BACK PAIN TREATMENTS
Are you suffering from back pain? You are not alone. It is one of the most common conditions where people seek medical care every year.
People often seek physio for back pain at our Burnaby Physiotherapy clinic.
Many patients have self-limiting episodes of acute back pain and do not seek medical care. Those who seek back pain treatment often report an improvement in symptoms in the first month (1). But, some may experience ongoing pain and disability. These patients will need more frequent treatments and attentive management. Addressing acute pain and dysfunction early prevents the development of chronic pain.
Using Eastern and Western techniques, our registered Physiotherapists in Burnaby can provide an effective back pain treatment strategy to speed up your recovery.
Causes For Back Pain
Upper Back Pain
Poor Posture
Your doctor will prescribe the necessary medications to manage your pain and discomfort. They may also recommend Physiotherapy treatments to help with your recovery and support your return to work
- One of the most common causes for upper back pain is poor posture. In the technological age we use computers, tablets, cell phones and other electronics on a daily basis. Some of us may spend hours at a time consumed by these devices.
- The typical position that accompanies upper back pain is the head forward, rounded shoulders and hunched back posture.
- In this position, the muscles in our chest, shoulder and neck tightens, while the upper back muscles become overstretched and weak. The imbalance of these muscle groups pulls the body forward, compressing the spine.
Deconditioning
Another cause for upper back pain is poor conditioning of the postural muscles. When the muscles that keep your posture are weak and have poor endurance, it may fail. The stresses placed on the muscles and joints will be too much and pain will result.
Lower Back Pain
There are many different causes for lower back pain. Here are some of the common ones we see in our practice; they may occur on its own or in combination with the others:
Poor Posture
- Like upper back pain, bad posture can put undue stresses in the muscles, joints and discs, resulting of lower back pain
- Sitting in an ill fitting chair, unsupported couches and beds can also lead to low back pain
Lifting Injuries
- Improper lifting techniques, heavy loads and repetitive work may damage the structures causing lower back pain. Muscle strains, joint sprains or even disc herniations may occur when the load exceeds what the body can hold.
Lack of Flexibility
- Lack of flexibility in the lower back and lower extremities may result in excessive compression in the spine. Tight muscles and stiff joints decreases the ability to absorb stresses to the lower back
Deconditioning
- If the core, back and hip strength and endurance is optimized, it can provide a protective effect against lower back pain. Improved conditioning can help the back withstand the stresses of daily life. The body is more prepared.
Overweight/Obesity
- increased body weight compresses the spine (joints, nerves, discs), leading to low back pain.
Symptoms Of Back Pain
- Dull ache - results from sustained positions that increases the load on the stressed structures
- Sharp - when movement that stresses sensitive structures
- Heaviness/Fatigue - associated with muscle tension and active trigger points
- Burning Sensation - sensory nerves may be affected
- Radiating pain - may occur when spinal nerves are affected. In some cases, trigger points (muscle knots) can cause referral pain in a predictable pattern down the leg.
Back Pain Treatment At EastWest Physiotherapy
Physio for back pain addresses the causes and alleviates the symptoms. Every patient is different and needs specific back pain treatment strategies for them. A complete picture involves providing a physical assessment and analyzing the social, mental and environmental factors of the patient.
The best back pain treatment outcome occurs when there is a collaborative approach between the Physio and the patient. Whether you have upper back pain or lower back pain, we may use these treatment techniques to help speed up your recovery
- Electrotherapy - various forms of electrical currents used to decrease pain, muscle tension and improve blood circulation
- Acupuncture - needles inserted to specific parts in the body to release endorphins, improve relaxation and decrease pain
- Cupping therapy - improves relaxation and circulation of the soft tissues
- Dry Needling/Intramuscular Stimulation - can be very effective for chronic tension and pain, as it helps reset the nervous system and desensitize irritated regions
- Exercise Therapy - exercises to help improve range of motion, muscular strength and endurance, and decrease pain
- Manual Therapy - loosens stiff muscles/joints and relieve pain
- Taping - supports injured structures and provide better body alignment and awareness
To enhance the effects of physio for back pain and optimize your back pain treatment plan, other support systems need to be in place. These include:
- Proper ergonomic setup
- Regular rest breaks
- Advice on sleeping and resting positions
- Techniques to improve body awareness and movements
Other Types Of Back Pain Treatments
You may have had imaging (CT Scans, Xrays, MRI) to determine if there may be structural issues that affect your back pain. Please bring in these results to our Physiotherapists as this information can be beneficial to help with your back pain treatment.
