top of page

Low Back Pain

Low Back Pain is a common condition seen in the clinic and around the world. It's estimated that 80% of people will experience Low Back Pain (LBP) at some time during their lifetime, however less than 30% of people with LBP develop severe disability.

PINJARRA PHYSIOTHERAPY

- PUT A PIN IN PAIN -

How We Assess and Treat Low Back Pain:

There are lots of different types and causes of Low Back Pain. It is important to accurately assess and diagnose LBP so that appropriate treatments can be prescribed. Below are the typical components which make up a Low Back Pain consult:

Triage

Triage is the most important step for Low Back Pain patients. During Triage, we take your subjective history, including the following:

  • ​When and how did the pain start?

  • Where is your pain?

  • How would you describe your pain?

 Triage is important for identifying serious pathologies such as fracture and cauda equina syndrome which require medical attention.

Objective Assessment

The Objective Assessment is used to identify and measure impairment/s related to the Low Back Pain, such as how much movement you have, and which movements reproduce your symptoms. 

Analysis

Once you have had your Subjective and Objective Assessments taken, we analyse the results and make a diagnosisif possible. If we need more information, we may organise further investigations such as XRAY (although most people do not need imaging).

Treatment

There are a range of treatments for people with LBP, including;

  • Activity restrictions and/or modifications

  • Hands-on therapies

  • Home exercises, hydrotherapy and gym-based exercises

  • Advice regarding taping, bracing, hot/cold packs and topical creams

  • Referral to GP/Pharmacist for medication advice

Low Back Pain

Below are a sample of common low back pain conditions and their pain + symptom profiles

NSLBP thumbnail.png

Non Specific Low Back Pain without referred leg pain

Common Name: Low Back Pain (LBP)

Also known as back (muscle) strain, facet joint (ligamentous) sprain, discogenic pain, degenerative disc disease

​

Feels Like: Dull ache which may be sharp with specific movements or activities; a sensation of pressure, 'seizing up' or grabbing.

​

Affects: Anyone at any age but less likely to impact young people. The most reliable risk factor for LBP is previous episode of LBP.

​

Symptoms: There is a large variety and intensity of symptoms you may experience with LBP. Common symptoms are:

  • Reduced or pain limited range of movement, i.e. bending, twisting

  • Postural pain in lying, sitting or standing

  • Pain with activities such as walking, bending, lifting or carrying

​

Imaging Required: Imaging is not required unless there are 'red flags' which may indicate serious pathology

​

Treatment Options: 

1. Relative rest, activity restriction or modification to prevent pain flares

2. Graded exercise program to restore any loss of range of motion and to increase tissue tolerance for affected activities

3. Pain relief as required, including soft tissue therapies, heat/cold therapy, taping/bracing and oral medications as advised by your Doctor or Pharmacist

4. Reassurance that most people will not experience ongoing pain and symptoms

​

Time to Resolve:

3 - 6 weeks

NSLBP somatic thumbnail.png

Non Specific Low Back Pain with somatic referred leg pain

Common Name: Referred Pain

Also known as hip pain or buttock pain, may be incorrectly referred to as lumbago/sciatica

​

Feels Like: Dull, aching, gnawing or sensation of pressure in an area away from the back, commonly the buttock, hip and inguinal area

​

Affects: Anyone at any age but less likely to impact young people

​

Symptoms: Same as Non Specific Low Back Pain without referred leg pain

​

Imaging Required: Imaging is not required unless there are 'red flags' which may indicate serious pathology

​

Treatment Options: 

1. Relative rest, activity restriction or modification to prevent pain flares

2. Graded exercise program to restore any loss of range of motion and to increase tissue tolerance for affected activities

3. Pain relief as required, including soft tissue therapies, heat/cold therapy, taping/bracing and oral medications as advised by your Doctor or Pharmacist

4. Reassurance that most people will not experience ongoing pain and symptoms

​

Time to Resolve:

3 - 6 weeks

neural NSLBP thumbnail.png

Non Specific Low Back Pain with neural referred leg pain

Common Name: Sciatica

Also known as lumbago, radicular pain or neuropathy. Can affect anterior foot and leg, posterior and lateral foot and leg or pelvic area

​

Feels Like: Sharp, shooting or burning sensation, pins and needles, numbness or other sensation changes, weakness

​

Affects: Anyone at any age but less likely to impact young people. Neuropathy may be experienced more often in people with advanced degenerative changes in their spine

​

Symptoms: Like with Non Specific Low Back Pain, there is a large variety and intensity of symptoms you may experience with neural referred leg pain. Common symptoms are:

  • Reduced or pain limited range of movement, i.e. bending, twisting

  • Postural pain in lying, sitting or standing

  • Pain with activities such as walking, bending, lifting or carrying

  • Dislike of "impinging" movements such as lumbar extension and ipsilateral side flexion/rotation

  • Dislike of "nerve stretch" positions such as sitting with feet on foot stool or affected leg crossing the midline

​

Imaging Required: You may be referred for imaging if your condition deteriorates, i.e. progressive loss of strength or sensation

​

Treatment Options: 

1. Relative rest, activity restriction or modification to prevent pain flares (emphasis on moving/resting in pattern which doesn't impinge/stretch nerve as indicated)

2. Graded exercise program to restore any loss of range of motion/strength and to increase tissue tolerance for affected activities, including neural exercises as indicated

3. Pain relief as required, including soft tissue therapies, heat/cold therapy, taping/bracing and oral medications as advised by your Doctor or Pharmacist.

4. Reassurance that most people will not experience ongoing pain and symptoms

5. Monitoring for signs of deterioration, appropriately timed reviews and referral for medical intervention if not resolving within expected timeframe

​

Time to Resolve:

6-12+ weeks

Treatment

There are a range of treatments for people with LBP, including;

  • Activity restrictions and/or modifications

  • Hands-on therapies

  • Home exercises, hydrotherapy and gym-based exercises

  • Advice regarding taping, bracing, hot/cold packs and topical creams

  • Referral to GP/Pharmacist for medication advice

bottom of page