Lower back pain

Lower back pain affects a large part of the population.

In fact, 60 to 80% of the population will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.

30 to 40% of people report pain lasting more than 24 hours once or more per month.

15 to 30% of people report daily pain.

Here are the most common lower back injuries:

1- Lumbar sprain

It is the most common of lower back injuries. It is caused by stretching or tearing of the muscles and/or ligaments of the back. It most often occurs as a result of a sudden movement (bending and twisting).

2- Facet syndrome

Facet syndrome is actually a problem located at the level of the facets of the vertebrae. Each vertebra has two pairs of facets, one articulating with the lower pair of the vertebra above and the other with the upper pair of the vertebra below. In order to bend and twist, the vertebrae must move on each other. If this is not the case, for example, in the presence of arthritis (inflammatory degeneration of the cartilage) or if there is repeated or abrupt movement causing irritation to the facets, movement between them is limited and pain may result.

3- Disc herniation

A disc herniation occurs when the nucleus (core) of the intervertebral disc (cushion between the vertebrae) leaks outside the fibrous ring of the disc. This leakage itself can be painful, but it can become even more so if the nucleus comes into contact with a nerve root. In such a case, the sciatic nerve may be affected, and the pain may radiate down the leg.

“RED FLAGS”

In the event that the hernia affects the spinal cord or the cauda equina, symptoms of incontinence, loss of sensation in the saddle area, and/or paralysis of the lower limbs may be present. These symptoms require urgent medical attention, and it is important to call 911 without hesitation.

4- Pregnancy-related lower back pain

A large majority of pregnant women experience lower back pain during and after pregnancy. There are several causes of pain, such as fatigue, weight gain, fetal position, but especially ligament laxity. This ligament laxity is largely caused by the adopted posture and by a hormone (relaxin) that serves to relax the pelvic ligaments, facilitating childbirth. Treatments In the first few days, stopping activities that increase pain and applying ice are recommended. It is also preferable to consult a professional, a doctor, or a physiotherapist, to determine if your condition has red flags (serious and important signs) requiring a thorough examination and urgent medical care. If not, your physiotherapist will subsequently develop a rehabilitation program that will help reduce muscle tension, inflammation, and the risk of recurrence by ensuring that your muscle strength and flexibility are worked on.

Here are the different approaches used at Physiothérapie Boisbriand to treat the majority of lower back injuries:

1- Education (Ice/heat, rest, posture and activities to avoid, home exercises…)

2- Manual therapy (muscle release, mobilization, manipulation…)

3- McKenzie approach (specific approach for disc herniation)

4- Rehabilitation/muscle strengthening/exercise