What is acute and chronic lower back pain?
Lower back pain can be either an acute (sudden and short term) or chronic (long-term and often getting progressively worse) –
If you have acute lower back pain this is usually a sudden onset which is often triggered by a small or seemingly insignificant movement such as twisting or bending to pick up an object. Acute lower back pain can vary in severity and can last between a few days and a few weeks, often becoming chronic when not addressed.
What causes low back pain?
Most lower back pain is mechanical in nature which means it is caused by trauma to the lower back or a chronic disorder such as arthritis. This trauma may be caused by jobs around the house or in the garden, lifting something from the ground whilst twisting, (or) a sudden jolt as in a car accident, that places stress on the structures of the back.
What symptoms would I have?
Acute pain: Your symptoms may start with a sharp pain which may develop due to the progression of inflammation over a few hours. The pain is usually right at the base of the back and it may be central, both sides or to one side. It is common to have the pain radiate into the buttocks, back of the leg and even the lower leg. Sharp stabbing pain following a linear path down the leg is linked to nerve irritation. Sometimes as a result of a ‘slipped disc’. More commonly the pain felt into the buttock and leg is referred from the lower back and can sometimes just be a heavy aching sensation.
Chronic/longstanding pain: Pain is usually right at the base of the lower back which may be worse at night or after prolonged sitting or standing. Your pain may be confined to the lower back or it may radiate down either leg. Often a dull aching sensation if felt that progresses to feeling very sore. Stiffness is another regular symptom with longstanding lower back pain.
Physiotherapy treatment of lower back pain
Our physiotherapists will be able to diagnose and treat your lower back to reduce pain and inflammation and return you to your everyday activities with confidence. For best results it is important to start treatment as soon as you can after the injury. Our approach will vary depending on whether you have acute or long-standing pain and will be tailored to you. Physiotherapy uses a combination of hands-on techniques, advice and exercise to promote recovery and return you to your normal level of function as quickly as possible
Your rehabilitation at Recover Physio may include:
- Joint mobilisations and potentially manipulative therapy
- Postural advice and adaptations
- Soft tissue mobilisations
- Trigger point therapy
- Detailed Exercise programs to increase flexibility, strength and body functioning
- Acupuncture
- Mobilisations with movement
