Why does it occur?
Who does it affect?
Symptoms
Diagnosis
Management
Outlook
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Why does it occur?
Back pain is caused by dysfunction in the discs, joints, muscles, ligaments and/or
nerves in the back. Dysfunction may result from an injury whilst lifting, bending,
twisting or playing sports. It may also develop over time as minor trauma sustained
during normal daily activities accumulates. Imbalances in the pelvis and weakness
in the stablising muscles of the spine may predispose to back pain.
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Who does it affect?
Back pain affects people of all ages, However, it is more common in the older age groups due to age related deterioration of joint cartilage. Those involved in repetitive lifting and prolonged sitting/standing at a desk/bench are at increased risk. High risk groups include atheletes such as tennis players, cricket bowlers, javelin throwers and ballet dancers who are required to over-arch their backs repetitively.
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Symptoms
The symptoms vary and may include:
Dull aching or sharp pain in back, buttocks or groin.
Stiffness of back movements.
Pain, pins and needles, numbness and/or weakness in the leg or foot.
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Diagnosis
Your physiotherapist will conduct a full assessment to identify which back structures are at fault and why.
If necessary, your physiotherapist can organise further investigations, in consultation with your doctor.
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Management
Physiotherapy aims to ease back pain by restoring normal back movement. This involves mobilsation of problematic joints, massage to release tight muscles, correction of imbalances in the pelvis, postural correction, exercises to increase core stability, stretches and heat and/or electrotherapy to relieve pain.
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Outlook
Whether your back pain is acute or chronic, physiotherapy can help relieve pain and prevent future recurrences. Back pain can be prevented by practicing good posture, avoiding prolonged sitting/standing without breaks, and by bending at the knees, not the back when lifting. The key to minimising back pain is flexibility of your spine and muscles, and strengthening of your stability muscles.
Hastings physiotherapists will be happy to confidentially discuss any of your concerns.
This fact sheet is not designed to replace the advice of your health professional.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION OR TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT PLEASE PHONE
HASTING SPORTS INJURY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY CENTER
Phone: (02) 6583 2111
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