Managing and Preventing Back Pain through Physiotherapy
Introduction
Back pain is a common and often debilitating condition that can affect people of all ages and lifestyles. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 people in the UK will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Thankfully, there are physiotherapy services available to help manage and prevent back pain. In this blog post, we will discuss the prevalence and impact of back pain and the physiotherapy services offered by a physiotherapist in Hounslow that can help manage and prevent it.
Understanding Back Pain
Back pain is a common issue that can have a variety of causes, such as poor posture, muscle strain, and sports injuries. In addition, other risk factors, such as obesity, pregnancy, stress, and lack of exercise, can contribute to the development of back pain. It is important to note that back pain can also be caused by serious medical conditions, including arthritis, cancer, and infection. Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor or a qualified physiotherapist about your ongoing back pain for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
2 Types of back pain
There are two main types of back pain: acute and chronic. Acute back pain is typically defined as pain that lasts for less than three months and is usually caused by a sudden injury or trauma. Chronic back pain, on the other hand, is defined as pain that persists for longer than three months and is usually due to a long-term medical condition. It is important to note that both acute and chronic back pain can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life and can be quite debilitating if left untreated.
Symptoms of back pain
Symptoms of back pain can range from mild to severe, and can include stiffness, muscle spasms, tenderness, tingling sensations, localised pain, and even radiating pain that can travel down the legs. In some cases, back pain can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, numbness, and difficulty walking. Depending on the cause, back pain can be short-term or long-term, and can be managed with a variety of treatments, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.
If left untreated, back pain can lead to a decrease in mobility, increased fatigue, and even depression. These symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life, so it is important to seek treatment and management for back pain as soon as possible.
Physiotherapy for Back Pain
Physiotherapy is an excellent way to both manage and prevent back pain, as it can help reduce pain, improve function, and prevent future back pain episodes. There are various physiotherapy techniques which can be used to effectively manage back pain, such as spinal manipulation, core strengthening exercises, stretching and mobility exercises, and more. Additionally, physiotherapy can help improve posture and reduce the risk of back pain. Regular sessions with a physiotherapist can help to identify and rectify any underlying issues which may be contributing to the pain, and can also help to provide guidance and advice on proper body mechanics and positioning, as well as provide tips on lifestyle modifications that can help to manage and prevent back pain.
Pain Management for Back Pain
In addition to physiotherapy, there are also other effective pain management techniques that can be used to manage back pain, such as medication, heat/cold therapy, and nerve blocks. Physiotherapy can be used as a complement to these other techniques and can help to reduce the amount of pain experienced. There’s also lots of helpful tips for managing pain at home, such as using an ice pack, taking hot baths, and practicing relaxation techniques. Practicing these tips regularly can help to reduce the intensity of pain and improve overall quality of life. Additionally, maintaining an active lifestyle with regular exercise, stretching, and strengthening exercises can help to reduce pain and inflammation in the back muscles and joints.
Work-related Injury Management
Work-related injuries are one of the most common causes of back pain, and it can be highly debilitating for those affected. Luckily, physiotherapy can help to manage and even prevent this type of back pain, through a range of techniques such as ergonomic assessments, stretching and strengthening exercises, and posture correction.
There are various strategies that can be followed to help prevent work-related back pain, such as making sure your workstation is set up correctly and that you maintain a good posture while working. Taking regular breaks and stretching throughout the day can also be beneficial. Additionally, making sure you are correctly lifting heavy items and using the right equipment for the job can help to reduce the risk of suffering from any kind of work-related back pain.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Now, if you're recovering from back pain, rehabilitation and recovery are so important. And let me tell you, physiotherapy can be a total game-changer. There’s all sorts of treatments to help you out, like stretching, strengthening exercises, massage and more. But it's not just about recovering from the pain you're feeling now. It's also important to think about preventing future episodes of back pain. That's where lifestyle changes come in - like incorporating low-impact exercises like swimming, yoga, and walking into your daily routine, and practicing good posture. And don't forget the other important stuff - like eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Trust me, if you take these steps, you'll be giving yourself the best chance of protecting your back from future pain.
Examples of Treatment
Herniated Disc Treatment
A self-employed construction worker in London sought out Sky Therapy. He was suffering with lower back pain which was impacting him professionally, financially, and personally. After an initial consultation and diagnosis of a herniated disc, a 12-week treatment plan was put together to reduce pain, restore mobility, and improve work performance. Manual treatment, a custom injury rehabilitation program, and regular maintenance sessions were all part of the plan. As a result, the patient's lower back pain was completely gone and he was able to return to full-time work and playing football with his kids.
Check out the full case study & back pain treatment breakdown here
Sports Injury Prevention
Often, prevention is a much better route than the cure! We've been helping KSI (YouTuber, Boxer) prepare for his boxing matches for a good while now. One of the key elements is working on pre-hab exercises that prevent injury during the intense fights. One element of this is strengthening the Lower Trapezius (Lower Trap) muscles.
They can help to improve shoulder stability, reduce strain, and allow the rotator cuff muscles to work more efficiently. It can also help with movements such as thoracic extension and thoracic lateral flexion. Regularly performing exercises that target these Lower Traps can help to keep the shoulder joint in the correct position and prevent any unwanted pinching or movement.
Check out a recent video here of us in action working on this exact treatment for KSI.
Conclusion
Physiotherapy is a great way to manage and prevent back pain. It can help reduce pain, improve function, and prevent future back pain episodes.
Our sports injury clinic in Hounslow regularly treats patients with back pain injuries to help manage and prevent the pain. If you have been experiencing back pain, I highly recommend you seek the help of a physiotherapist today to get the relief you need.
