Low back pain

Low Back Pain is among the most common conditions that we treat. There are several different types of low back pain, injury, and treatment. Back pain can be acute, traumatic, or chronic. It can be localized in the spine, broad across the back, or can radiate into the hips, legs, and/or feet.

Common medical diagnoses that we treat are: disc bulges/herniations, disc degeneration and arthritis, stenosis, spondylosis, fractures, nerve compression, muscle strain, ligament sprain, scoliosis, and sacroiliac joint dysfunction. While these may sound intimidating, they are fairly common and respond well to physical therapy interventions.

Physical therapy is focused on more than the diagnosis. We assess mobility and strength imbalances, posture and ergonomics, muscle performance and functional movements, nerve mobility and sensitivity, and personal factors leading to pain.

Although everyone has different symptoms and pain presentations, these are some common findings when it comes to clients with low back pain:

• Mobility Findings: Hyper vs Hypo

  • Hypermobillity/Instability

    • Back pain stems from a vertebral segment that moves too much or lacks segmental control, causing frequent irritation at one or two segments

    • Surrounding musculature is not strong enough or coordinated enough to stabilize the lumbar spine

  • Hypomobility:

    • Back pain stems from segments through the lumbar spine that are not moving enough

  • Neighboring joints may be affecting movement patterns

    • Example 1 : lack of ankle dorsiflexion when squatting can contribute to forward trunk lean and greater load on spine

    • Example: lack of shoulder mobility can cause low back to arch excessively when reaching overhead

• Common Strength/Muscle Performance Findings:

  • Glute and hamstring inhibition can cause over-reliance on joints and ligaments for support

  • Poor motor sequencing and segmental stabilization can contribute to irritation at single segment

  • Muscle imbalance between right and left sides can cause overloading on one side

  • Breathing patterns

• External Factors Leading to Pain

  • How do you spend your day? Static at a desk? Standing on concrete flooring? Operating heavy equipment? Walking constantly? Picking up your kids?

  • What hobbies or activities do you like to do?

  • How much quality sleep do you get?

  • Do you have a well balanced diet?

  • How do you manage stress?

Because there are so many types of pain, it is important to get individualized assessment and care. If you are struggling with low back pain, sciatic pain, hip pain, or just general stiffness, contact us with questions or concerns!

Email: info@basecampVC.com