"I bent over to pick up an object and now my lower back is in so much pain.” This is a common
Julie Cai
November 15, 2022
"I bent over to pick up an object and now my lower back is in so much pain.”
This is a common complaint that presents at our Chiro & Physio clinic in Marrickville. Individuals often report moderate to severe low back pain after a relatively minor movement, such as bending over to pick up a light object from the floor. There are multiple causes of low back pain, however this minor incident more often indicates fatigue or lack of control of the lumbo-pelvic region, rather than tissue overload. Individuals with chronic low back pain may also suffer acute exacerbations that may become more frequent and require less to initiate over time.
The pain usually presents in the lower back area, and could be either one-sided, both sides and/or central to the spine. It can also refer to the glutes, hamstrings, or lower leg, and feel like a deep-seated ache. If it is sharp and lancinating in nature, and radiates as a narrow band down the leg, it may be radicular pain which is associated with nerve root irritation. This is commonly seen as a result of intervertebral disc prolapse or a disc bulge.
Often individuals with this acute, sudden onset of lower back pain may adopt a fixed position as a way of guarding the pain, and have severely restricted movement in all directions. The muscles around the lower back may also be tender to touch, with associated muscle spasm.
Physio & Chiro combined with rehabilitation are effective modalities for treating low back pain (Paige, 2017 & Wembeke et. al 2019) . After your Physio and Chiro has ruled out red flags, such as cauda equina, fragility fractures and cancer, treatment can start. Initial stages of treatment are targeted at pain relief, which may include releasing muscle spasm through massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, taping, acupuncture and appropriate joint mobilisation or adjustment. Further stages then involve assessing contributing factors, such as lumbopelvic control and strength, pelvic alignment or dysfunctions coming from another region of the body.
In the meantime, self-management strategies such as avoiding aggravating movements, adopting the position of greatest comfort, analgesics and certain stretches can also aid in recovery.
Our Physio & Chiro at our Allied Health Clinic situated in Sydney's Inner West are highly experienced in treating this condition in all types of individuals, including tradies, athletes, pregnant women, parents who have bent over to pick their kid's toys, office workers or anyone in the general population. If you have any further questions about how we can help with your low back pain, head over to our Contact Us page, or book in now to make an appointment.
Podiatry is a branch of medicine that deals with diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and lower limbs. A podiatrist (also known as a chiropodist) is a healthcare professional who specialises in this field. Podiatry is a relatively new branch of medicine, only emerging as a distinct profession in the early 20th century. However, the field has grown rapidly in recent years, owing to increasing awareness of the importance of foot health. Today, podiatrists play an important role in keeping people mobile and active. They often treat conditions such as bunions, heel pain, ingrown toenails and Achilles tendonitis. In addition, they can provide advice on footwear and foot care for people with diabetes or other medical conditions that put them at risk of foot problems.
Dry needling is a type of therapy that involves inserting thin needles into the skin and muscles. The needles are usually made of stainless steel and are very thin, so they cause minimal pain when inserted. However, some people report feeling a brief, sharp pain when the needle enters the skin. There are several theories as to why dry needling causes this pain. One theory is that the needles stimulate nerve endings in the skin and muscles, which triggers a pain response. Another theory is that dry needling causes a release of chemicals called cytokines, which can increase pain sensitivity. It’s important to note that while dry needling may cause some discomfort, it is generally not considered painful. Many people find relief from their chronic pain after undergoing dry needling therapy.
A syndesmosis injury is a serious condition that can occur when the bones in the ankle joint are not properly aligned. This can happen when the foot is planted awkwardly, or the ankle is twisted. If not treated properly, a syndesmosis injury can lead to long-term problems. There are two main types of syndesmosis injuries: anterolateral and posterior. Anterolateral injuries are more common when the foot is planted awkwardly on an uneven surface. Posterior injuries are less common and occur when the ankle is twisted. If you think you have a syndesmosis injury, it is important to see a doctor right away. Treatment will vary depending on the severity of the injury but may include rest, ice, elevation, and immobilization. Surgery may also be necessary in some cases.
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