Physiotherapy for Back Pain

Lower back discomfort and pain happens to be among the leading causes of physical disability, particularly in working people. And, unfortunately, this is no longer limited to just senior citizens as cases have also been reported in young, healthy and active adults. In fact, current research indicates that up to 80% of the UK population is at risk of suffering from lower back pain at some point in their lives.

How to treat back pain and avoid it in future

While specific kinds of lifestyle or dietary choices can certainly be blamed for persistent back pain – at other times, it can simply be due to poor posture while sitting and working or, say, slouching while walking. However, no matter the cause of your back pain or discomfort, one of the absolute best ways to manage it is not through medication or surgery (in a worst-case scenario), but through physiotherapy for back pain. It’s a tried and true method that has been administrated by physical therapy experts and chiropractors alike for many decades, with excellent results, to say the least.

Understanding the role of physiotherapy for back pain

In the hands of an expert, physiotherapy can be one of the most effective and relatively inexpensive forms of treatment to remedy back pain. It may be used on a standalone basis or in combination with a variety of treatments, such as short wave diathermy, ultrasound, traction, heat or massage.

Since the human spine has such a complex structure, it can become susceptible to a variety of injuries over the years, especially since it is responsible for withstanding the daily stresses our bodies must bear. Given this complex structure, any first-time or recurring back pain episode must be dealt with a strong ‘physiotherapy for back pain’ rehabilitation programme – one which is customised according to the patient’s exact needs.

Let’s delve in a little deeper to better understand the role of physiotherapy for back pain.

A vast amount of research exists to support the methods and techniques used by physiotherapists today to remedy and help patients manage back pain. In fact, most cases of back pain, particularly lower back pain, respond very well to a physiotherapy programme made up of manual therapy and graded exercises.

For instance, active physical therapy may involve certain exercises and stretches to rehabilitate the spine, including stretches for the hamstrings, lower back muscles, thighs and core muscles in the abdominal wall – which all work synergistically to keep the spine strong and mobile. In addition, exercises like wall squats, straight leg raises, angle pumps or other lumbar stabilisation exercises may be prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the spine – making it more agile, flexible and generally stronger – all of which are key attributes of a healthy backbone.

Passive physical therapy may include ultrasound, TENS units, heat and ice packs, taping, acupuncture or other time-tested techniques to relieve back pain.