery and prevent further injury.

• Progress Monitoring: Regular follow-up sessions to track progress, modify the treatment plan, and ensure the best possible outcomes.

If you're experiencing low back pain, don't let it hold you back from living life to the fullest. Schedule an appointment with Peak Physiotherapy and Wellness to receive expert care and embark on the path to low back pain relief and improved function. Let us empower you to regain control of your low back health and well-being.