Physiotherapy for Spinal Pain
Physiotherapy, or physical therapy, is a non-surgical approach for managing musculoskeletal conditions, including back, leg, neck and arm pain caused by spinal conditions. It involves assessment, diagnosis, education and treatment of physical impairments and functional limitations to promote pain relief, restore mobility, and improve overall physical well-being.
Here are some key aspects of physiotherapy for back pain:
- Assessment: The physiotherapist will thoroughly evaluate your condition, identify the underlying causes of your back pain, and understand how it affects your daily activities. This assessment may include a medical history review, physical examination, , and review of pertinent imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI scans.
- Treatment Techniques: Physiotherapy treatment techniques for back pain can vary depending on the individual's condition, symptoms, and goals. Common approaches may include:
- Education and advice
- Active-based therapeutic exercises focused on the correction of posture and strengthening the muscles that maintain correct posture.
- Occasionally, other treatments such as manual therapy and acupuncture may provide brief symptomatic relief but these should not be the mainstay of treatment.
- Rehabilitation: Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process, whether recovering from an acute back/neck injury, managing a chronic condition, or preparing for or recovering from surgery. The physiotherapist will design a customised rehabilitation program to optimise function, reduce pain, and promote a safe return to daily activities or sports.
- Prevention: Physiotherapists also focus on preventing future back/neck pain or injury by teaching individuals exercises, postural correction, and movement strategies to maintain a healthy spine and prevent the recurrence of pain.
The specific duration and frequency of physiotherapy sessions will depend on the individual's condition and progress. Physiotherapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment for back pain and can effectively reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall well-being.
Like any area, most generalist physiotherapists can offer a broad-brush approach to the management of back injuries, however, with increased specialisation comes increased knowledge and skill.
If you have a serious back or neck conditions affecting your work, recreational or social activities Dr Beer suggests seeking out the help of a physiotherapist who specialises in the treatment of spinal conditions.
He works closely with the team at
Physio Next Door who provide early assessment as well as non-operative conservative management, pre-habilitation and post-operative rehabilitation for the majority of his patients.
