Why let back pain keep you from living the life you love?
You probably know countless people who routinely complain about back pain. Maybe they struggle to lift heavy items, constantly mention that they ‘really should see somebody’, or maybe they’re always fidgeting at their desk trying to alleviate the pressure on their back. Maybe it’s you we’re talking about!
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 1 in 6 Australians struggle with some form of back problems. While this may be experienced in a wide variety of ways, the impact of having back pain of any level may be severe. When you lead an active lifestyle — as anything from a trained athlete to someone trying to keep up with the kids! — having back problems has the ability to affect every aspect of your life. Work, leisure, and exercise may all be limited out of fear of pain, and the longer you let it go untreated the worse it may become. Luckily, support is readily available!
The term ‘back pain’ refers to a variety of different conditions and injuries. Generally speaking, back problems of any kind are common. What makes it so important that you address your back pain is that almost 3 in 4 people who suffer from back pain have other chronic conditions affecting them. When something is wrong with your back, it may be a sign that there is another underlying problem that needs attention.
Your spine is a complex structure. There are bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, nerves, and all sorts of things that make up your spine. When these structures are injured or deteriorate they may cause back pain.
There are many causes of back pain, from acute injuries to long-term chronic disorders. As you get older, the likelihood of experiencing back pain becomes more probable, as aging often causes structures within your spine to weaken and deteriorate. Other possible causes include trauma to the back, poor posture, excess weight, congenital conditions, stress, heavy lifting, sitting for long periods, and more.
People experience back pain in their own way — no two people are the same. Pain may range from sharp pain in one specific spot to generalised aches over the entire back. Intensity may certainly range as well, and symptoms may be mild or debilitatingly severe. At times, people may find that their pain radiates out of the back into other areas of the body, including the buttocks and legs.
Common symptoms include the pain getting worse when lifting and bending, as well as after long periods of sitting, standing, or resting. You may find yourself extra stiff in the morning, or experiencing numbness and weakness in your lower limbs.
Here are a few other common symptoms that are an indicator that you should book an appointment with a physiotherapist as soon as possible:
If you’re experiencing back pain, visiting a physiotherapist may be the right next step for you. Physiotherapy treatment is specifically focused on restoring function within spinal joints that aren’t moving quite as they’re supposed to.
A physio aims to reduce tension within muscles and rebuild strength, all with the end goal of improving mobility and reducing pain. Specific treatments will be personalised to every person individually after comprehensive assessment and discussion. Some of the common treatments that a physiotherapist may offer include:
Is back pain genetic?
Typically, back pain isn’t due to many hereditary factors. However, some families may collectively experience forms of back pain. This may be due to the ways that lifestyle factors including diet and activity may impact your overall health.
Will bed rest help my back pain?
Finding the right treatment method will depend on the specifics of your pain and lifestyle. Some people who have experienced a sudden and severe injury may need to rest their back, while others may have their pain worsen if they lie down for long periods without any activity. See a physiotherapist for more personalised advice.
Does having a strong core improve back pain?
Some ways to possibly lower your risk of developing back pain include regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and proper lifting techniques. It’s important to have a strong core, as this may help to alleviate some of the pressure on your back on a daily basis.
How long will my back pain appointment be?
Your physiotherapy appointment will involve different assessments and discussions depending on your condition and specific circumstances. Generally speaking, you should expect your initial back pain appointment at Powerhouse Physiotherapy for around 30 minutes.
Local Care
Why travel far and wide for exceptional physiotherapy care? Powerhouse Physiotherapy is proud to service our local Canberra communities, making essential support as accessible as possible.
Individualised Care
You deserve to receive treatment that is designed entirely for you. Our approach to physiotherapy is that every case of back pain is different — meaning your physio will work to create a custom treatment plan uniquely tailored to your needs and goals.
Passion for Healthy Living
We care about helping people build happier, healthier lives. It doesn’t matter if you’re an athlete or an office worker, the Powerhouse Physio team aims to offer recovery support and advice that you can carry into an active future.
The longer you wait, the more likely it is that your back pain may get worse. If back pain is impacting your daily life, it’s time to do something about it. Here at Powerhouse Physiotherapy, we employ a range of physiotherapy treatments including sports rehab and soft tissue therapy. No matter what form of back pain you’re dealing with, our team is ready to find out how we may be of service. Let’s get you back to living life to the fullest! Book an appointment to discuss your back pain today.