Low Back Pain

What is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is discomfort or pain in the lower part of your back, typically between the bottom of your ribcage and the top of your legs. It's a very common problem that affects most people at some point in their lives. Low back pain can range from mild to severe and can be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic).

At Tangram Health, our team of Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists see patients with low back pain everyday (it’s probably the most common condition we deal with). We understand just how painful this condition can be, and how it can  impact your daily life and overall wellbeing. So we’ve put together this guide to help understand the common causes and treatments you can do to recover from low back pain.

‍

‍

What are the symptoms of Low Back Pain?

The symptoms of low back pain can vary from person to person, but common signs include:

• Dull, aching pain in the lower back
• Stiffness in the lower back, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
• Pain that worsens with bending, lifting, standing or walking
• Pain that improves with reclining
• Muscle spasms in the lower back
• Difficulty standing up straight
• Pain that may extend into the buttocks or legs (sciatica)
• Tingling or numbness in the legs in some cases

‍

‍

What causes Low Back Pain?

Low back pain can be caused by various factors, including:

• Muscle or ligament strain: Often due to repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement
• Bulging or ruptured discs: The soft material inside a spinal disc can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back
• Skeletal irregularities: Such as scoliosis, which causes a sideways curvature of the spine
• Osteoporosis: When bones become porous and brittle, the vertebrae can develop compression fractures
• Poor posture: Especially when sitting for long periods
• Lack of exercise: Weak back and abdominal muscles may not support the spine properly
• Obesity: Excess weight puts extra stress on your back

‍

‍

What are the risk factors for developing Low Back Pain?

Several factors can increase your risk of developing low back pain:

• Age: Back pain is more common as you get older, starting around age 30 or 40
• Lack of exercise: Weak, unused muscles in your back and abdomen might lead to back pain
• Excess weight: Being overweight puts extra stress on your back
• Diseases: Some types of arthritis and cancer can contribute to back pain
• Improper lifting: Using your back instead of your legs can lead to back pain
• Psychological conditions: People prone to depression and anxiety appear to have a greater risk of back pain
• Smoking: This can reduce blood flow to the lower spine and cause the spinal discs to degenerate faster

‍

Who is most commonly affected by Low Back Pain?

Low back pain can affect people of all ages, but it's most common in:

• Adults aged 30-50
• People who do physical work, like construction or nursing
• Office workers who sit for long periods
• Smokers
• Overweight or obese individuals
• Pregnant women
• People with a family history of back pain
• Those with certain mental health conditions, like depression or anxiety

‍

How is Low Back Pain diagnosed?

When you visit one of our clinics at Tangram Health with symptoms of low back pain, our healthcare professionals will use several methods to diagnose your condition:

1. Medical history: They'll ask about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life.
2. Physical examination: Your physiotherapist or chiropractor will:
3. Check your posture and how you move
   • Test your range of motion
   • Assess the strength of your back and leg muscles
   • Check for areas of tenderness
   • Perform neurological tests to check your reflexes and sensation
   • Specific tests: They might perform tests like the straight leg raise test to check for sciatica.
4. Imaging tests: In some cases, X-rays, MRI, or CT scans may be recommended to get a closer look at your spine.

‍

What role does imaging play in diagnosing Low Back Pain?

While imaging tests can be helpful in some cases, they're not always necessary for diagnosing low back pain. Here's when different types of imaging might be used:

• X-rays: These can show alignment of the bones and whether you have arthritis or broken bones.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This gives a detailed view of the spinal cord, nerves, and soft tissues. It might be used if there's suspicion of a serious condition like infection or cancer.
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan: This can show problems with bones, muscles, tissue, nerves, and blood vessels.

At Tangram Health, our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Sydney can refer you for these scans if necessary and explain what the results mean for your condition and treatment.

‍

‍

What treatments are available for Low Back Pain?

Treatment for low back pain aims to relieve pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence. This included:

• Exercise therapy: Our Physios, Chiros, and EPs can design an exercise program to strengthen your back and core muscles
• Manual therapy: Techniques like massage, mobilisation, and manipulation to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain medications or prescription drugs may be recommended
• Heat or cold therapy: To reduce pain and inflammation
• Posture correction: We can provide advice on improving your posture at work and home
• Lifestyle modifications: Such as weight loss or quitting smoking
• Ergonomic adjustments: Advice on setting up your workspace to reduce strain on your back
• Acupuncture: This may help with pain relief for some people
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): To help manage chronic pain

‍

‍

Which treatments have the most evidence of working for Low Back Pain?

Based on current research, the treatments with the strongest evidence for managing low back pain include:

• Exercise therapy: Both for acute and chronic low back pain
• Education about back pain and how to manage it
• Manual therapy: Especially when combined with exercise
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: Particularly for chronic low back pain
• Multidisciplinary rehabilitation programs: Combining physical, psychological, and educational approaches

It's important to note that what works best can vary from person to person. We find that matching the right treatment to the right patient based on what they need leads to better outcomes.

‍

What role does exercise play in treating Low Back Pain?

Exercise is a crucial part of treating and preventing low back pain. It helps to:

• Strengthen the muscles that support your back
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Enhance core stability
• Promote proper movement patterns
• Improve overall fitness and wellbeing

Our Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists in Sydney can design an exercise program tailored to your specific needs. This might include:

• Stretching exercises for your back and legs
• Strengthening exercises for your back, abdominal, and leg muscles
• Low-impact aerobic exercises like walking or swimming
• Core stability exercises

Remember, it's important to start gently and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises.

‍

How can I prevent Low Back Pain or stop it from getting worse?

While you can't prevent all cases of low back pain, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or prevent it from worsening:

• Exercise regularly: Focus on exercises that strengthen your back and core muscles
• Maintain good posture: Whether sitting or standing
• Lift properly: Bend at your knees, not your waist
• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra stress on your back
• Quit smoking: Smoking can contribute to disc degeneration
• Use proper ergonomics: Set up your workspace to minimise strain on your back
• Stretch regularly: Especially if you sit for long periods
• Manage stress: Stress can increase muscle tension in your back
• Get enough sleep: Poor sleep can contribute to back pain

‍

What other conditions can cause Low Back Pain?

While many cases of low back pain are mechanical in nature, other conditions can also cause pain in this area:

• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal
• Fibromyalgia: A condition causing widespread muscle pain
• Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine
• Kidney stones or infections
• Endometriosis: In women, this can sometimes cause low back pain
• Tumours: Rarely, tumours in or near the spine can cause back pain
• Cauda equina syndrome: A rare but serious condition affecting the nerves at the base of the spine

At Tangram Health, our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Sydney are skilled in differentiating between these conditions and can provide appropriate treatment or referral based on your specific condition.

‍

When should I see a healthcare professional about Low Back Pain?

You should consider seeing a healthcare professional if:

• Your back pain is severe or doesn't improve with rest
• Your pain extends down one or both legs
• You experience weakness, numbness, or tingling in your legs
• You have unexplained weight loss along with your back pain
• Your pain is accompanied by fever
• You have difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels
• Your pain follows a fall or other injury

‍

Can Low Back Pain go away on its own?

Many cases of acute low back pain do improve on their own within a few weeks with proper self-care. However, seeking professional help can speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence. For chronic low back pain, professional treatment is usually necessary for effective management.

‍

How long does it take to recover from Low Back Pain?

Recovery time can vary greatly depending on the cause and severity of your low back pain:

• For acute low back pain: Most people recover within a few days to a few weeks
• For chronic low back pain: Recovery can take longer and may involve ongoing management

Remember, everyone's recovery is different. Factors like your age, overall health, and how well you follow your treatment plan can all affect your recovery time.

‍

Take home message

Low back pain is a common condition that can significantly impact your daily life and overall wellbeing. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with low back pain can find relief and improve their back health.

At Tangram Health, our team of experienced Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists can help you manage your low back pain effectively. We offer a range of evidence-based treatments and can provide personalised advice on exercises, posture, and lifestyle modifications to help you achieve long-term relief. Remember, early intervention is key in managing low back pain.

If you're experiencing persistent or severe back pain, don't hesitate to us at Tangram Health. We have clinics conveniently located around Sydney in Mt Kuring-Gai, Asquith, Willoughby, Milsons Point, Dural, and Blacktown, so you can get the right advice and treatment for your low back pain.