What is Chronic back pain?

It can be defined as pain localized on the back that persists for 3 months or more. Chronic pain in the low back can be caused due to disc problems, facet joint arthropathy, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, nerve root compression, etc. 

What are the causes of chronic back pain?

There are numerous reasons for chronic back pain. Among them are:

Lumbar disc herniation. A lumbar disc's center may rupture, which could irritate a surrounding nerve root.

Degenerative disc disease. Intervertebral discs are hydrated at birth. Discs can become dehydrated and worn down as people age. As the disc loses water, it becomes less able to withstand forces and transmits those forces to the disc wall, which may tear and cause pain or weaken, leading to herniation. Additionally, a disc collapse may result in spinal canal stenosis.

A facet joint dysfunction. Each motion segment of the lumbar spine has two joints behind each spinal disc. These joints may hurt, or they may hurt along with a painful disk.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The sacrum at the base of the spine is joined to each side of the pelvis via the sacroiliac joint. Sacroiliac joint pain can result from any inflammatory disease, as well as from the joint moving more or less.

Spinal stenosis. Typically, this illness causes excruciating pain. The narrowing of the spinal canal and compression of the nerve root are the causes of this discomfort.

Spondylolisthesis. When one vertebra slides over the adjacent one, this condition develops. There are five different forms, but the secondary to a pars defect or fracture or due to a degenerative process is the most prevalent. The lumbar spine's instability or nerve compression that then radiates pain to the leg may be to blame for the discomfort.

Osteoarthritis. Age-related spinal osteoarthritis is a slowly progressing condition.

Deformity. The spine has natural curves. If the deformity causes the discs, facet joints, sacroiliac joints, or stenosis, it may result in lower back pain.

Trauma. Back pain might result from recent fractures or dislocations. The patient should have a thorough evaluation by the doctor in cases of trauma.

Compression fracture. A fracture of the vertebra can cause excruciating pain. This kind of fracture occurs frequently in older persons and is mostly brought on by the bones' weakened state, such as that caused by osteoporosis.

How does physiotherapy benefit the treatment of chronic back pain?

Exercise, manual therapy, and Dryneedling are a few physiotherapy interventions that are thought to be suitable management strategies for people with back pain. The exercises used are determined by the type and degree of back pain.

Radicular pain is frequently treated with epidural corticosteroid injections. However, physiotherapy is a crucial component of treating a patient with back discomfort. After the patient has been categorized based on their age, type of injury, or diagnosis, physiotherapy can take the lead in managing and treating them without the need for drugs. 

A physiotherapist would assess and make a provisional diagnosis and according to that, they design condition-specific exercise programs. some of the most effective exercises are:

Attempt the following exercises if standing or lying down helps your back pain:

  • Alternate arm and leg (bird dog),
  • Backward Bend,
  • Bridging,
  • Hip flexor stretch,
  • Press-up.

If sitting down relieves your back pain, try the following exercises:

  • Double knee-to-chest,
  • Piriformis stretch,
  • Single knee-to-chest.

When no posture relieves your back ache, try these exercises:

  • Cat-camel,
  • Clamshell,
  • Curl-ups,
  • Front Plank,
  • Hamstring stretch,
  • Pelvic rock, sitting,
  • Pelvic rock, standing,
  • Pelvic tilt,
  • Side plank, 
  • Walking,
  • Wall Squats.

Apart from all the above treatments, treatment at Elite Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre also includes high-end tools that will assist the main treatment program and help in achieving the goal as soon as possible. Those machines are"

  • Extracorporeal Shockwave.
  • Super Inductive System.
  • High-intensity Laser.
  • Combo-therapy. Etc.