| 80%
of the population will suffer from low back pain at some time in
their lives. In fact, low back pain is the second most common
cause of missed work days. The good news is that understanding
low back pain; how to prevent it and how to treat it, will help
you avoid chronic low back pain and prevent further injury. |
|
The
lumbar spine is made up of 5 vertebrae. These are the
bones of the spine. Their role is to support and protect the spinal
cord. The facet joints provide a mobile link between
each vertebra. Similar to other joints, they can wear down and
become irritated. Intervertebral discs sit between each
vertebra. The disc is made up of 2 parts: annulus(outer
ring) and nucleus pulpous(center). The disc’s main
function is shock absorption. The spinal cord gives out nerve
roots at each level of the spine. The nerve roots are
responsible for carrying information between the brain and the
lower extremity. |
Low back
pain can be divided into 2 categories:
| 1.
Mechanical low back pain |
| 2.
Compressive or Neurogenic low back pain |
Inflammation
of the facet joints, discs, ligaments or muscles of the low back cause mechanical
low back pain. This is a result of strain, overuse or trauma.
Mechanical low back pain is usually felt in the low back and may spread
down to the buttock or thigh.
Compressive
or neurogenic low back pain
is caused by irritation or "pinching" of the nerve root. The
nerve root can be compressed by a disc or bony spur. Since the nerve
root carries information between the brain and lower extremity, there
can be an interference in muscle strength and reflexes. Pain and\or
numbness can extend below the knee and into the foot.
|
|
Depending
on the extent of your injury, your doctor may order certain tests.
Here are a few: |
|
X-Rays
- Show
bones of the lumbar spine
- May
show degenerative changes
- Do
not show most soft tissue structures
- Usually
the starting point for tests
|
CAT
scan
(Computer Assisted Tomography)
-
X-ray
slices or cuts taken at specific levels which are computer
enhanced
-
Allows
you to view bones and soft tissue
-
Used
to clearly define complicated bone injury
-
Sometimes
used with myelogram(injection of dye into spinal sac) to better
show pressure onto spinal nerves
|
|
MRI(Magnetic
Resonance Imaging)
- Uses
magnetic waves to obtain images of bone and soft tissue
- Shows
nerves and discs very clearly
|
EMG(Electromyogram)
- Tests
the nerve roots
- Consists
of inserting tiny electrodes into different muscle groups
- Can
determine the condition of the nerve that supplies those muscle
groups
|
| How
Can a Physiotherapist Help Me? |
|
Your
physiotherapist will take your detailed medical history. Then he or
she will conduct a thorough physical examination, testing the quality
and quantity of your lumbar movement and strength, and perform a
neurological scan including reflexes, key muscle and sensation
testing.
Your
physiotherapist will explain the findings of the examination with you
and design an appropriate treatment plan for you. Depending on your
condition, your treatment plan may include:
- Manual
therapy to improve movement
- Electro
modalities to decrease pain and promote healing
- Hot
or cold therapy
|
- Stretching
exercises
- Strengthening
exercises
- Education
on mechanics, posture and injury prevention
|
|
|
