Written by Um’r Ismail
Edited by Paul Durand
Introduction
At PhysioXpert a lot of our patients present with some form of Lower Back Pain (LBP). LBP is a musculoskeletal disorder that contributes to the greatest degree of disability worldwide. About 84% of individuals are expected to suffer from LBP, ranging from the elderly to the young, even extending to the fit & active. Majority of people that experience an episode of LBP have great prognosis, in which the “flare up” is resolved within 6 - 12 weeks.
At PhysioXpert we ensure that during the course of this time, progress is made to improve pain, mobility , functional capacity and most importantly - giving you an understanding of the “Why’s” associated with LBP.
Low back pain sufferers may experience a variety of issues affecting their physical and psychological well being. Although most people who have LBP have low levels of impairment there is a high risk of a recurrence of LBP, which could place a heavy social burden on those around them and—more importantly—on themselves.
Can low back pain be prevented in a population that has had a previous episode?
• In 2016, a systematic review by Steffens et al. found exercise, when combined with education, was effective in reducing the risk of a future episode of low back pain. According to this study, other interventions were ineffective or lacked evidence.
• At PhysioXpert we base our treatments on the individual & clinical presentation. Covering an array of different modalities, we will judge what is best for you & your “flare up”
Treatment of LBP: effectiveness of aerobic activities like walking/running
• You have probably heard the recommendation to continue exercising even when experiencing a flare-up of low back pain. But may routine exercise like cycling, walking, jogging, or swimming aid in the relief of low back pain? When Pocovi et al. (2021) looked into this, they discovered that other interventions, such as stabilization exercises, physiotherapy, and general exercise, were more effective at reducing pain intensity than running or walking in the short- and medium-terms and long-term. At PhysioXpert we advise patients regarding aerobic exercises after an in depth assessment.
What about invasive treatment options?
At PhysioXpert we frequently asked by our LBP patients if surgery may be beneficial. One of the most popular treatments for degenerative disc degeneration in the lumbar spine is lumbar fusion. In terms of pain and disability at either short or long term follow-up, the meta-analysis by Xu et al. (2020) found that fusion surgery in individuals with degenerative disc disease was no better than nonoperative treatment. Depending on you clinical presentation & prognosis , we at PhysioXpert will always let you know when it’s time for an surgical opinion.
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