LOWER BACK PAIN

Lower back pain is the most common symptom in both general and sporting populations and one of the most common complaints we see at Excel Body and Health. It’s believed that up to 85% of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives and the causes vary.

As lower back pain has many causes and pain severity varies, it is vital that we identify the underlying cause of the pain so we can manage it accordingly.

Some common lower back conditions we can assist with are: 

FACET JOINT SPRAIN

WHAT IS THE CONDITION?

Facet joints are small joints on the back part of your vertebrae which aid in providing different ranges of motion for your spine. Like other joints, facet joints have a capsule of ligaments that surround them, which can become inflamed, irritated or torn if they are progressively overloaded, stretched or compressed.

WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

Facet joint sprains can be caused by;

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?

Facet joint sprains can affect people of all ages ranging from infants to elderly.

SYMPTOMS

OSTEOARTHRITIS OF THE LOWER BACK

WHAT IS THE CONDITION?

Arthritis of the lower back (OA) is also known as degenerative joint disease, this is commonly a result of age related changes. OA normally develops in people as they age, therefore it is more commonly seen in elderly people. It’s critical in OA that strength and movement exercises are performed to maintain mobility and slow the progression of the condition.

WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

OA most often occurs with age but can be caused by obesity, genetics, repetitive stress or loading, and trauma.

Lower Back Pain Rosanna

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
OA of the lower back affects people over the age of 45 and increases as people age.
SYMPTOMS

DISC INJURY

WHAT IS THE CONDITION?

Anatomically, your spine is made up of vertebrae (bones) and discs. These spongy discs are located between each bone and are designed to be shock absorbers. Therefore they contribute to protecting the health of the bones, joints and surrounding muscles. The disc comprises of the:

  • Annulus Fibrosus: the strong outer rim made up of multiple diagonal layers
  • Nucleus Pulposus: the central soft and gel-like substance

An acute injury can irritate and damage a disc, however, more commonly we find the Annulus Fibrosus (outer covering) becomes weak from minor tearing over time which can influence the integrity of the tissue. This weakened outer rim combined with excessive compression can make it vulnerable to injury.

WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

Acute trauma or significant force or impact to the lower back or hips can commonly cause disc injuries.

Other contributing factors to lower back pain include: age, degeneration, lifting or physical work/ labour, sedentary occupations, and repetitive movements or prolonged and sustained straining positions. A previous history of lower back pain over a period of time can predispose disc injuries. 

A Disc Can:

  1. Bulge/ Protrude: As we age, our discs begin to deteriorate and can begin to look like they ‘bulge’ outwards
  2. Herniate: The outer covering of the disc tears, which causes the nucleus pulposus to leak into the spinal canal

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?

The prevalence of disc injuries increases with age due to disc deterioration- and it is more commonly diagnosed in people in their 50’s. However, it is not uncommon to see this injury affect young adults in their 20-30’s.

SYMPTOMS

SPONDYLOLISTHESIS

WHAT IS THE CONDITION?

Spondylolisthesis is the forward slippage of one vertebral body on the vertebral body below- which can create instability in the spine and cause pain. It normally starts with stress fractures around the joints, which once broken can allow for this abnormal movement.

WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

Common causes of spondylolisthesis are;

  • Trauma, especially hyper extension
  • Genetic underdevelopment (seen in babies)
  • Degeneration

It is commonly seen in young athletes that partake in sports with back hyperextension (eg. cricket fast bowlers, and gymnasts)

The distance that the vertebrae has moved his measured and then graded for severity;

Spondylolisthesis  Rosanna

SYMPTOMS

SCIATICA + NERVE IRRITATION

WHAT IS THE CONDITION?

Sciatica is a term given for any pain that is associated with the Sciatic Nerve- which is the largest nerve in the body (made up of 5 nerve roots arising from the spinal cord).

WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

Irritation to the nerves of the lumbar spine can be caused by mechanical pressure and compression at the vertebral level by discs or bony components (including along their paths from the spine to endings in the muscle or skin) OR muscular compression by the piriformis muscle.

Other factors that can contribute to sciatica include: pregnancy, body weight, ageing, and overloading/ straining with repetitive activities. 

SYMPTOMS

Sciatica Pain Rosanna

SACROILIAC JOINT SPRAIN

WHAT IS THE CONDITION?

Your Sacroiliac Joints (SIJ) are joints formed on either side of your tailbone (sacrum) and the back of your pelvic bone (ilium). Like other joints, there are several strong ligamentous attachments to this joint to aid in stabilising it. When these ligaments become stretched or torn by repetitive movements, it can be reproducible of lower back pain.

WHAT CAUSES THIS CONDITION?

Sudden movements or direct trauma, sleeping or laying in an awkward position for a prolonged period of time, repetitive and prolonged leaning forward activities or twisting/ turning motions can all be common causes

Sacroiliac Joints Sprain Rosanna

WHO DOES IT AFFECT?
Facet joint injuries are very common and can affect everybody
SYMPTOMS

TREATMENT FOR LOWER BACK PAIN

The team at Excel Body & Health are highly skilled practitioners that will assist in determining the cause, treatment and management of your lower back pain. Your treatment plan will be tailored to you and will focus on reducing pain, restoring normal function and preventing re-injury of your lower back pain.

Treatment may include soft tissue massage, muscle energy techniques, stretching, joint mobilisation, articulation, manipulation, dry needling, taping and/or exercise prescription.

A personalised treatment plan will aid in managing the injury and associated pain in the short and long term. 

Lower Back Pain Treatment Rosanna