Back pain is the most common complaint we see in our clinic. Back pain can present in a variety of ways – acutely after experiencing a trauma, such as a fall, or sometimes without any specific mechanism just when you get up in the morning. Back pain is a condition that often recurs, so can also present more as a chronic condition.

Back pain can be very disabling and particularly for those experiencing back pain for the first time, can be scary. Fortunately most episodes of low back pain are rarely signs of anything sinister. Around 95% of low back pain is usually a result of muscle, joint or disc strain.  Typically new onsets of back pain resolve within 8 weeks.

There are also a number of conditions that you may have heard of that can also be a cause of or a result of low back pain. Our physiotherapists commonly treat:

• Joint or muscle strain

• Disc bulge or herniation

• Radiculopathy 

• Sciatica 

• Spondylolisthesis 

• Degenerative disc disease

• Stress fracture

• Low back tightness

• Post-operative rehab 

Our physiotherapist will listen to your history and after an assessment will work with you to develop a tailored treatment plan. Our physios are skilled in a variety of treatment options to help with your low back pain including:

• Joint mobilisation

• Stretching

• Strengthening exercises 

• Massage

• Taping

• Electrotherapy

• Workplace ergonomic assessments
   

Do I need a scan?
Probably not! As mentioned higher up, most episodes of low back pain are rarely signs of sinister pathology. A scan is indicated if we need to do something outside the usual treatment plan, for instance when you have low back pain with progressive leg weakness, shooting pains down both legs or with a loss of bladder or bowel function. Some cases of persistent low back pain may need imaging to rule out anything else, but this is rare. Not being sent for a scan is generally a good thing, but if our physiotherapists deem it necessary they won’t hesitate to get a referral for a scan. 

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If you are having back pain, and it is stopping you from doing the things you love, book an appointment today.

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