The back is a complex structure, so it’s hardly surprising that back strains and injuries are extremely common. Research suggests that nearly 80 per cent of people will suffer with lower back pain at some point in their lives.
Back pain can occur anywhere along the spine and pelvis. It is usually caused by a strain or injury of the muscles, nerves, bones, ligaments or joints in the back, but in rare cases it can indicate a more serious condition.
Back pain can have a huge impact on your life: it can stop you from working, socialising, playing sports, and doing other activities you enjoy. For some people, back pain will get better within a few weeks or months, but others experience persistent or recurring problems with their back.
People who suffer with back pain can reduce their pain and help speed up their recovery by staying positive, taking painkillers and continuing with their usual activities. Added to this, seeing a physiotherapist can also play an important role not just in recovery from back pain but also in ensuring that the pain does not come back. Indeed, a study by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) showed that 80 per cent of people who had physiotherapy for their musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) were able to continue working.
Physiotherapy for back pain helps to strengthen and stabilise muscles, which is key to speeding up recovery. One of the main causes of lower back pain is a misalignment of the pelvis in relation to the spine and hips, which causes asymmetrical movement patterns around the spine and pelvis. A physiotherapist will be able to check if the spine and pelvis are misaligned and, if so, will carry out a realignment process as a basis for further treatment.
Physios can also advise on appropriate exercises and stretches to improve mobility and stop back pain recurring.
If you live in the Harrogate area and need advice or treatment for back pain, call our physiotherapist Chris Aldred on 01423 543187.
