Back Pain

The back and spine serve as the central support structure for our body, providing stability, mobility, and protection to vital structures and organs. The spine consists of a series of vertebrae that house and safeguard the spinal cord, which is crucial in transmitting signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Beyond structural support, the spine allows us to stand upright, maintain posture, and engage in a wide range of movements. It also facilitates the distribution of body weight and supports overall bodily function.

Physiotherapy can play a crucial role in addressing back pain by focusing on pain relief, mobility improvements, activity modifications, and long-term injury prevention.

Physiotherapists start by assessing the root cause of your back pain. This may consider factors like posture, muscle imbalances, and daily movement patterns. Following the assessment, they will then come up with a tailored treatment plan to address your condition. Treatment sessions will typically involve a combination of the following:

• Manual Therapy Techniques: Manual therapy can range from soft tissue release, tractioning and mobilization.

• Exercise Prescription: Customized exercises are designed to strengthen surrounding musculature, improve range of motion, and support the back’s functioning.

• Education on Posture/Ergonomics: Physiotherapists provide guidance on proper posture and body positioning, helping to manage symptoms and prevent further complications.

Examples of Conditions We Treat:

• Disc Injuries: Also known as a slipped or bulging disc, this occurs when a spinal disc impinges upon surrounding nerves. This has the potential to cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling.

• Sciatica: Sciatica is characterized by pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, often due to pressure on the nerve root from another spinal condition.

• Spinal Stenosis: This is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can compress nerves and is often worsened with standing or walking. Symptoms can range from pain, numbness, weakness, and more.

• Spondylolisthesis: This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another, causing pain, instability, and potentially affecting nerve function.

• Spinal Malcurvatures

  • Kyphosis: excessive forward curvature in the thoracic spine

  • Scoliosis: side-to-side curvature

In summary, physiotherapy is a vital tool in managing back pain and injuries. From hands-on therapy, exercises, and activity modification, physiotherapists aim to optimize your back health. If you're experiencing back pain or injury, consulting a physiotherapist can help you improve your quality of life and reduce the likelihood of future issues.