Can Lower Back Pain Be Cured With Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy is often tried as a first solution to a persistent lower back pain. Most doctors advise a patient of back pain for a four-week session as a conservative approach to pursuing aggressive treatment options such as surgery. The motive behind physiotherapy is to reduce inflammation, pain and increased function of the back. Physiotherapy also teaches a patient certain good practices in order to negate the possibility of getting the pain back.

Two Forms of Physiotherapy-

1. Passive Therapy: This is a form of physiotherapy that includes an application of ice packs, electrical stimulation and heat application. These are the very first steps taken, before moving to routine physical therapy that involves following an exercise schedule, breathing technique etc.

2. Active Therapy: Active physiotherapy includes undertaking of specific exercise schedule and certain stretching activities. The exact schedule is decided by the physiotherapist, depending on the location and duration of pain.

Benefits of Exercising-

The stability of the lower back is greatly dependent on the back musculature and abdominal spine. The muscle of the abdomen stabilizes the lumbar spine since they can generate pressure through the spine. Simply put the discs and the spine are all circled by muscles. It is necessary for these muscles to retain the strength in order to exert less pressure on the joints and the discs. There are ample medical literature stating the fact that active physiotherapy can make the surrounding muscle of discs strong. What’s more, a good physical exercise schedule will negate the likelihood of future spine related pain.

Some of the most common exercises include-

1. Stretching: An active exercise schedule comprises adequate stretching to ensure gradual relief of conditions such as spasms and atrophy. These are caused due to certain conditions including inappropriate posture, nerve irritation, accidents related to the spine etc. Certain stretching involving the legs, back muscles, hips and abdominal muscle should be practiced. Stretching should be slow and gentle without any bouncing.

2. Stabilization Exercise: Dynamic exercise includes the involvement of many exercises such as the usage of balancing machine and exercise balls in order to improve the balance of the lower back. They ensure the strengthening of the secondary muscles and improve the range of motion. The ultimate motive of stabilization exercise is to support the spine.

3. Strengthening Exercise: There are a set of dedicated exercises often recommended by physiotherapists. The core motive is to ensure the strengthening of lower back and abdominal muscle. Some exercises include leg raise, sit-ups, crunches etc. Lower back exercise could be as simple as lying straight on the ground and raising the chest slowly towards the air and getting back to the same position. Good morning exercises also play a key role in strengthening the lower back muscles. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Physiotherapist.