Pain in the... back?
Talk stats -
It is estimated that 70–90% of people will suffer from lower back pain in some form at some point in their lives, and 1 in 6 Aussies will experience back pain each year
This makes it quite a common condition to see in practice!
It is important to understand that pain is the body’s protective mechanism, and that we can still move without fear of causing tissue damage. With experience I’ve gained in practice, I have prepared some of my top tips to help with managing back pain should it arise:
Keep your body moving!
It can be all too easy to slump on the couch in an attempt to “rest” and ease your back pain, however according to research, movement is one of the most effective ways to minimise your pain! So try and get yourself upright and walking around! Your Osteopath can help prescribe exercise that is both safe and beneficial for you, to help keep your joints moving and muscles relaxed.
Early treatment intervention
In other words, get yourself checked out by your Osteopath sooner rather than later! We can assist in decreasing your recovery time, getting you back to moving pain free and doing what you love – sooner! Interventions can include gentle mobilisation, soft tissue work, muscle energy techniques and devising strategies and modifications to allow you continue doing your daily activities with comfort.
Prevention is better the cure
Work with your Osteopath to address your weak areas that are impacting your back pain. Tackling these areas with an appropriate treatment, management and exercise plan will assist in preventing future bouts of back pain.
Avoid heavy lifting
It goes without saying that heavy lifting (often coupled with poor lifting technique) is an aggravating factor for back pain as it creates extra stress and inflammation to already unhappy tissues. Your Osteopath will take you through proper lifting techniques to avoid re-aggravation.
Heat packs!
For more chronic back injuries, heat packs are great to use over the lower back to help relax sore and achy muscles.
Read this interesting article put by the ABC here…
If you have any questions about how we can help you, give us a call! 0439 379 847