5 Facts you Need to Know About Lower Back Pain

Whether occurring suddenly or building up gradually over time, lower back pain is one of the most common issues seen in our physiotherapy practice. In fact, 80% of Australians will experience a lower back problem at some stage in their life.

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Here are five facts you should know:

• “Getting old” is often cited as the number one cause for back pain, but the evidence does not support this.

• Scans (MRIs/X-Rays) are generally not helpful and may induce fearfulness in those with back pain. Only in exceptional cases are scans helpful in actually aiding a patients recovery.

• Injections and surgery are rarely a cure!

• Exercise is still king when it comes to managing back pain! This includes general exercise such as walking or swimming and may also include more specialised rehabilitation.

• A flare-up in your back pain doesn’t mean you have caused structural damage. Sometimes an acute episode of back pain can simply be a muscle spasm as your body attempts to protect its system.

I hope this is helpful and provides some basic information about a significant problem for nearly all of us. If you are experiencing lower back pain, whether you have had an acute episode or it’s been causing you a problem for a while. Please don’t hesitate to call our clinic on 4965 5712 or visit www.nextgenphysio.com.au