Up to 84% of people will experience low back pain in their lifetime.[1]
While physical factors are part of the issue, there are many other contributing factors to pain, these include:
Co-morbidities e.g. smoking, obesity
Social factors e.g. anxiety and depression, job satisfaction
Psychological factors e.g. fear of injury or pain, beliefs surrounding injury
Genetics
Addressing each of these is an important part of the rehab process. The most important thing to remember is that the goal is to keep moving as normally as possible. Exercise should be included in every rehab program and general movement, such as walking, is encouraged. Manual therapy, such as massage and dry needling, can be included however these are always used in conjunction with exercise.[2] So be prepared to get moving!
When looking at exercise for back pain we want it to be specific to you and your lifestyle, focusing on activities you enjoy that you can maintain long term. We also encourage self-dosing which means doing what you feel you can, this could be the full program on a good day compared to the two easiest exercises on a bad day. Doing this can help you build your confidence in your ability to manage you back pain, empowering you to take more control in your recovery process.
Remember, acute back pain usually takes 2-6 weeks to settle, so make sure you’re booking an appointment today, so we can work together to create a rehab program specific to you and your needs.
[1] Individualized Low-Load Motor Control Exercises and Education Versus a HighLoad Lifting Exercise and Education to Improve Activity, Pain Intensity, and Physical Performance in Patients With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2015 Volume:45 Issue:2 Pages:77–85. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ conditions-and-diseases/musculoskeletalconditions/low-back-pain
[2] Exercise interventions for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials – Searle et al, Clinical rehabilitation. 2015