What is Back Pain?
Lower back pain and back pain are incredibly prevalent in our society with exact symptoms and causes varying greatly from patient to patient. Pain can vary from a dull, aching feeling that gradually worsens over time to a sharp and sudden pain. Research suggests that 4 out of every 5 Canadians will experience back pain at some point. In 2010, the Archives of Internal Medicine reported that the treatment for back pain in the USA amounts to over $50 billion a year.
Symptoms of Back Pain?
Back pain symptoms vary widely, depending on the cause of the pain, which may start suddenly or gradually develop over time. Acute back pain appears suddenly and gradually subsides. Chronic back pain lasts at least three months and doesn’t respond to first-line treatments.
The five most common symptoms of back pain include:
- Dull/achy pain
- Stinging or burning pain
- Muscle spasms
- Tightness
- Difficulty standing or walking
What causes back pain?
The Mayo Clinic recently reported that the majority of back pain is caused by muscle strain, awkward lifting of heavy objects, bad posture, and weak core strength. These factors can cause both immediate and chronic pain, ranging from mild to severe and even debilitating. Back pain can also be a symptom of other conditions, including sciatica, arthritis, or a spinal infection. Despite the contrary belief that back pain is most common in older adults, patients between the ages of 30 and 50 are at the greatest risk of experiencing back pain. This demographic is more susceptible to injury as they participate in more physically demanding activities, despite their bones and muscles no longer being as strong as they were in their early 20s.
The most four common causes of lower back pain include:
- Muscle strain
- Sciatica
- Herniated disc
- Abnormal spine curvature
Physiotherapy for Back Pain
When back pain is persistent and interferes with your ability to complete day-to-day activities, it’s advised that patients consider physiotherapy as a solution. Generally, physiotherapy is the first tool in the toolbelt that patients and doctors alike reach for — mainly due to its effectiveness and non-invasive treatment options. For certain conditions that cause back pain, including lumbar spinal stenosis, physiotherapy has been proven to be just as effective as surgery, while being at a much lower cost.
A physiotherapist will begin by evaluating the extent and severity of your back pain. This evaluation will allow the physiotherapist to create a personalized plan to help alleviate the pain and ultimately fix the issue. A treatment plan will often include pain relief techniques, specific stretches, strengthening exercises, posture training, traction, massage therapy, ultrasound, and acupuncture.
The Best Back Pain Clinic in Calgary
Brentwood Physiotherapy has a team of physiotherapists in Calgary with experience and expertise in the treatment of back pain. The majority of our licensed physiotherapists have been specializing in treating back pain for 25+ years. Our physiotherapists in Calgary are experienced experts in the non-surgical treatment of back injuries. We utilize the latest evidence-based exercises and treatments to manage symptoms of back pain. Our licensed, certified physiotherapists combine proven techniques with tailored routines to produce personalized treatment programs that address and fix each patient’s unique issues.
