acute low back pain
What is acute low back pain?
Acute low back pain describes pain in the lower back which has recently occurred (less than 12 weeks old).
What causes acute low back pain?
There are several different structures in your lower back including your spinal bones (vertebra), spinal discs which absorb any shock or stresses on the spine, muscles and ligaments. Any of these structures can be damaged and cause low back pain.
Muscle imbalances can lead to postural problems which can cause back pain and any trauma including a fall, lifting heavy objects or a car accident can also cause back pain.
Back injuries also occur when you do something you don’t normally do or something strenuous for example playing a new sport or lifting a heavy object.
The pain may also occur due to a build-up of stress on the back that slowly becomes an injury.
What are the symptoms of acute low back pain?
The symptoms of acute low back pain include any painful sensation felt in the lower back region ranging from a dull ache to a sharp pain.
Your low back pain may be brought on by specific activities such as prolonged sitting/standing or may be constant.
If you have any of the following symptoms it is important to seek urgent medical care as these are signs of a more serious problem:
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Leg weakness
- Weakness around your saddle area
- Bladder or bowel problems
How is acute low back pain diagnosed?
Your physiotherapist will carry out a full subjective and objective examination and perform a series of tests to distinguish what the cause of your back pain is. It is rare for back pain to indicate there is a serious problem however your physiotherapist can also carry out special tests to rule out any serious pathology.
What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for acute low back pain?
Following a complete assessment, your physiotherapist will create a treatment programme based on their findings and there are several different treatment options available to treat acute low back pain. Your physiotherapist will choose the most appropriate methods of treatment based on your symptoms and responses to treatment. Usually several treatment methods are combined.
Treatment can include:
- Massage
- Joint mobilisation
- Heat/ice therapy
- Stretching exercises
- Strengthening exercises
- Pilates
- Taping
- Ergonomic advice
- Acupuncture
- Graded return to function/exercise programme
- Advice and education
- Advice regarding anti-inflammatories
Benefit of physiotherapy for acute lower back pain?
Physiotherapy has been shown to be an effective method of treating acute low back pain. The particular benefits you receive from physiotherapy will depend on your original symptoms and treatment goals.
Benefits of physiotherapy for acute low back pain include:
- Increased range of movement
- Decreased stiffness
- Decreased pain
- Improved posture
- Improved workstation ergonomics
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists specialise in providing the latest in physiotherapy treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Spinks Ln, Witham,
Essex, CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.