Eighty percent of Americans suffer from low back pain at some point during their lifetimes. This condition can be acute, which means it lasts for a short period, or it can be chronic, lasting for more than three months. Chronic low back pain may be due to an injury, underlying medical condition such as a herniated disc, or narrowing of the spinal column. Physiotherapy exercises can be part of an effective treatment program to relieve your symptoms and improve mobility.
Symptoms
Chronic low back pain can cause a wide range of symptoms including muscle pain; shooting, stabbing pain; or pain that spreads or radiates to other parts of your body. You may also experience stiffness and reduced range of motion or difficulty standing up straight or for a long period. Chronic low back pain can also make it more difficult for you to sleep, increase fatigue and can even lead to depression.
Effects of Physiotherapy Exercises
Exercise may be the most effective way to speed up recovery from low back pain and strengthen your back and abdominal muscles, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. As the Institute points out, muscle strength is essential if you have any skeletal problems. Physiotherapy exercises increase your body's ability to heal itself through stretching, manipulative and mobilizing techniques.
Types of Physiotherapy Exercises
Working with your physiotherapist, you will do a variety of exercises that can include stretches and strengthening exercises for your lower back, swimming, walking or yoga. Stretching your hamstring muscles, tightening your tummy muscles while lying down on your back, or doing wall squats and knee-to-chest stretches can also provide relief. Other physiotherapy exercises help you to achieve proper posture and muscle balance and improve your coordination. During spinal manipulation, a chiropractor takes a hands-on approach to lead you through a series of exercises to adjust spinal abnormalities that may be at the root of your chronic low back pain.
Precautions
If you've been experiencing low back pain for longer than three months, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Expect to feel some mild discomfort when you begin practicing physiotherapy exercises; this pain should subside as your muscles become stronger and more flexible. However, if you experience severe pain or it lasts for more than 15 minutes when you're exercising, stop the activity and seek medical attention.
References
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center: Chronic Low Back Pain
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; Low Back Pain Fact Sheet; Feb. 18, 2011
- London Pain Clinic; Physiotherapy Exercises for Back Pain; Dr. C.A.Jenner; July 7, 2007
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons; Low Back Pain Exercise Guide; July 2007
