Identify the cause and find relief from lower back pain

Lower Back Pain Ballarat

What is lower back pain?

The lower back, also known as the lumbar spine region, consists of the muscles, ligaments, bones, joints, and nerves within the back in the area below the ribcage. These interconnecting parts create a complex structure that enables a vast range of movements we utilise every day, such as hip mobility, which allows us to walk and bend. The lower back also supports the upper body and the spinal column, which includes protecting and supplying the nerves that provide areas such as our leg muscles with feeling and power.

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Understanding your lower back pain

Due to the intricate nature and frequent use of this region, imbalances and dysfunction are prevalent for much of the population. Most of us deal with lower back pain at one point or another.

Lower back pain is typically categorised according to the onset type and the length of time it is experienced.

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Acute pain

Develops suddenly and is felt for a few days or weeks. It is often a response to damage of some sort, and typically resolves when the issue has healed.

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Subacute pain

Can last between six and twelve weeks. It is often due to a mechanical issue but more prolonged.

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Chronic pain

Is present for more than three months. It is often severe and can be slower to respond to certain treatments.

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Symptoms of lower back pain

Pain within the lower back can present in a variety of ways.

Symptoms can range from mild to a severity that significantly impacts day-to-day functionality. They will vary depending on what is causing the pain. For some people, pain can come and go. For others, the pain can be constant. Lower back pain is often contained to the lower back region. It may be described as a dull ache, burning, or stabbing. Spasms and tightness in the lower back, hips, and pelvis may accompany the pain. Pain that originates in this region can also move to other areas of the body. This may result in it travelling to the thighs, and in some cases, even down to the feet. When this occurs, tingling or numbness is often involved. These symptoms can impact people in various ways. This may include difficulties in retaining good posture, sitting for an extended length of time, or walking.

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Common causes of lower back pain

Due to the complexities of the lower back region, messages to the brain may not clearly identify the source of the pain.

Pain may feel similar for significantly different issues. Subsequently, the timeframe of the pain can help indicate the cause, as well as appropriate scans or manipulation by trained therapists or professionals.

Injuries and trauma are common causes of lower back pain. This is particularly true of acute pain. Soft tissues, joints, or spinal discs may be damaged, irritated, or inflamed, leading to mild, moderate, or severe pain. In many cases, muscles or ligaments are pulled or torn.

Spinal discs can bulge or rupture due to many reasons, such as poor posture or age. Because their role is to provide cushioning between the spinal bones, or vertebrae, this can result in significant pain as other structures are increasingly affected.

Health conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis can also lead to pain as a result of degeneration, fractures, and inflammation. Endometriosis, pregnancy, and women’s menstrual cycles can also create pain in the lower back region.

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Treatment for lower back pain

There are many approaches that can be taken to assist in reducing lower back pain. If it is impacting your life or is persisting, seeking advice and treatment from medical professionals or qualified therapists can be beneficial.

At Modern Medicine, our therapists can assist you by using a range of methods and techniques depending on the type of pain and what may be causing it. We will provide a comprehensive assessment, identify the best course of action, and develop an appropriate personalised care plan.

Remedial Massage

Massage therapy therapists use hands-on techniques to help reduce your pain by releasing tension, improving joint and muscle mobility and flexibility, and encouraging the healing process.

Myotherapy

Myotherapy use a range of techniques to identify abnormalities and dysfunction and reduce lower back pain. These can include options such as myofascial release, trigger point therapy, dry needling, and functional taping.

Exercise Physiology

Exercise physiologists focus on improve the underlying issue and preventing reoccurrence or further damage or degeneration. This can involve assessment of functionality, education, and exercise prescription and guidance

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Treat your lower back pain at Modern Medicine

Lower back pain can range from a minor inconvenience to a persistent and severe issue that impacts many areas of life. As pain in this region can indicate significant issues, it can be important to seek advice and treatment. Our therapists can provide support through assessment, diagnosis, and the development of a tailored care plan. Using the appropriate form of therapy for your type of pain and the cause behind it, we can help you gain relief and improvement in your comfort and mobility.