Low Back Pain Treatment at Chelmsford Osteopathy Clinic
Are you suffering from a sore back, or back pain? If so, you are not alone. Most people will experience some form of back pain in their life regardless of age or level of fitness.
Back pain tends to come in one of two forms; Acute or Chronic.
Acute is when the pain comes on suddenly and is commonly experienced with a muscular strain, sprains or injury and likely to last a few days or weeks.
Chronic back pain is when the pain may go on for some months and can be associated with with degenerative conditions involving the discs, bones or joints.
Typical symptoms of back pain include;
- Sharp or shooting sensations when you move into certain positions.
- Dull or constant ache that may radiate to other areas, such as the hip or groin.
- General sense or feeling of weakness or a sense that your back may give way or that your back just feels jammed and out of alignment.
With some exceptions like spinal cord trauma, many conditions are not serious and with the right treatment, such as osteopathy, exercise and lifestyle changes, you should be able to feel better in a few weeks from many muscular or soft tissue conditions.
If you experience other symptoms, such as incontinence or numbness, or your back pain has come on suddenly after a forceful accident, you should seek medical advice immediately.
Here are some common causes, myths, misconceptions and how osteopathy can help.
Common Causes:
Poor Posture: Sitting for prolonged periods of time in a slouched position can put pressure on the lumbar spine and cause low back pain.
Lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements: Sometimes, small sudden movements, twisting, over-reaching or lifting heavy objects can lead to pain and discomfort in the lower back.
Herniated Discs: When the gel-like centre of a spinal disc pushes through a weak spot in the outer layer, it can irritate nearby nerves and cause low back pain.
Degenerative Conditions: Arthritis, osteoporosis, and other degenerative conditions can cause low back pain as the spinal joints and discs wear down over time.
Myths & Misconceptions:
Bed rest is the best treatment for low back pain: While rest may be necessary for a short period of time, prolonged bed rest can actually make low back pain worse by weakening muscles and decreasing flexibility. It's important for people to stay active and perform gentle exercises to help relieve their pain.
Pain Equals Damage: Pain doesn't necessarily mean that there is significant damage or injury to your spine. It is often a protective response to injury or inflammation, but it can also be caused by factors like stress or poor posture.
Low back pain is always a serious medical condition: While low back pain can be a symptom of serious conditions like cancer or infections, it is usually caused by less serious issues like muscle strains or sprains. Most cases of low back pain can be effectively managed with conservative treatments like manual therapy, exercise and osteopathic manipulation.
Low back pain is a normal part of aging: While it's true that the risk of low back pain increases with age, it's not a normal part of the aging process. We should not always accept this as an inevitable part of getting older. Our advice is to seek treatment to help manage your symptoms.
Surgery is the Only Option: Surgery is typically only recommended for a small percentage of patients with low back pain. Most cases can be managed with conservative treatments like manual therapy, exercise and pain management techniques.
How can Osteopathy help?
Osteopaths are trained to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal conditions, such as low back pain. Our main focus at the clinic is to identify and address any underlying factors that may be contributing to your pain and discomfort.
Osteopathic treatment may involve a combination of manual therapy, appropriate exercise to perform during osteopathy appointments , and lifestyle advice to help alleviate your pain, improve mobility, and prevent recurrence of the condition.
Exercise:
There are several exercises that can help alleviate low back pain. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any exercise program to ensure that it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
Here are some examples of exercises that may be beneficial:
Cat-Camel Stretch: Start on your hands and knees with your back straight. Slowly arch your back towards the ceiling, then release and let your stomach drop towards the floor. Repeat for several repetitions, moving slowly and smoothly.
Bird Dog: Begin on your hands and knees with your back straight. Slowly extend your right arm and left leg straight out behind you, keeping your hips level. Return to starting position and repeat on the other side. Alternate sides for several repetitions.
Glute Bridge: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly lift your hips off the ground, keeping your back straight. Hold for several seconds, then lower back down to starting position.
Pelvic Tilt: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Slowly tighten your abdominal muscles, pressing your lower back into the floor. Hold for several seconds, then release and repeat for several repetitions.
Wall Sit: Stand with your back against a wall and feet shoulder-width apart. Slowly lower yourself into a squat, keeping your back against the wall and knees behind your toes. Hold for several seconds, then slowly stand back up.
Remember, it's important to listen to your body and only perform exercises that feel comfortable and safe for you. If you experience any pain or discomfort during exercise, stop and consult with a healthcare professional.
The take home message using the latest research suggests that for most cases of low back pain self-help is key to recovery. What you do in the early stages of pain is a strong predictor of your outcome. Remember that our backs are designed to move and those who remain active tend to benefit in the long term.
If you are suffering from back pain, or know anybody who is, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic at info@Chelmsfordosteopathyclinic.co.uk or call 07440 498109 to book an appointment.
For further information on managing low back pain, please check out our blog