Exercise therapy for low back pain aims to recover from low back pain, improve function & minimize future problems

Low back pain is something that most individuals have experienced at least once in their life. There can be many different reasons or causes for your back pain. And the good news is, exercise therapy for low back pain is a conservative treatment for most types of low back pain. Read this article if you have low back pain or chronic low back pain. Please read if you have recently gone for low back surgery or still preparing to go for low back surgery.

When to see a Biokineticist to help with your low back pain?

Biokineticist are first line practitioners, so you do not need a referral to see a biokineticist. Book an appointment if you have back pain and would like to receive conservative treatment in the form of exercise therapy. You are welcome to book an appointment with our Biokineticist by choosing one of our contact methods by clicking here.

Many individuals have already seen a doctor which prescribed physiotherapy or other conservative treatment. If you are this person and still struggle with low back pain, you are welcome to book an appointment with us. If you have already done scans and other therapy but still have back pain, you are welcome to book an appointment with us. Maybe you are an athlete or live a very active lifestyle but your back pain is getting the best of you. Let us help you. If you are still unsure if we can assist you, please contact us and speak to one of our biokineticists.

Possible causes of low back pain

• General weakness in and around the low back, hip or abdominal area
• Prolonged sitting or standing postures specifically at work
• Overactive muscles due to poor dynamic postures
• Trauma to the low back i.e. car accidents, fall etc
• Pathology specifically relating to the low back which may include:
  • Herniated/bulging disc
  • Pinched nerve
  • Stenosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • General degeneration

Treatment options

There are many options regarding pain relief for the low back. The two main categories are conservative and surgical. Exercise therapy fall into the conservative treatment.  So why choose exercise therapy?

Exercise therapy is a conservative and non-surgical treatment option. Less invasive, less cost and less risk. The main goals of exercise therapy are to decrease back pain and increase function. Additionally, to show patients a maintenance program to prevent future back problems.

Many individuals with low back pain feel they have to minimize movement or activities to reduce their pain. But, this is possibly not the best thing to do. Your back will get stiffer and weaker the longer you limit movement and activities. Most patients are advised to try exercise therapy for a consistent amount of time. Atleast prior to considering low back surgery or other more aggressive treatments. These methods should only be considered after conservative treatment was completed and if not successful.

Exercise therapy is an active form of physical therapy, which focusses on specific patient education, low back exercises and stretches. Additionally, we teach the patient what exercises to do and which ones to avoid. Which depends on their individual circumstances and condition. Exercise therapy is not a passive treatment for example applying heat, ice, dry needling or massage.

The importance of exercise therapy

Our low back and the stability provided to the lumbar region comes mainly from the supporting structures. This includes muscles, ligaments and tendons surrounding the spine. The muscles surrounding the hip, pelvis and lumbar area in the front of the body provide stabilizing support by creating pressure in the front of the spine. The muscles surrounding the hip, pelvis and lumbar area at the back of the body provide stabilizing support by creating pressure at the back of the spine.

If our spine and low back area are surrounded by these structures, it is easy to understand that the stronger these specific muscles are, the less stress is placed on the spine, vertebral discs and joints attaching to the spine. The spine cannot function at optimal levels with weak muscles which provide no stability. When the spine has less stability, there is more movement that occurs and with more movement in the spine comes more risk for pinching nerves, bulging discs and a painful back.

Exercise Therapy Before and After Low Back Surgery

Research supports the great benefits of exercise therapy for low back pain both before and after low back surgery. Some of the many benefits include shorter recovery time after surgery and greater functionality. Beyond the benefits of exercise therapy for low back pain, exercise therapy is considered vital for long-term management of low back pain. Exercise therapists provide a support system of supervision and monitoring during the exercise therapy period. The therapist also assists with adherence to the prescribed exercise therapy and follow through for long-term management which will reduce the risk for future problems.

Once the first stage of exercise therapy is completed and the patient is stronger, a long-term management exercise therapy program is prescribed. Patients who continue to follow a prescribed exercise therapy program are often the most successful in managing their low back pain.