Chiropractic tips to relieve lower back pain!

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Lower back pain can originate from many causes. It is very common in people of all ages and can feel like an ache, tension or stiffness. Common causes of back pain are sudden movements and falls, injury, or a medical condition. Many things are considered when determining how and why you are experiencing pain and as a physician I would examine what is happening with your bones, tendons, ligaments and muscles among many other things.
 
Considering that 1 in 6 Australians experience lower back pain each year, most Australians experience lower back pain in their life time. Most sufferers are of working age, equally among men and women. But back pain can start in youth as young as 8 years of age.  
 
As an experienced practitioner in the diagnosis and treatment of back pain I would like to share with you my most helpful tips that can help ease your recovery or fast track you to the most appropriate care in a timely manner.

As a general statement - lower back pain can be categorised in three ways;

1. Disc pain
2. Facet joint pain
3. Sacroiliac joint pain

To determine the site of your pain as a general statement if you bend forward from a standing position and that recreates pain for you then that may be a disc problem; If you are standing up and experience pain when you arch your back then it could be facet joint or sacroiliac joint 

If you just have simple lower back pain here are some basic things to do...

If bending forward aggravates your lower back then try stretching in the opposite direction. Lying flat on your tummy, propping yourself up on your elbows and letting your lower back arch and sink down on the ground. Aim to be completely relaxed and try not to contract any muscles. It should be just a very gentle stretch into extension.

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If your lower back is aggravated by extending and going backwards we would be thinking it may be a sacroiliac joint problem or a facet joint problem. Indeed you would stretch in the exact opposite direction. The easiest and safest way to do this is to lie flat on your back and bring both your knees up to your chest. Gently bringing your knees to your chest you should feel a little bit of a stretch through your lower back.

​​In most cases please avoid the following movements if you are experiencing lower back pain:

• Bending - Lifting - Twisting
• Reaching forward to lift up something
• Bending down to pick up an object
• Repetitive forward bend - Vacuuming, sweeping, changing nappies, picking up kids
• Repetitive rotation - shovelling

Of course avoiding these movements all together in the long term is NOT useful. Ideally we encourage strengthening exercises as you progressively get better.

Please consider this advice as general in nature. You should always consult with a professional in order to achieve a diagnosis. If your symptoms worsen you are advised to see a physician.

Chris Bowles is an experienced chiropractor with one mission; to help you be 'Free to Move.'
If you are experiencing aches, pains, headaches, migraines or sports injuries then he can help you.

Chris is available Monday - Saturday from 8am - 7pm ( 8am - 12pm on Saturday)

Call 9542 3330 or book online  today.

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