The Power of Movement: Physiotherapy Exercises for Back Pain Relief
Have you noticed that back pain is limiting basic activities like sitting, lifting, or bending? Are you frustrated that your back pain never seems to go away completely? Physiotherapy exercises for back pain at Zenith Physiotherapy and Wellness in Airdrie, AB, combines well-researched interventions and extensive clinical experience to guide patients to successful outcomes!
Low back pain is undoubtedly one of the most common ailments people encounter. Nearly everyone faces low back pain at some point. It is estimated that 80% of all people experience lower back pain at some time in their lives. It is also a leading cause of work absenteeism and the second most common reason for doctor visits.
For a fortunate few, the pain lasts just a few days. However, for many, the low back pain persists for years, never truly healing or dissipating. In addition, the exact cause of back pain is often not identifiable, which makes treating it more difficult.
Our physiotherapists specialize in treating lower back pain, offering solutions tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our highly skilled therapists!
Lower Back Pain in Canada
Back problems are among the most common chronic conditions in Canada. Four out of five adults will experience at least one episode of back pain at some time in their lives. Back pain usually starts between the ages of 30 and 50, and the cost of medical expenditures for low back pain is estimated to be between $6 and $12 billion annually in Canada.
Interestingly, only a limited number of those experiencing lower back pain seek professional help to address the issue—most attempt to manage the pain themselves through rest, over-the-counter medication, or home exercises they find online.
Although back pain is very common, not all cases are the same. This means attempting to resolve your pain without proper guidance can mean you don’t resolve the issue or worsen it by using the wrong strategies for your particular cause of back pain.
Physiotherapy is a superior resource for managing lower back pain, focusing on rectifying the root cause instead of merely masking the symptoms. Collaborating with our physiotherapist can alleviate your pain, facilitate an improved range of motion, and restore muscular strength in your lower back to help you regain your function and prevent future episodes of pain.
Whether your pain is acute or chronic, physiotherapy exercises for back pain can significantly enhance your recovery!
How Physiotherapy Can Help Alleviate Your Back Pain
Your physiotherapist will conduct a detailed history and physical examination during your initial assessment. This discussion helps us identify potential “red flags” that may indicate a serious underlying condition (i.e., fractures, tumors, infections, or systemic inflammatory diseases) that need more testing or different treatment options.
The physical exam encompasses a series of specific movements to classify your condition accurately. Our therapists utilize this data to devise the most effective treatment plan grounded in well-researched interventions and clinical expertise.
Proven physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain include:
- Core Strengthening Exercises: These exercises involve working the muscles in your lower back, abdomen, hips, and pelvis. These muscles play a critical role in supporting your spine. Strengthening these muscles can help alleviate back pain, improve physical function, and prevent future episodes.
- Aerobic Exercises: Exercises like walking, swimming, and cycling can help maintain mobility and flexibility, which is vital for people with lower back pain. Regular aerobic exercise can help improve blood flow to the lower back, promoting healing and reducing stiffness.
- Targeted Stretching and Mobility Exercises: Stretching and mobility exercises involve moving the joints and muscles through a full range of motion to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness. Stretching exercises like hamstring stretches, hip flexor stretches, and lumbar rotations can be particularly beneficial.
- McKenzie Method: The McKenzie Method equips individuals with the tools to effectively manage and alleviate back pain. Patients learn self-management strategies through personalized assessments, including specific exercises that enhance spinal mobility and diminish pain. This approach, emphasizing proper posture and progressive movements for spinal health, prevents back pain recurrence.
Our treatment choices are based on each individual and chosen to help alleviate pain and restore your functional abilities, paving the way for lasting relief!
Schedule Your Consultation Today
At Zenith Physiotherapy and Wellness, our physiotherapists employ the most effective treatments, grounded in research, to alleviate your pain, assisting you in conquering challenges posed by back pain in daily activities.
Contact us today for a comprehensive evaluation and discover the proactive steps you can take to relieve your pain and avert future episodes!
Sources:
- https://utpjournals.press/doi/10.3138/ptc-2020-0038
- https://systematicreviewsjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13643-020-01412-8
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1836955321001028
- https://journals.lww.com/ajpmr/Fulltext/2018/11000/Evidence_Based_Physiatry__Managing_Low_Back_Pain.12.aspx
- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/public-engagement/external-advisory-bodies/canadian-pain-task-force/report-2021.html