Treatments, options and pricing
Common Q&A about Lower Back Pain Management
Our FAQ section is designed to address common questions you may have, from how our treatments work to what you can expect during and after your session.
Our team is always available to provide additional support if you need more personalised guidance, ensuring that you feel informed and confident every step of the way.
Lower back pain can be caused by various factors, including muscle strains, ligament sprains, poor posture, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, arthritis, or injuries from lifting heavy objects. It can also result from prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, and stress.
You should seek medical attention if your lower back pain lasts for more than a few weeks, is severe, or is accompanied by symptoms like numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs, difficulty standing or walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These could indicate more serious underlying conditions.
Physiotherapy helps by strengthening the muscles that support the spine, improving flexibility, and promoting proper posture and body mechanics. A physiotherapist can also provide manual therapy, stretching, and tailored exercises to relieve pain and prevent future episodes.
Common exercises for lower back pain management include:
- Stretching exercises like hamstring and hip flexor stretches.
- Core strengthening exercises like planks or pelvic tilts.
- Low-impact aerobic activities such as walking or swimming.
- Back-strengthening exercises like bridges or cat-camel stretches. These exercises help reduce pain and improve spinal support and mobility.
Yes, poor posture, especially when sitting or standing for extended periods, can lead to lower back pain by placing excess stress on the spine and weakening the supporting muscles. Proper posture, including keeping the spine aligned and avoiding slouching, is important for preventing and managing lower back pain.
Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on the spine and lower back muscles. Excess weight, especially around the abdomen, shifts the body’s center of gravity forward, increasing stress on the lower back and contributing to pain. Weight management through diet and exercise can help alleviate this strain.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may help reduce lower back pain and inflammation. However, long-term reliance on medications is not recommended. A combination of physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and pain management techniques is generally more effective.
To prevent recurring lower back pain, focus on maintaining good posture, staying physically active, strengthening your core muscles, avoiding heavy lifting or using proper lifting techniques, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular stretching and mobility exercises can also reduce the likelihood of flare-ups.
Yes, stress and mental health issues like anxiety or depression can exacerbate lower back pain. Stress can lead to muscle tension and poor posture, increasing pain. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness, and physical activity can help relieve both mental and physical aspects of lower back pain.
Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, and yoga can be effective in managing lower back pain. These therapies can help relieve pain, improve flexibility, and reduce muscle tension. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which treatments are appropriate for your condition.
