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Back Pain

Is it time to finally put an end to back pain?

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Are You Fed Up Of Living With Back Pain?

Do you have a constant ache in your lower back? Has putting your socks on become an impossible task? Pain rolling over in bed? Is the pain keeping you up at night? Have you become reliant on painkillers to get through the day? Maybe you got rid of the pain once but now it has come back? If you have answered yes to any of the above questions, you have come to the right place

When addressing back pain, it is crucial to pinpoint the underlying cause. When dealing with back pain that has resulted from trauma such as a fall or direct contact, identifying the specific cause is obvious. However, most of us experiencing back pain cannot recall a specific event or trauma that brought on the pain.

The challenge with these types of injuries lies in identifying the underlying cause. Failing to identify the root cause will often result in persistent discomfort, future reoccurrence, and limitations when increasing activity levels. Without addressing the root of the problem, individuals may find themselves stuck in a cycle of pain management rather than achieving long-term relief and mobility.

What are the most common symptoms of back pain?

  • Painful and stiff back in the morning.
  • Difficulty putting your socks on due to back pain.
  • Pain rolling over in bed.
  • Pain when sat in a car or chair for prolonged periods.
  • Pain or discomfort standing for too long.
  • Pain that develops with walking but then eases with sitting.
  • Referred pain in to the backs of your legs or feet.
  • Constantly feeling the need to crack your back.

More severe symptoms that require urgent attention:

  • Loss of sensation in the saddle area (saddle anaesthesia).
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control (cauda equina syndrome).
  • Weakness, numbness or loss of sensation in the lower extremities.
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Is your back causing hip pain? Or is your hip causing back pain?

Many patients may find themselves experiencing both back and hip pain simultaneously. A situation that can lead to confusion regarding where the origin of the problem actually is.

What’s worse, we often encounter new patients who, in their pursuit of relief, undergo scans and invest significant financial resources in treating their lower back pain, only to discover that the underlying issue resides in the hip.

This is a really common scenario that we see in clinic, and a through clinical examination of the lower back and hip joint can swiftly identify the root cause of discomfort and distinguish whether the problem is the lower back or hip joint.

This path not only streamlines the path to receiving the most effective treatment but also saves valuable time and money along the way.

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What causes sciatica?

 

Sciatica and back pain often go hand in hand, and is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. Many of the conditions that cause sciatica, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis, also involve the structures of the lower back. These conditions can result in compression, irritation, or inflammation of the sciatic nerve roots as they exit the spine, leading to sciatica symptoms as well as lower back pain.

In some cases, sciatica may be the primary symptom, while in others, it may accompany or exacerbate existing lower back pain. The treatment approach for these cases typically aims to address both the lower back and the sciatic nerve to effectively treat symptoms and speed up recovery. It is not uncommon for lower back pain to increase as sciatica pain reduces, and this phenomenon is generally considered a positive sign in the context of sciatica treatment.

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What if your feet are giving you back pain?

The relationship between the feet and the back is unique. In the grand symphony of the human body, the feet take center stage as the unsung heroes of our daily movements. The complexity of the foot’s anatomy is awe-inspiring, with each element playing a crucial role in maintaining balance, absorbing shock, and facilitating our capacity to move.

Understanding the structural intricacies of the foot lays the groundwork for comprehending its significance in the context of back health. The arches, for instance, act as natural shock absorbers, distributing the forces generated during movement and reducing impact on the spine.

Flat feet, or fallen arches, occur when the arches of the foot collapse, causing the entire sole to come into complete or near-complete contact with the ground. The arches of the feet play a crucial role in distributing body weight and providing shock absorption. With flat feet, this mechanism is compromised, leading to altered biomechanics.

The misalignment can extend upward, affecting the alignment of the ankles, knees, hips, and ultimately impacting the spine. As the body attempts to compensate for the lack of arch support, it may lead to an overpronounced inward rolling of the ankles, which tilts the pelvis and places unwanted stress on the lumbar spine.

Sharp Physiotherapy

Our Top Tips For Preventing Back Pain

Maintain a good posture

Correct posture is fundamental for spinal health. Whether sitting, standing, or lifting, maintain a neutral spine position to reduce strain on your back. Consider ergonomic adjustments in your workspace and daily activities to support proper posture.

Avoid Prolonged Sitting

Prolonged sitting can contribute to back pain due to shortening of the hip flexors. Take breaks, stretch regularly, and consider using a standing desk to reduce the strain on your spine.

Invest In Ergonomic Furniture

Ensure your work and home environments support back health by investing in ergonomic furniture. A supportive chair, an ergonomic desk setup, and a comfortable mattress can contribute to a spine-friendly environment.

Get Quality Sleep

A good night's sleep is crucial for the body's healing and repair processes. Invest in a supportive mattress and pillows that align with your sleeping preferences. Avoid laying on your front as this hyper extends your spine and irritates to joints.

Self Release Techniques

Invest in a foam roller or lacrosse massage ball to perform myofascial release, a technique that targets the fascia surrounding muscles. Gently roll over tight areas, focusing on the back and hips, to alleviate muscle tension and improve flexibility. Pay attention to areas like the upper and lower back, and adjust pressure based on your comfort level.

Practice Body Mechanics

When lifting objects, use proper body mechanics to avoid unnecessary strain on your back. Bend your knees, keep the object close to your body, and use your leg muscles to lift rather than relying on your back.

Yoga

Regular yoga sessions can significantly contribute to alleviating back pain by improving flexibility, strengthening core muscles, and promoting overall spinal health.

Incorporate Regular Exercise

Engage in regular, low-impact exercises that strengthen your core muscles and improve flexibility. Activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can be beneficial for supporting your back and preventing future pain.

See A Physio

If your back pain persists or worsens, consult with a physio. A physiotherapist can assess your spine, provide hands on treatment, and identify the root cause of your pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes lower back pain?

At Sharp Physiotherapy, we specialise in unraveling the causes of lower back pain. Our experienced team are committed to identifying the root cause, providing you with not just relief, but a path to long-term spinal health. Surprisingly, the causes behind this discomfort are frequently straightforward, yet they tend to slip through the cracks of everyday awareness. We believe that unraveling the cause begins with acknowledging that the triggers are often deceptively simple and commonly overlooked. Here are some of the common but overlooked causes over lower back pain that we see every day in our clinics:

  1. A Hip Problem
  2. Muscle Imbalance
  3. A Leg Length Discrepancy
  4. Foot Posture
  5. Spinal Posture

Many people are diagnosed on MRI scans or x-rays with pathologies such as disc protrusions and facet joint degeneration. Although these pathologies are commonly associated with back pain, it is worth noting they are not isolated issues, but rather symptoms hinting at an underlying cause. We work to identify and rectify the underlying factors contributing to back pain, ensuring a more sustainable solution for our patients.

I have been diagnosed with a degenerative spine and been told that nothing can be done. Is this true?

We understand that a diagnosis of degenerative spine can be concerning, but it’s crucial to note that having degenerative changes in the spine is a common part of the aging process.

While we can’t reverse the degeneration, we can certainly focus on effective strategies to improve your quality of life and reduce pain. Many of our patients who present with lower back pain often display degenerative changes on MRI.

A vast majority of our patients with similar findings experience excellent responses to our treatment approaches and not only do they find relief from pain, but also regain the ability to lead active lives unhampered by constant discomfort.

How many sessions does it take to get rid of back pain?

The average number of sessions for patients with back pain to achieve their desired outcome is often around 6 sessions. However, it’s crucial to recognise that individual experiences may vary.

Some individuals may require fewer than 6 sessions to achieve their goals, while others may benefit from more, depending on factors such as the nature and severity of the injury, adherence to management strategies, and the individual’s response to treatment.

I have had back pain for years and years, is it too late to do anything about it?

Very rarely is it too late to address lower back pain and many many of our patients find relief and improved functionality through physiotherapy, no matter when they start. Furthermore, it’s remarkable to note that we regularly witness patients successfully putting an end to back pain even after struggling with it for over 20 years.

Will I always need physio to stay pain free?

For many individuals, a focused course of physiotherapy proves effective in achieving the desired outcome, allowing them to resume an active, pain-free lifestyle without the need for long-term sessions.

However, in cases where underlying issues like degenerative spines are present, some individuals may find benefit in maintenance treatments every 2-3 months to stay ahead of symptoms and manage ongoing challenges.

Our approach is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that the recommended plan aligns with your goals and provides you with the most effective and sustainable solution for your individual circumstances.

Why We Are Different

We do not just hand out exercise sheets.

Many peoples perception of physiotherapy in the UK is that you get given an exercise sheet to do at home and nothing more. We diverge from this, and take a distinct approach to physiotherapy that offers a hands on and more personal approach.

Unlike many physiotherapy providers that merely hand out exercise sheets, we prioritise manual therapy techniques within the session to ensure not just quick, but often instant results for our patients. While our clinic places a strong emphasis on manual therapy for immediate pain relief, we do recognise the important of rehab exercises for long term health and injury prevention.

01

We get to the very root of your problem.

We stand out by specialising in identifying the root cause of our patients’ issues rather than solely treating the symptoms. This approach allows us to provide personalised care that ensures long lasting results.

02

We do not try and sell you more appointments than you need.

We take pride in our approach because we don’t believe in recommending more sessions than you need. Unlike some practices, we don’t advocate for more sessions than necessary and our focus is on providing precisely the care you need to achieve the outcome you want, ensuring a cost-effective path to your recovery.

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