One of the most common symptoms experienced by humans is lower back pain. About 80% of the population has manifested it at least once in their life, while many suffer for months or even years from it.
The waist (or loin) is essentially the lumbar spine. It consists of five vertebrae separated from each other by “pads” (intervertebral discs) which protect them from friction and shock.
As is the case with the entire spine, so in the lumbar spine one vertebra lies above the other, creating a “tube” (spinal canal) in which the spinal cord is protected. Nerves start from the spinal cord, which exit through holes created on the sides of the lumbar vertebrae, to end up in the legs.
The lower back (like the rest of the spine) is stabilized by a network of muscles, ligaments and tendons of the back and abdomen.
When there is any problem in any of the aforementioned structures, the consequence is pain, which, however, is not always limited to the specific area. It can be reflected in the buttocks, hip, even in the leg or groin area.
“Treating each episode of low back pain is very important, because if left untreated, it opens the way for another, which can be worse, more prolonged and with symptoms that can extend far from the root of the problem.
If the cycle is not interrupted and if the cause of the pain is not found so that the appropriate treatment can be given, there will be recurrences and damage will accumulate which will eventually lead to failure of the spinal structures. If this happens, more extensive treatment may be needed, which goes as far as surgery on the waist,” says Physiotherapist – Chirotherapist Giorgos Kakavas, from Fysiotek Sports and Spine Lab.
Scientists from the Cleveland Clinic, USA, point out that with the immediate treatment of intervertebral disc herniation, 95% of hernia surgeries can be avoided. Studies have also shown that the sooner the patient begins physical therapy before the onset of pain, the faster they will recover. If, in other words, starting physical therapy within two weeks of the onset of pain is associated with better outcomes, even with a reduction in the need for spinal injections or operations.
Now in the summer and before leaving for vacation, it is an ideal time to do physical therapy for lower back pain. “Physiotherapy has strong analgesic properties and the modern global trend is to administer it as a first-line treatment, often before the start of medication, even from the first days of the pain crisis,” emphasizes Mr. Kakavas and continues: ” Furthermore, on holiday most people have (or want to have) more mobility (e.g. swimming, long country walks or cottage chores etc.), which is one of the most important things regarding waist health. If the pain is reduced and the mobility is improved before the holidays, during them the strengthening of the lower back and the improvement of its condition will continue.”
It is important, however, the physical therapy plan that the patient will follow. “Physical therapy is an effective treatment option for back pain, especially when it targets its cause,” emphasizes Mr. Kakavas, explaining that “with the modern machines and methods we have at our disposal, such as fysiotek, we can identify the cause of pain and to draw up the appropriate physical therapy program that will deal with it, so that the patient recovers faster and his daily life recovers its normal rhythms”.
Physical therapy can be beneficial for various types of lower back pain such as:
Non-specific low back pain: It is pain that is not due to a specific cause (eg an injury or disease). Most cases of low back pain are considered non-specific, as they are caused by sprains, malfunctions, injuries and/or strains to the muscles, ligaments and joints of the lumbar spine.
Sciatica: It is lower back pain that spreads to the hip and leg. It can be caused by a herniated disc, when a nerve is pressed by the herniated disc.
Lower back pain due to degenerative disc disease, i.e. natural wear and tear of the intervertebral discs due to age.
Low back pain due to spinal stenosis, i.e. a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord.
“Physiotherapy for low back pain aims to reduce pain and inflammation, restore muscle flexibility, joint mobility and spinal range of motion, and strengthen the muscles in the area. At the same time, it also aims to prevent future relapses and to control pain flare-ups. That is why it is so important to identify the root of the pain and start our intervention from there” concludes Mr. Kakavas.
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