Low Back Pain

Have you ever experienced low back pain? Unfortunately, chances are that you either have or that you will. For most people, this pain is short-lived, but for a small percentage, low back pain can become chronic. What options are available for you if you are coping with chronic low back pain?




Ask yourself, Do I have good days and bad days? If you do, then something must be aggravating your pain, such as certain movements and postures. A Kinesiologist or Physiotherapist can help you analyze how you move and help to identify possible aggravating movements or postures. Key to decreasing chronic pain is to eliminate aggravation, so by discovering what leads to increases in your pain and removing these factors, you may help to decrease your pain.



Before exercising, you should focus on creating and maintaining a neutral spine. The spine is considered to be neutral when it is in its natural alignment, preserving the curves of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. The spine and its surrounding structures and put under the least amount of stress when in this position, and this position is usually non-aggravating. A Kinesiologist or Physiotherapist will guide and instruct you on how to find your neutral spine.



Once you have learned how to find a neutral spine, it is time to exercise! Exercises should emphasize creating endurance rather than strength in the muscles of the back. Strong backs tend to be injured backs! Your muscles must be strong over a long period of time in order to maintain posture for the duration of the day, including during activity. Specific exercises can be prescribed for you to address your own unique weaknesses, goals, and activities. Find an experienced Kinesiologist who will design a program unique to your needs.



Yoga can also help to decrease back pain. Yoga’s focus on alignment during movement reflects the importance of creating endurable strength in neutral to help reduce pain. Yoga also improves body-awareness by strengthening the mind-body connection and creating calmness in practitioners. Increasing relaxation and decreasing stress are important for decreasing back pain. Look for an instructor who has worked with low back pain sufferers previously and make sure they are aware of your pain – not all poses will be appropriate for you.



For more information on managing your chronic low back pain, we invite you to attend an information session at one of our clinics! Call your nearest location to find out upcoming dates!  http://www.physiotherapycentres.com/