Low Back Pain Explained

Written by Osteopath Georgia Hutchinson

Acute to Chronic Low Back Pain

Low back pain, acute or chronic, is one of the most common complaints among adults, affecting their quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. In Australia, the prevalence and impact of low back pain are significant, making it a major public health concern.

What is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain refers to discomfort or pain experienced in the lower back region, which can range from a dull ache to a sharp, stabbing sensation. It can be classified into three types:

Acute Low Back Pain: Lasts for days to six weeks.
Sub-acute Low Back Pain: Persists for six weeks to three months.
Chronic Low Back Pain: Continues for more than three months.

Causes of Low Back Pain

Low back pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

Muscle or ligament strain: Often due to heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements. We commonly see patients present after lifting something awkward or lifting something heavy with a twist.
Herniated discs: When the discs between vertebrae become compressed and bulge out. Some people may feel pain, numbness or tingling down their leg, however many disc injuries don’t cause these symptoms.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or wear and tear can affect the lower back, leading to pain and stiffness.
Skeletal malformations: Conditions like scoliosis can contribute to back pain.

Chronic Low Back Pain

Chronic low back pain persists beyond the typical healing period and can have a profound impact on an individual's life. It is often more complex to treat and can be associated with psychological factors such as depression and anxiety. Chronic pain can lead to decreased mobility, which in turn can also impact lifestyle factors such as: physical activity levels, mental, social and behavioral health and wellbeing.

Low Back Pain Statistics in Australia

Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide, and Australia is no exception. Here are some key statistics that highlight the extent of this issue:

Prevalence: Approximately 16% of Australians report having chronic low back pain. This translates to around 4 million people.
Impact on Quality of Life: Low back pain is the leading cause of years lived with disability (YLD) in Australia.
Economic Burden: In 2020-2021 an estimated 3.4 billion dollars was attributed to back problems across Australia.
Workplace Impact: Low back pain accounts for a significant proportion of workers' compensation claims, leading to substantial time off work and decreased productivity and socialsing.

Management and Treatment of Low Back Pain

Managing low back pain involves a multifactorial approach, tailored to the individual's needs. Here are some effective strategies:

Exercise and Movement: Regular physical activity and targeted exercises can help strengthen the muscles supporting the lower back and improve mobility.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as osteopathy, can provide relief by addressing musculoskeletal imbalances and promoting health.
Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers. If you believe you need further prescription medications seek care from your GP.
Education and Self-care: Understanding the condition and learning self-care techniques, such as proper ergonomics and body mechanics, can prevent exacerbation of symptoms.
Alternative Therapies: Techniques such as acupuncture, needling, and cupping can provide additional pain relief and promote healing. Naturopathy and other alternative therapies may also provide relief.

The Role of Osteopathy in Managing Chronic Low Back Pain

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that emphasises the inter-relationship between the body's structure and function. Osteopaths may use a variety of hands-on techniques to improve range of motion, ease of movement, alleviate pain, and enhance the body's natural healing processes. Here’s how osteopathy can impact and improve chronic low back pain:

Individualised Assessment: Osteopaths conduct a thorough assessment to identify the root causes of low back pain, considering factors like trauma, muscle tension and lifestyle factors.
Manual Therapy: Techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilisation, and muscle energy techniques may help relieve tension, improve mobility, and reduce pain.
Education and Advice: Osteopaths may provide patients with education on chronic pain and management strategies or exercises to prevent recurrence and manage symptoms effectively.
Support for Self-management: Osteopaths empower patients with the knowledge and tools needed to take an active role in their recovery and long-term health.

Low back pain is a prevalent and challenging condition that affects millions of Australians. Understanding the nature of both acute and chronic low back pain is essential for effective management. By incorporating a holistic approach that includes physical activity, manual therapy and pain management individuals can significantly improve their quality of life and reduce the burden of low back pain.

Osteopathy, with its comprehensive and individualised approach, plays a crucial role in managing chronic low back pain. By addressing the root causes of pain and providing individual tailored treatment plans, osteopathy may help to alleviate your pain, improve your function, and enhance your overall well-being.

For those experiencing persistent low back pain, consulting with a healthcare professional, such as an osteopath may provide the relief you’ve been seeking.

If you need support with low back pain, give us a call on 0425 876 929. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with Georgia below!

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