A Practical Guide To Physiotherapy Treatment Choices For Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain affects almost everyone at some point. Even if you don’t spend your entire day sitting at a desk, the strain from lifting heavy objects or carrying them for extended durations, stretching or reaching for long periods, enjoying sports, running or any variety of other activities can all cause pain in the lower back. 

Let’s first look at some common conditions and causes leading to lower back pain:

• Sports injuries
• Motor vehicle accident
• Poor posture
• Muscle tension
• Disc bulge
• Spinal Stenosis
• Pelvic Girdle pain
• Postural alignment
• Neurological pain
• Disc Herniation
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Overuse Injuries
• Muscle imbalances
• Repetitive Strain

Maintenance of a healthy way of life can go a long way toward protecting against back pain. Nevertheless, when discomfort does take place, there are several treatment choices readily available that can help alleviate the pain and diminish reoccurrence. In this post, we’ll explore some physiotherapy treatments in Burnaby options for lower back pain and their effectiveness in easing pain and helping prevent re-injury.

Hands-on Therapy

Among the most tested and proven treatments offered, hand on therapy, also known as manual therapy, is an effective treatment method to relieve lower back pain. Physiotherapists employ a variety of methods, including joint mobilization, soft tissue manipulation, extending exercise, and electrotherapy, to decrease swelling, increase blood circulation and alleviate pain. 

A 2017 research study discovered that hands-on therapy was one of the most successful treatment alternatives for back pain.

While hands-on therapy may not get rid of the underlying root cause of your lower back pain, it can reduce pain and its recurrence. If your discomfort is triggered by a particular injury, such as a sprain or strain, manual treatment can help in reducing swelling and restoring range of motion and strengthening the affected area. 

If your pain is brought on by extremely tight muscles, manual therapy can help restore them to their normal length and mobility. It is crucial to bear in mind that manual treatment can take numerous sessions to start eliminating discomfort. It’s best to talk to your physiotherapist before beginning treatment.

Ultrasound Treatment Techniques

A treatment method that supports tissue healing and discomfort relief, ultrasound therapy is also typically utilized by physiotherapists to deal with lower pain in the back. Although research is indefinite relating to the efficacy of ultrasound therapy on lower back pain, some studies have discovered that it can significantly reduce pain and promote recovery amongst clients. In fact, a 2019 research study discovered that ultrasound treatment is just as effective as medication for alleviating pain.

Like manual therapy, ultrasound works by increasing blood circulation and decreasing swelling. It also promotes tissue recovery and can be very beneficial in treating soft tissue injuries. When it comes to lower back pain, ultrasound therapy is best used as a treatment to relieve pain, minimizing recurrence when routinely utilized as a part of a pain management program.

TENS Devices

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is another method your physiotherapist may utilize to alleviate lower back pain and promote healing.

How does it work? TENS units supply mild electrical signals to the nerves near the site of your discomfort, decreasing the sensation of pain. Some TENS systems have discs that are applied to the location of discomfort, which extends the advantages of TENS treatment. These discs can be utilized by themselves or with a TENS system.

While TENS units and discs work in relieving low-grade discomfort, they do not supply long-term pain relief or relieve the underlying cause of your discomfort. They are best employed as part of a short-term pain management strategy, for instance after an injury. While TENS systems and discs show promise in lowering pain and promoting recovery, they are not encouraged as a long-term treatment choice.

Exercise Therapy

The most effective way to prevent lower back pain and the onset of other health problems is to exercise regularly. Physical exercise may be even more effective at eliminating discomfort and promoting healing when combined with other treatment options (such as medications and manual treatment). 

Your physiotherapist can suggest specific movement and stretching exercises that will help build up and loosen your muscles, enhancing your lower back health.

While aerobic workout is most typically recommended to treat lower pain in the back, resistance and balance training can likewise alleviate pain, promote recovery, and improve range of motion.

When it concerns lower back pain, frequency, and time-span matter. Routinely taking part in moderate physical exercise for about thirty minutes can help ease discomfort and promote healing, especially if you’re experiencing acute lower pain in the back. If you’re experiencing long-term lower back pain, you may really want to think about high-intensity interval training, or HIIT: a kind of workout that’s been proven beneficial in promoting recovery, reinforcing muscles,, and reducing pain. 

Once again, your physiotherapist is in the best position to suggest a workout regimen that’s particularly customized to your unique condition. 

Final Thoughts

Pain in the lower back can be unbearable, particularly if it’s persistent. While there are lots of ways to relieve lower back pain and stop it from recurring, it is vital to tailor your treatment program to your particular requirements. While one treatment may be effective in alleviating discomfort in one person, it might not be as successful in another. So, it is very important to be versatile and discuss multiple treatment alternatives with your physiotherapist till you discover one that works best for you.

Burnaby Heights Physiotherapy can help you begin your pain relief journey with one of the best physiotherapy teams in Burnaby. Call today! Now scheduling new clients!