Physiotherapy: Lower Back Pain

Treating Lower Back Pain

Nearly 80% of people are bound to suffer from lower back pain at some stage in their life. In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, this problem is one of the most common and disturbing physical ailments. After an episode of lower back pain lasting between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences, physical therapy is often recommended. Generally, a spine specialist considers therapy, especially if the pain is severe.

Goals of Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain

The main goals of physical therapy are to reduce pain, improve function, and educate patients to prevent further recurrences. Therapy typically includes two components: passive therapy (which helps reduce the patient’s pain to a manageable level) and active exercises.

What is Passive Physiotherapy?

In passive physiotherapy, doctors focus on relieving pain through various techniques, often referred to as "modalities." These therapies are called passive because they are done to the patient. Some common modalities include:

• Heat/ice packs
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) units
• Iontophoresis
• Ultrasound therapy

Heat and Ice Therapy

Heat and/or ice packs are the most commonly used modalities, and they help reduce muscle spasms and inflammation.

TENS Units

TENS units use electrical stimulation to block pain signals from being sent to the brain, helping to manage lower back pain.

Iontophoresis

This technique delivers steroids through the skin using an electrical current. The steroids produce an anti-inflammatory effect in the painful area, making it especially effective for acute cases of lower back pain.

Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound therapy involves using sound waves to penetrate deep into the soft tissues, reducing pain and enhancing tissue healing, especially in acute pain episodes.

What is Active Physiotherapy?

Active physiotherapy complements passive treatments by focusing on exercises designed to rehabilitate the spine. This includes:

• Stretching exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Low-impact aerobic exercises

Stretching Exercises

People suffering from lower back pain are often recommended to stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice daily.

Strengthening Exercises

To strengthen the back muscles, patients should perform 15 to 20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization or other prescribed exercises every other day. Core muscle strengthening is crucial in lower back treatment.

Low-Impact Aerobics

Low-impact aerobics, such as walking or swimming, can help improve mobility and reduce the likelihood of future lower back issues.

It’s important to learn these exercises properly from a physical therapist or another qualified health professional to see lasting results.