Back pain and Physiotherapy

Back pain is very common in all age groups now a days. Back pain can result from any injury directly or indirectly to the back,  with strenous activity or repeated injury etc. Our spine is divided into 3 different parts-Cervical, Thoracic, Lumbar. The most common form of back pain is low back pain, it effects the lumbar region  and can be radiating pain or non radiating pain.

We should take a good care of our back to avoid any back problems, as back pain has very strong chances to reoccur. We should keep a check on the symptoms and understand the right time to consult a doctor. These symptoms may include:

• Sharp/dull/achy pain in back.
• Radiating pain in limbs.
• Difficulty to perform daily living activities.
• Difficulty ambulating/walking.
• Sleep disturbances due to pain in back etc.

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in management of back pain. Generally, an orthopedic refers for physiotherapy along with medical management. It helps in strengthening of back muscles and pain relieve. Consulting the right person at a right time is very beneficial for healthy living.

A physiotherpist decides the care plan according to the signs and symptoms of pain, this plan may include:

1. Pain relief: There are various modalities ranging from heat therapy, electric nerve stimulation, interferential therapy etc that help to reduce pain and also induce healing.
2. Isometric exercises: In case of extreme pain, when active exercise is not possible, this exercise helps a lot in gaining strength.
3. Strenthening: Back pain restricts a person to do certain activity, and due to this the muscles become weak. Proper strenthening exercises help providing mobilty and also avoid long term problems related to back.
4. Streching exercises: These exercise contribute to providing flexibity and stabilty to the muscles and related joints.
5. Postural correction: Due to pain, a person may accuire a convenient posture to avoid pain, this can prove to be harmful in long run. Hence with the help of physiotherapy correct postural training is given to help pain management.

It is recomended that back pain should not be taken lightly, as back provides us maximum support in daily living. There is no harm in consulting a physician or concerned doctor to find a remedy to it as soon as possible. The sooner the management starts, the better it is.

Recomended prevention to avoid back pain in general: Never get up from bed in upright position, it harms the back muscles. Always take a turn to any side (right or left), put down your feet on the ground and then get up.