With the term Low Back Pain (lumbago) we often refer to a variety of symptoms. The term itself is not a diagnosis, it only describes pain at the region of Lumbar.
Pain could be often severe, leading to muscle injury caused by a sudden move. Other times pain is the result of exertion, due to activity (sports) or working conditions (weight lifting).
Pain could be also the result of diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis etc.), osteoporotic fractures, psychological diseases or unknown etiology.
Beside the region of Lumbar, pain could also reflect at thigh, knee, calf, foot or even the toes (sciatica). Other symptoms could be numbness, needling, burn, loss of feeling or movement (drop foot).
The existence of hernia or scoliosis does not necessary relate to low back pain. Therefore, MRI, Ct scan or X-rays are only indicative and only clinical examination will reveal the true causes of the problem and provide the treatment plan. It is often that patients with one or more hernia never had experience low back pain.
At Physiothea, our expertise team begin with a full history documentation of the patient and proceed with a full clinical examination of detailed movement tests of the Spine (passive and active tests), nerve tissue tests etc. Based on the findings we recognize and categorize the causes of the problem and then we choose the proper rehabilitation techniques (Manual Therapy), or the proper rehabilitation protocol (Functional Exercise).
Choosing the proper therapy for the patient will ensure quick return to daily and sport activities.
Last but not least is the value and the necessity of exercise, both as part of the therapy and as a mean to avoid converting low back pain to chromic pain.
