Common Causes of Back Pain and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy for Back Pain

Low back pain is undoubtedly one of the most common health concerns today, especially due to our sedentary daily routine. Therefore, most health professionals suggest physical workout sessions to cure lower back pain.  

However, if you are struggling badly with back pain, you require physiotherapy to achieve relief in targeted areas. Physiotherapy sessions work in tandem with other nonsurgical lower back therapies to reduce pain more effectively. Medicos could suggest hands-on alternative treatments like massage therapy, manual therapy, and acupuncture to combine with physiotherapy to provide better treatment. 

Physiotherapy is a popular and effective healthcare treatment for back pain. It is always in great demand due to its high potential for pain relief in the targeted area. Consistent physiotherapy for back pain can help you address any issue. Additionally, it can aid you in reducing oedema, removing muscular spasms, and improving circulation. 

In this blog, we will break down the many facets of physiotherapy to expand your understanding of the treatment. We will also dig deep into possible physiotherapy options, their benefits, and reasons, amongst other key aspects. 

What Is Lower Back Pain?

Lower back pains are joint in humans today. They typically start with a mild ache in the lower back and eventually progress to severely restricting pain. There’s no denying that lower back pain contributes to the idea of absenteeism from work. 

You will feel the back pain amplifying down the hips, at times, to the legs. Severe aches in your lower back can limit you from your routine chores and activities, such as lifting, bending, twisting, or continuous actions.  

For most people, their battle with lower back pain is coupled with tingling and numbness in the legs. You could also feel a loss of strength or sensation in the lower limbs. In short, it can restrict your ability to perform simple tasks and push you towards depression. 

What Are The Causes Of Lower Back Pain?

A combination of improper body posturing and lack of movement is generally responsible for back pain, especially lower back pain. If your routine demands you to sit uninterruptedly for long hours, you will most likely develop lower back pain. Although it is not a serious condition, you will experience long stretches of discomfort and constant ache in your back. 

However, we have illuminated more complex causes of back pain, which demand a more comprehensive breakdown. 

1. Arthritis of the Spine

The gradual degeneration of the spinal joints is often attributed as the most common cause of lower back pain. All human beings undergo wear and tear with age. Therefore, it is natural for your lower back region to start acting up as you age.  

The surrounding tissues will develop inflammatory tendencies when the cartilage between the spinal joints is disrupted. The thinning of cartilage caused by the inflammation increases friction in the joints, thereby causing pain in the lower back. 

2. Back Injuries

A serious road accident or a bad fall can inflict lower back injury. Alternatively, carrying a laundry basket on the staircase could harm your lower back. In short, not all back injuries need to be severe and sudden, with many taking effect gradually.  

Many believe only athletes and active people endure back injuries the most due to their vigorous lifestyle. But this is half the truth. You have as much chance to tweak your back while bending to pick up something. Even the daily chores involving your back may lead to injuries if done improperly. 

3. Herniated Discs

A herniated disc has swelled beyond its standard lining. It occurs most frequently in the lower back. You will not always struggle with the injured disc. However, its contents can cause inconvenience or irritate nearby nerves, thereby initiating pain in the targeted area.  

Symptoms of Lower Back Pain

The initial form of postural back pain is an inferior body ache coupled with a stiff lower back. You can address the initial symptoms of lower back pain by engaging in light exercise or refraining from long stretches of sitting. However, choosing to sidestep the symptoms will encourage the pain to act at varying degrees. Furthermore, the level of stiffness will spike.  

You may experience any of the following symptoms: 

  • Numbness in the lower limbs or feet or buttocks 
  • Surging pain in the front or back of your leg 
  • Severe back pain when bending forward 
  • Excessive stiffness levels in your lower back 

What Happens During Lower Back Pain?

The human spine endures daily stresses. The bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, tendons, and intervertebral discs function collectively to assist the body in moving freely. Any sudden injury to these structures would hamper their ability to assist and facilitate movement. 

Before beginning physiotherapy treatment, you must have a detailed idea about the specific structure causing your discomfort. Your treatment plan will begin with a physical examination by a skilled medic for back pain.  

Running the preliminary examination will help your doctor develop the best course of treatment for you. Once your physical evaluation is over, they may ask for further diagnostic investigation for improved IV therapy at home. 

Practical Physiotherapy Exercises to Alleviate Lower Back Pain

A skilled physiotherapist will run preliminary tests on your lower back pain to develop the best possible treatment approach. It’s necessary to mention that back pains tend to reoccur. Therefore, the physio will assist you in following a pain-free lifestyle to avert possible recurrences in the long term.  

We have a comprehensive breakdown of effective physiotherapy for back pain to help your understanding: 

  • Machine-based Therapy

Skilled physiotherapists employ exclusive machines like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), Interferential therapy (IFT), and ultrasound therapy to treat lower back pain. These machines can reduce pain and inflammation in the targeted region. 

  • LASER Therapy

Physiotherapists apply specific wavelengths of energy to address back pain and initiate the healing process in your body. This is effective in addressing physiotherapy equipment for back pain. The muscle spasms and stimulates structural regeneration. Moreover, it concentrates on bettering blood circulation around the targeted area for healing. 

  • Chiropractic for Back Pain

The medicos will resort to spinal manipulation and mobilization to cure your lower back pain. Chiropractic treatment will benefit you by regaining the range of motion at the joints in the back. Moreover, it also contributes to lessening nerve irritability and better movement of soft tissues. 

  • Decompression Therapy

Physio professionals will ease spine pressure, particularly the intervertebral discs. They will use motorized decompression to reduce spinal stress. They will also encourage the structures to heal and bolster the nutrient exchange at the target area.  

  • Physiotherapy Exercises for Lower Back Pain

The physio experts will prescribe you selective exercises to relieve pain. They can benefit you by relieving structural stress in your back. Working out the nerve can aid you in releasing tension and lessening pain, whereas progressive strengthening exercises boost your gliding muscles around the spine. 

  • Ergonomics

Ergonomic therapy will help you avoid aggravating your back once you return to performing daily chores and activities. The medicos will help you make a smooth transition back into your daily routines by optimizing your posture and movement patterns. Moreover, they will also work with you to avoid recurrence and positively impact your functional abilities. 

Exercises and Stretches for Lower Back Pain

We recommend including physical workout sessions in your daily routine if you are battling lower back pain such as sciatica or stiffness. Furthermore, it makes all the more sense if you are just starting to get older- ageing is one of the common causes of lower back pain.  

You don’t need to reserve too much time to engage in home healthcare in Dubai. 

  • Knee to Chest

You should lie down on your back and draw your knees to your chest. Maintain the position for a second or so before releasing the knees. Repeat the exercise pulsingly about five times a go. We suggest you try the routine up to three times per day. 

  • Knee Rotation

Try bending your knees and gently moving them sidewise while keeping them grounded. You should try this by mildly turning your lumbar spine. You must turn to each side ten times and repeat this thrice daily. We suggest you maintain caution when attempting this, and don’t push through any ache. 

  • Extensions

Press up and extend your lower back while lying on your stomach. You shouldn’t hold this posture, but attempt to repeat it ten times—for three sets, up to three times per day. If this stretch feels intense, we suggest you modify the movement by resting on your forearms. Alternatively, you should refrain from extending it fully. 

  • Lower Back Rotation

Put one foot beneath the other knee, and then gradually stretch the knee across. Try holding the stretch at a comfortable position for twenty seconds. You should only keep your top knee grounded if you find it comfortable. Try this five times with each leg, and repeat this thrice a day. 

  • Cat/Cow

Begin with your hands and knees, gradually stretch and flatten your midsection back twenty times. Try repeating this thrice a day. This is an outstanding way to kick-start your day! 

  • Child’s Pose

Begin by keeping your knees away from each other while touching the toes. Now stretch your legs while folding your body backwards until your butt is landing on your heels. Try retaining your posture for thirty seconds. We suggest you repeat this five times for one set and attempt three sets per day.  

  • Foam Rolling

Foam rolling is an effective workout exercise for lower back pain. You should begin by positioning the foam roller beneath your midback. Now, lie on the ground with your face facing up and slowly stretch your spine backwards. Try holding the posture for thirty seconds straight, and attempt it throughout the day as and when necessary.  

  • Pelvic Tilts 

Try to carve out an arch with your lower back while lying down on your back. Then, lay flat on the surface, placing your mid-back without extending the hips. We suggest you attempt these thirty times and repeat them daily. 

  • Spiky Ball Roll On Glutes

You should pick a spiky ball to ease your tight muscles in your glutes. Try rolling the ball near the meaty section of your butt for thirty to sixty seconds at a time. Your lower back and glutes will function collectively to avoid pain or stiffness!  

  • Hip Flexor Stretches

This exercise will stretch the front of your hip. Adapt to a low lunge position and hold it for thirty seconds. Repeat it five times on each leg. We suggest you perform it for about five sets daily.  

  • Piriformis Stretches

Focus on your glutes and hips, and stretch strongly unless you are experiencing severe pain in the targeted area. Put one leg on your other thigh to achieve a figure four shape before slowly drawing your bottom towards the surface. Keep hold of the position for twenty seconds. We suggest you repeat every item five times, up to five times daily.  

  • Thread the Needle

You are imitating a downward dog but with your knees. Use your arms to stretch your mid-back. Try retaining the posture for thirty seconds. We suggest you repeat it five times on each side and up to five times daily. 

  • Hamstring Stretches

Lie on your back and bend one leg with the other airborne using a stretch band. Try holding on to the posture for thirty seconds. Ideally, repeat the exercise on both legs five times and thrice daily.  

Does Stretching Help Reduce Lower Back Pain?

It’s necessary to mention that people with back pain problems are always visiting medical care centres or calling doctors at home service nowadays. To put it simply, they are either searching for cures to attend to their back pain or frustrated by the lack of action after practising neurological physiotherapy for a month. 

Causing an overload of the soft tissue structures results in posture-related back pain. You must refrain from stretching your soft tissue structures for long hours until pain originates. The ideal solution for avoiding this discomfort is to engage in gentle movement. 

Although stretching is not advised under such circumstances, we recommend you stretch other muscle groups to alleviate the tension in the lower back muscles. 

Acute Back Pain vs. Chronic Back Pain

No two back pain issues are identical since they are based on their respective duration and location. For instance, acute back pain may last up to a few weeks due to a strain or injury. On the other hand, chronic back pain may accompany you for more than a quarter of a year. A bunch of underlying conditions or a particular injury is often responsible for such back pain issues. 

Skilled physiotherapists have the relevant knowledge and experience to evaluate and cure lower back pain issues through neurological physiotherapy sessions or other relevant treatment. They will run an initial assessment and diagnosis to find the most effective musculoskeletal treatment for your back pain. They will also work on your physical health to strengthen your lower back muscles to better support your spine.  

They will cook up a personalised treatment to lessen your muscle pain, with an additional focus on improving your mental health and mobility. Moreover, they will ensure no future recurrences and/or injuries occur as you mature with age! 

When Should You Seek Physiotherapy For Back Pain?

There’s no denying that lower back pain issues can compromise your day-to-day lifestyle and independence. Although short-term workout routines can fix most back pain issues, the severe problems don’t subside independently.  

Therefore, we recommend you fix a consultation session with an experienced physiotherapist if you are experiencing the following: 

  • Persistent pain: An underlying sprain or injury could be the reason for your persistent back pain. If the pain has stayed on for over a few days or worsened over time. You need a skilled physiotherapist to examine your condition and provide effective treatment. 
  • Severe pain: If you are experiencing severe back pain or showing other symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or difficulty walking, you must visit a healthcare facility immediately. Such conditions merit medical attention for easy recovery.  
  • Recurring pain: If your back pain is long-standing and refuses to move on, you must identify the root cause. With adequate medical intervention, you will be able to prevent future episodes. 

How Physiotherapy Can Help Alleviate Back Pain?

There’s no denying that early intervention is essential in physiotherapy for back pain. You can expect the following when getting a skilled professional for geriatric physiotherapy at the first signs of discomfort: 

  • Assessment and Diagnosis of Pain

They will run a thorough evaluation to determine the cause, root, and severity of your back pain. They will identify the underlying issue by studying a combination of a medical history review, physical tests, and a discussion of symptoms. 

  • Customized Treatment Plans

Once the diagnosis is complete, the physiotherapists will create a personalised treatment plan. This plan should ideally include a variety of interventions and techniques to address your back pain. 

  • Techniques and Exercises for Pain Relief and Rehabilitation

Most physiotherapists have detailed knowledge of various pain-relieving techniques and exercises that can benefit you in addressing back pain issues and promoting rehabilitation. They could use different strategies, such as soft tissue techniques, manual therapy, and therapeutic and functional exercises, to better the flexibility of your joints, muscles, and ligaments. 

  • Professional Education and Advice

The skilled medicos and physiotherapists will help you navigate normal movement patterns and assist you in making better decisions to reduce any undue strain on your back.  

Does Physiotherapy Work For Back Pain?

You must develop a complete list of factors influencing you when engaging in physiotherapy for back pain. These factors could range from sports, job duties, stressful life events, recent injuries, falls, or accidents to family history.  

  • Personalized Care

Physiotherapy for back pain can be classified into a range of types, meaning that the skilled practitioner will have a varied arsenal to choose from and will not adapt to a one-size-fits-all approach. They will factor in your physical data, existing health conditions, and preferred movement types. 

  • Decreased Pain

It will concentrate on your gait and observe your general motoring tendencies. Gathering such data will help them identify exercises that reduce the existing back pain. The therapist could also choose to use electrical stimulation to restore your functions. 

  • Restored Mobility

Physiotherapists are not tasked with only addressing back pain but concentrating on the root cause of discomfort. They will suggest strengthening workout routines to boost motion recovery in case you have weak back muscles. 

  • May Eliminate the Need for Surgery

There’s no denying that surgeries should only come in as a viable option when there’s no possible solution available. Physical therapy is one of the effective ways to improve your back pain without going under the knife.  

  • Reduces the Risk of Further Injury

If your daily chores or professional commitments require repetitive movements or athletic activity, your physical therapy plan will consider this. The medicos will suggest recovery stretches while factoring in such movements to help you avoid future back injuries. 

  • Reduces the Risk of fall

If you have a degenerative disease or poor posture, the physical therapy sessions will concentrate on addressing your balance and improving your coordination.  

Post-Treatment Care for Physiotherapy

There are no two ways: physiotherapy is an excellent treatment to cure ongoing pain and injury. We have mentioned four things that you must do after your appointment: 

  • Drink Plenty of Water

We recommend these after all exercise-based treatments, such as hydrotherapy. 

  • Follow Any Advice from Your Physio

– Employ hot/cold packs when necessary. 

– Rest if it is necessary. 

  • Do Your Exercises

Most physiotherapy appointments generally last for 1/2 hour. Any post-operative exercise that comes under medical suggestion will contribute to cutting down any need for ongoing treatment. However, some conditions will not heal without muscle retraining to follow the correct pattern and possess the ideal strength in the muscle groups. 

In general, doctors have the necessary knowledge and comprehensive understanding of all things healthcare. Some specific exercises will require a few minutes to do—you must go through them and learn the benefits of a home program. 

  • Take Note of Unusual Pain

Inform the physiotherapist if you are experiencing more pain than expected. It’s standard to endure some pain after the therapy sessions. However, it subsides after a day or two. 

Possible Adverse Effects of Physiotherapy

We have detailed some risks that are associated with physiotherapy: 

  • Muscle Discomfort: attending physiotherapy sessions can feature hands-on techniques, including massaging- which could lead to muscle discomfort. 
  • Nerve Damage: Too much pressure or the wrong technique can cause nerve damage, which could result in tingling and numbness in the affected area. 
  • Joint Pain: Specific stretches or exercises may lead to joint discomfort or pain. 
  • Infection: A risk of bacteria and viruses continues to linger if equipment lacks proper sterilization. 
  • Injury: Inappropriate workout routines can usher major injuries and complications if medical intervention is not called in.  

Why Choose Nexx for Physiotherapy At Home in Dubai?

You can always expect to treat your mobility and strength by employing the services of a skilled physiotherapist at home in Dubai, as well as ongoing treatment. They will further contribute by helping you understand the importance of correct posture and body mechanics to prevent future injuries.  

More and more people with back pain issues are choosing Nexx in Dubai because we can provide targeted care to ease their pain. We are a leading physiotherapy centre developing a market reputation for supplying a range of physiotherapy at home Dubai services. 

Our in-house team of highly qualified physiotherapists specialise in musculoskeletal, orthopaedic, and athletic conditions. At Nexx, we employ evidence-based medicine, exercise prescription techniques, and hands-on treatment to help patients regain complete fitness as quickly as possible.