Lower Back Pain
Physiotherapy
Central London
What Are The Symptoms Of Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain can present in several ways, such as: Aching Pain: A persistent, deep ache that may worsen with certain movements or prolonged sitting. Sharp Pain: Sudden and intense pain, often felt when bending or lifting. Radiating Pain: Pain that extends down the legs (sciatica) or into the hips and buttocks. Muscle Stiffness: A feeling of tightness, particularly after waking up or sitting for long periods. Reduced Mobility: Difficulty with everyday movements, such as bending or twisting. Weakness or Numbness: Sensations that may extend into the legs, indicating potential nerve involvement.
Why Am I Experiencing Lower Back Pain?
Sciatica: Compression of the sciatic nerve, leading to pain radiating down the legs. Slipped or Herniated Disc: A disc in the spine bulges or ruptures, causing pain, numbness, or weakness. Muscle Strains: Overuse or injury to muscles, often from heavy lifting or sudden movements. Poor Posture-Related Pain: Extended periods of sitting or using technology in a static position can result in muscle strain and discomfort, primarily due to the lack of movement and reduced activation of supporting muscle groups. It's not necessarily the posture itself that causes pain, but the prolonged lack of movement that leads to strain on the muscles. Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related wear and tear on the spinal discs. However, evidence suggests that this in itself is not a predictor of your pain. Some people can have a significant structural changes to their discs and be in no pain, and vice versa. It’s important to be assessed to work out what might be the main drivers of your pain. Facet Joint Dysfunction: Problems with the small joints in the spine that cause stiffness and discomfort. Sacroiliac Joint Pain: Pain originating from the sacroiliac joint, often mistaken for lower back pain.
Treatment Options & How Physiotherapy Can Help:
At my clinic, I offer a range of treatments tailored to your specific back pain condition: Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques that relieve muscle tension and mobilise stiff joints. Exercise Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to build resilience, improve core stability, and reduce pain. Postural Strengthening Exercises: Targeted movements to help your body handle prolonged sitting or standing, focusing on tissue capacity and building resilience. Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Techniques used to target trigger points, relieve tension, and reduce pain. Pain Management Techniques: Recommendations for using heat or cold packs depending on whether your back pain is acute or chronic, guidance on lumbar supports for seated postures, and advice on consulting your GP for pain medication options if needed. Lifestyle Modification Techniques: Advice on altering certain daily habits and activities to reduce stress on your lower back, such as avoiding heavy lifting or prolonged sitting. Movement Breaks: Guidance on movement breaks to integrate small movement breaks into your day to relieve stiffness and prevent flare-ups.
My 5-Stage Approach ensures long-term recovery by guiding you through pain relief, mobility restoration, strength-building, and prevention.
