It is a fact that approximately 8 out of every ten people will experience at least some form of debilitating back pain in their lives.
The symptoms for back pain can be:
- Persistent aching or stiffness anywhere along your spine, from the base of the neck to the hips.
- Sharp, localised pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back — especially after lifting heavy objects or engaging in other strenuous activity. Long periods of immobility, such as sitting can also result in pain.
- Chronic ache in the middle or lower back, especially after sitting or standing for extended periods.
- Back pain that radiates from the low back to the buttock, down the back of the thigh, and into the calf and toes.
- Inability to stand straight without having severe muscle spasms in the low back.
In most cases back pain can be treated with rest and hands on treatment such as Osteopathy or Myotherapy. At Equilibrium Sports and Spinal Clinic our therapists are highly skilled in evaluating your physical condition, pain location and mechanism of injury to identify the CAUSE of your pain. We carry out a detailed case history in conjunction with special test to ensure we are providing you with the safest and most effective treatment plan for you and your body.
Pain management is the main focus of your treatment session with our therapist. Heat or ice may be used initially to get rid of inflammation and pain. Massage is also helpful, especially if there is muscle spasm. In some cases, trigger point therapy, or dry needling may be necessary when there is referred pain down the buttocks and leg that resembles sciatica. Other treatments we may use include MET ( Muscle energy Technique – similar to P&F stretching) joint mobilisation, articulation and manipulation, Kinesio taping as well as a strengthening program.
Stretching and strengthening exercises form a major part of your therapy. These exercises will target your area’s of weakness which may be contributing to your back pain. Muscle groups primarily involved in your back pain may be your lower back, buttocks, hip flexors, hamstrings and Core muscles. Maintaining flexibility and strength in these area’s helps relieved the spasm leading to pain and promotes good blow flow.
Once your symptoms are under control, we will give you a home or gym based exercise program to continue with and make recommendations to prevent recurrence of back pain. We will ensure you are well educated on how best to minimise the chances of a repeat episode. Education on proper posture in all facets of your life ie Desk. Car and Home office will all be taught as this can go a long way in relieving back pain and maintaining a pain free lifestyle. Instruction in proper body mechanics during bending, lifting and carrying heavy objects is another important aspect of your recovery.
