How Physiotherapy Can Help Relieve Back Pain

Back pain is a common problem that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can be triggered by minor strains, caused by bad posture, twisting or over-stretching or minor injuries such as lifting, carrying or pulling an object incorrectly. At times back pain can often develop for no apparent reason and may gradually develop over time. In some severe cases, back pain can be caused by a medical condition such as whiplash, sciatica, ankylosing spondylitis or a slipped disc.

Back pain is considered as a ‘musculoskeletal disorder ‘as it affects the back’s complex structure, including the bones, muscles, nerves and joints.  Musculoskeletal disorders are extremely common; they are the main reason why people have time off work.

Individuals with specific conditions or unhealthy lifestyle choices are more susceptible to back pain. The following are common causes of back pain:

• Corticosteroids – a disorder known to weaken bones
• Overweight – extra weight puts pressure on the spine
• Stress – muscles in the back can become tense due to high levels of stress
• Smoking – smoking can damage tissue in the back
• Pregnancy – carrying extra weight can put more strain on the back
• Depression – back pain can make people less mobile, causing them to gain weight which can lead to further depression

Suffering from back pain can be a very distressing time as the pain is prolonging, often affecting everyday life.  As previously mentioned, stress can make the condition worse; therefore the sufferer needs a treatment which is soothing, therapeutic and relaxing.

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

There is a variety of physiotherapy sessions available to patients suffering from both minor and severe back pain. Most sessions focus sensitively on mobilisation, manipulation and massage, often treating patients over a period of 12 weeks.

Physiotherapy helps manage back pain by speeding up the recovery process as well as preventing the problem from occurring again. Physiotherapists are trained to relieve back pain and identify if you have a serious health problem as a result of your condition.

Depending on the type of back pain, a physiotherapist will use different techniques including manual therapy to acupuncture. They will advise you on appropriate exercises you can complete in between sessions to help aid the recovery process.

Patients who are suffering from severe back pain which is seriously affecting their daily lives will usually benefit noticeably from these treatments.

Physiotherepists are well-established in the health industry. In fact, they are the third largest health profession behind doctors and nurses.

How Will My Physiotherapist Advise Me?

When you initially meet with your physiotherapist they will assess your back pain. They may ask you to remove some clothing so that they can feel your spine. Once they have assessed your spine and the information you have provided them , they will recommend a physical treatment.

Everything you disclose to your physiotherapist will remain completely confidential.

What Exercises Can I Do At Home To Relieve Back Pain?

During your physiotherapy sessions, your physiotherapist will advise you on exercises you can do on a daily basis which will help speed up the recovery process.

You must always perform the exercises that your physiotherapist recommends, as these will have been chosen specifically for your condition. Performing exercises not suitable to your condition may make cause further damage. If you are unsure of how to perform any exercises, ask your physiotherapist to show you how they need to be performed correctly.

Lower back pain can return if the problem is ignored, according to research. Therefore, you must make small lifestyle changes and incorporate suitable exercises into your daily routine to avoid future occurrences.

Claiming For A Back Injury

If are suffering from a back injury as a result of an accident which wasn’t your fault, you may be eligible to make a back injury compensation claim.

In order to make a successful back injury claim, you need to establish that the back condition was caused by the accident. It is essential that you can show that the accident was the fault of somebody else, whether it was your employer or another road user for example.

You will need medical evidence to back up your claim. This is why it is important to demonstrate any treatment you are receiving and document how your back injury is affecting your daily routine.

For a free enquiry about how to claim for back injury compensation complete our online form or call us free on 0800 652 0586