Is your back sore after shovelling all this snow? ❄️
You aren’t the only one! We have been seeing a lot of people with low back pain in the clinic lately – winter can be a difficult time for those with low back injuries. Here’s what you need to know about back pain:
- Low back pain is common. The World Health Organization lists low back pain as the leading cause of disability worldwide – most individuals will experience low back pain at some point in their life, with it occurring more commonly in your 40’s and 50’s.
- Low back pain is not forever. In the majority of individuals, an episode of low back is mostly resolved within 6 weeks with appropriate rest and gradual return to activity.
- Sometimes, it just happens. Most episodes of low back pain have no known cause – meaning there is no known tissue damage or disease to explain the onset of pain – but it has been linked to low physical activity levels, high levels of stress, and smoking.
- The evidence is clear – physiotherapy can help! This includes the use of:
- Education regarding modifying your activities, pacing yourself, and gradually increasing your physical activity
- Therapeutic exercises specific to your pain and limitations.
- Manual therapy and therapeutic modalities to assist with short term pain management in those with acute low back pain. Please reach out if you are struggling with ongoing back pain!