Lumbar Spine (Low Back) Pain
Lumbar Facet JointPpain
Facet pain is usually one sided and can refer into the back, hip and side of the leg. Pain and stiffness is often reproduced with leaning backwards or towards the sore side. Physiotherapy aims to reduce the inflammation and muscular spasm, address joint stiffness and improve normal movement and function with stretching and strengthening exercises.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is when the joint cartilage degenerates. The inflammation from the process can be painful and often leads to the joint and surrounding structures stiffening up. Physiotherapy will work with hands on techniques to reduce the stiffness in these joints and show you exercises to keep the joints moving and the surrounding muscles strong.
Lumbar Disc Injuries
Disc injuries can cause lower back pain, and may also refer pain or pins & needles down into the leg and foot. Discs are robust structures that are surrounded by many ligamentous and joint attachments. They do not slip out of place but can be injured and with more severe injuries, the internal jelly-like substance can protrude out from the disc which causes severe pain and nerve aggravation. Disc symptoms are often aggravated by sitting, prolonged standing, bending, lifting or even coughing. Discs will often settle with time and strengthening exercises. In severe cases, your GP may organise imaging and a specialist referral. Your Physiotherapist will work with you to figure out what things you should avoid doing and to provide strengthening exercises.
Pars Defect and Spondylolisthesis
This condition is a forward movement of one vertebrae on top of another as a result of degeneration changes or stress fractures. Due to this manual hands on movement of joints is contraindicated, and exercise is the primary method of improvement. Most of the time spondylolisthesis is found incidentally on an x-ray, however can sometimes cause low back pain. If the condition is as a result of stress fractures, immediate removal from stressing activities is utilised to reduce ongoing risk of injury. Common sports that cause stress fractures in the lower back include cricket, gymnastics and football. Treatment is aimed at reducing stressors of the area and improving the control and strength of the muscles surrounding the low back. If it is from a stress fracture, return to sport or activities can be very slow (up to 12 months).
Pregnancy related low back pain
Pregnancy alters the load through the lumbar spine. This change in position can add extra pressure on the structures in your lower back, causing pain. Physiotherapy can work to reduce tight muscles and joints and to provide exercises to relief the pain at home. Taping and bracing can also assist to reduce your symptoms.
Contact Free Movement Physio to book an appointment for a one on one consultation to discuss your Lumbar Spine concerns.