Back pain

The lower back is the part of the back between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs. Most of the lower back is made up from muscles that attach to, and surround, the spine and keep it strong.

The spine is made up of many bones called vertebrae. The vertebrae are roughly circular and between each vertebra is a ‘disc’.

The discs between the vertebrae are a combination of a strong fibrous outer layer and a softer, gel like centre. The discs act as shock absorbers and allow the spine to be flexible.

The spinal cord, which contains the nerve pathways to and from the brain, is protected by the spine. Nerves from the spinal cord come out from between the vertebrae to take and receive messages to various parts of the body.

Back pain is extremely common with 90% of us experiencing it throughout our lives, sometimes with frequent episodes. In all most all cases, low back pain is not serious and early movement is promoted to help recover quickly.

The most common diagnosis of low back pain is termed mechanical low back pain which means pain localised to the back, sometimes with pain referred down the leg from a source arising from structures in the lower back. Mechanical means its mostly movement provoked, and can be eased.

Sometimes the nerves can be involved – we call this radiculopathy ( i.e. radiating pain) this is when you may have back pain that radiates down the legs, and can give you pins and needles and numbness. Most people know this as “sciatica2 if the pain goes down the back of the leg, and indicates ther nerve is firing off pain signals to the brain. Again this although very intrusive, usually settles with time, pain relief and movement with Physiotherapy.

MyPhysio has extensive knowledge built up through the years to be able to help with manual therapy, stretches and exercises, that help improve your range of movement, strength and condition of your muscles, to help you recover quickly.