Back Pain

Back pain can affect everyone.  It has been said 80% of individuals will experience back pain at some point of their lives.  But that does not mean once you have back pain you have to live with it.  And if you have back chronic back pain, that does not mean you have to limit yourself.

Back pain comes in many different forms, and each one can be treated in some way or another through physiotherapy.  Examples are:

• Sprains and strains
• Tight back and hip muscles
• Disc injuries
• Radiacular leg pain
• Fractures
• Scoliosis
• Spondylolithesis
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Post surgical pain
• Weakness

Myths regarding back pain:

1. “Once you have experienced or have back pain, you should not lift heavy objects.” FALSE!  Lifting heavy may be just the thing you need (with approval of a physiotherapist)!  Strengthening the back will help make your back stronger, which will allow you to tolerate more lifting load.  You may also need to have your lifting techniques adjusted.
   
2. “Medical imaging is a good indicator of my back pain.” FALSE!  A combination of imaging and a physical assessment can give you the best answer as to what’s going on in your back.  For example your recent x-ray may read that you have degeneration or disc space narrowing, but this may not be causing your back pain at all!  It may be because of tight hips or something else an x-ray may not show.
3. “Bed rest is the best thing for your back.”  FALSE!  There may be some points in your rehab that may require rest, but generally backs need movement and sometimes repeated movement.
4. “Pain is equal to the degree of injury.”  FALSE!  Pain is not a good representation of what’s occurring in your back.  The worse the back pain does not necessarily mean the worse the problem.  A physiotherapist can help decipher what the pain means.

What you need to know:
Reducing or getting rid of your back pain can be a slow process, especially when it’s chronic.  Time and consistency are the key factors on changing back pain permanently.

Do you have back pain?  We may be able to help! Contact our office.