How to Manage Low Back Pain and Set Yourself up for Long Term Success

Introduction to Low Back Pain

Low back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Over 80% of people will experience an episode of low back pain at some point in their life. Despite this, the vast majority of cases will settle down and improve in a 4-6 week period without the need for any specific intervention. For those with recurring and more chronic low back pain, things become more difficult.

Why is it so Difficult to resolve?

Episodes of low back pain can be very painful and disabling. This can often be a great cause of uncertainty and fear for people. For most back pain, it is very difficult to be specific with a diagnosis or blame one structure or reason for the onset of pain. This can be disconcerting for patients who may receive mixed messages from different practitioners.

Misinterpretation of online information or MRI results and unhelpful messages related to ‘imbalances’, ‘degeneration’ or ‘malalignment’ can make the outlook seem bleak. It can be very easy to become fearful and begin to overly protect and guard against movement. This can all contribute to a prolonged recovery.

The truth is that low back pain is multi-dimensional. We now know that persistent and disabling low back pain is not an accurate measure of local tissue damage alone. Rather, it is best seen as a protective mechanism produced by the body in response to the individual’s perceived level of danger, threat, or stress level.

This is influenced by an interplay of physical (physical demands and strength levels), psychological (thoughts and emotions), social (work/home environment and stress), lifestyle (sleep, activity levels), comorbid health (mental health, obesity), and nonmodifiable (genetics, sex, life stage) factors.

So What Can I Do?

The above highlights the importance of a multi-dimensional management plan to treat this pain. It also shows that there is no ‘silver bullet’ for the treatment of low back pain. The treatment plan needs to be catered specifically to the individual. Working with a therapist who you trust and confide in over an extended period can help you find the approach that will work best for you.

In The Physio Ward, we empower our clients to take an active role in their own recovery. We help to make sense of our client’s pain, use exercise to build strength and resilience, and promote healthier behaviours for long-term success. It takes time and consistency to desensitise the body’s protective pain response and build confidence in your back again. However, the improvement in quality of life on the other side of this journey makes it all worthwhile.

If you're local to North Dublin, East Meath or Louth and are suffering from back pain, or a physical impairment is hampering your day-to-day life, get in touch with us at The Physio Ward in Stamullen. You can book an appointment with us by clicking here.