WHO: Anyone! The first episode of low back pain typically occurs between the ages of 30 and 50 but can affect school age children.

CAUSE: Back pain can be split in to 3 main categories:

  • Mechanical lower back pain – Most common diagnosis includes back pain caused by ageing of ther spine (degenerative disc disease, arthritis), non-specifc back pain where no cause can be identified, discogenic – pain related to disc pathology, muscular/soft tissue pain like sprains and strains.
  • Nerve root pain – this spreads from your back down your legs and may be caused by a hernitaed disc (when a disc in your spine irritates a nerve).
  • Other pathology – inflammatory conditions including Ankylosing spondylitis, fractures, metastasis.

SYMPTOMS: Back pain can range in intensity from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp or shooting pain. It can begin suddenly as a result of an accident or by lifting something heavy, or it can develop over time. It can involve nerve symptoms into the buttock or leg including pins and needles, tingling, numbness and weakness.

Acute: or short-term back pain lasts a few days to a few weeks. Most low back pain is acute. It tends to resolve on its own within a few days with self-care and there is no residual loss of function. In some cases a few months are required for the symptoms to disappear.

Chronic: defined as pain that continues for 12 weeks or longer. About 20 percent of people affected by acute low back pain develop chronic low back pain with persistent symptoms at one year. Frustratingly, even if pain persists, it does not always mean there is an underlying structural cause or one that can be easily identified and treated.

DIAGNOSIS: A complete medical history and physical examination can usually identify factors that may be causing the pain. Neurological tests can help determine any nerve involvement.

INVESTIGATIONS: Investigations are not usually required for mechanical low back pain  however if there are any concerns we will refer to your GP.

TREATMENT:

Having a combination of treatments will give you the best chance of resolving and managing  your back pain.

  •  Hands-on manual therapy
  •  Exercise programme
  •  Acupuncture
  •  Massage

Your physiotherapist will also help you to understand what’s causing your pain so you can take steps to manage it.