eMail us

Regular focus - Low back pain

Recent clinical guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy have highlighted the important role that the following have in managing low back pain symptoms:

Exercise and Rehabilitation
Acupuncture
Manual therapy (Mobilisation, Manipulation and Soft Tissue Therapy)

This guidance also highlights the important role which patients have in self managing their own condition. Further research supports that following these recommendations should help to:

Reduce the risk of recurrent symptoms (especially in the first year following acute low back pain)
Reduce risk of chronic (long term) symptoms
Regain function rapidly and return to work and sport more efficiently

This is just an example of how Active Therapy integrates the latest clinical research into the treatment of patients to provide treatment which is effective and efficient. If you work on one thing this week then try to improve your overall postural alignment in positions such as sitting, driving and standing.

Top Tips

pictures of incorrect and correct posture

Visualise an imaginary piece of string attached to the top of your head pulling you up tall at the same time as lifting your breast bone (sternum) up and out and keeping a small curve in the base of your back (see photos).

Get off your butt and change position regularly - 20 Minutes maximum static sitting time!!

Research demonstrates that static loading postures lead to stretching of the soft tissues called creep. This builds cumulatively often with subtle warning signs such as achiness of the low back. If sloppy posture occurs often enough then this can ultimately lead to an episode of acute low back pain.

Top Tips

If you have been sitting then try activating your gluteal and hip flexor muscles as they improve stability control of your back with

pictures of incorrect and correct way to stand up

Muscle Activation Points – With index and middle finger 2 on each hand firmly rub in circles the area just below your hairline either side of the prominence on the back of your head (gluteals) and 2 inches either side of your belly button (hip flexors). Maintain this for 2 minutes per point. These points activate the gluteals and hip flexors respectively – important muscles for back stability, then ...

Exercise – Try the simple 'sit to stand' squat exercise shown in the pictures. Do this 10 Times every 30-40 Minutes.

The main message is to be pro-active in the way you manage your own spinal health. Low back pain now affects large numbers of adults (up to 87%) and can become recurrent if not correctly managed.

For further assessment, treatment and management advice of low back pain symptoms then please contact us.