news feed
Mechanical Lower Back Pain
What it Effects
- The lumbar sacral region of the spine
Who it Effects
- Most commonly the ages 20-55yrs
Mechanism of Injury
- Postural dysfunction
- Mechanical strain
- There is no nerve root or spinal cord problem
Signs and Symptoms
- Can be a simple backache or very painful
- Referred pain into the leg but not beyond the knee
- Referred pain into the buttock area and thigh most common
Treatment
- Improve posture
- Identify bad postures in any movements/activities the person commonly does and correct these
- Improve cardiovascular fitness. This is very important!!
- Working the deep tummy muscles that stabilise the spine using core stability exercises. Added strength and stability around the spine helps to keep the spine in good alignment leading to less stresses in the lumbar region, therefore reducing a persons pain
Additional Information
- If pain is least in the morning and there is no stiffness, but back pain gets worse during the day then the problem could be postural
- Back pain could be due to a persons work. For example if they work Monday to Friday and have a bad back during the week but it is better or non-existent at the weekend. This is one of many reasons why physiotherapists must take a good subjective history, as many people do not pick up on this
- It is a common belief that if you have a bad back you should rest, this is not the case, not using it lets it get weaker just like any other muscle. The key is to pace yourself with activity and gradually increase what you can do
- If you have a bad back and the pain is limiting your activity levels then do not suffer, it’s perfectly fine to take painkillers, always consult with your doctor first though
Lastly if you have a bad back and would like information and advice get in contact with your GP for a physiotherapy referral or refer yourself for NHS physiotherapy at your local outpatient centre.
If you have any questions, please use the comment form below or post a thread on the forums.