Most of us think that only those who suffer from muscular or bone-related problems can see a physiotherapist. This is absolutely not true. Physiotherapy is a treatment that helps individuals affected by injuries, long-term conditions or disabilities using mechanical force.
Sometimes the patients are asked to use their own strength to cure their conditions. Physiotherapy makes use of exercises, muscle stretches, traction, hot and cold applications, wax bath, paraffin bath, electrical stimulation and many such therapies to treat patients.
Physiotherapy is one of the beneficial forms of treatment adopted for gaining relief from lower back pain. If you seek help from a physiotherapist immediately, the treatment becomes extremely effective. The longer your symptoms linger, the harder it becomes to treat.
Causes of back pain
Lower back pain is a very common thing that 8 out of 10 people experience it at some point in their lives. The most common causes of lower back pain include muscle sprains or strains due to poor body mechanics, bad lifestyle, damaged disc, sitting posture, spondylolisthesis, lifting heavy objects and frequent forward bending.
Mostly, people who work in an environment that requires sitting for a longer duration come across mechanical back pain issues.
Back pain is often seen as a common condition in older adults. Women are also vulnerable to back pain both during menstruation and pregnancy.
Why choose physiotherapy treatment for back pain?
For symptoms related to back pain, be it upper, middle, or lower, physiotherapy is considered as one of the best treatments. A professionally trained physiotherapist can help you identify the root cause of your issue through standardized assessment.
He will also advise you on the ways to correct your posture, track your progress, and plan the best treatment based on mutually agreed goals to help you get back on your feet in no time.
Physiotherapy treatment for back pain encompasses back stretching, back strengthening exercises, lifestyle corrections, manual therapy and a combination of other techniques for long-term relief.
Read : Exercises to Relieve Neck Pain
Physiotherapy treatment and stretches for lower back pain
Physiotherapy proves to be the best in treating back pains when compared to surgery or other options like painkillers or pain relief sprays. Given below are three easy physiotherapy exercises and stretches to relieve back pain. You can do it thrice a day. Talk to a doctor before doing these exercises.
- Cobra stretch
Cobra stretch helps relieve lower back pain that originates in the spinal column. It gently stretches and strengthens your spine, particularly in the pelvic area.
Begin this exercise by lying face down on the floor. Keep your hands on either side of your chest and place your feet hip-width apart. Press your hands into the ground. Slowly lift your chest and upper body.
After that, roll your shoulders back. Then elongate your neck, ensuring that your ears are lifted away from the shoulders. Inhale and hold on to this position for a few seconds. Exhale and come back to the original position. Repeat the stretch.
- Bridges
Bridges prove to be a beneficial exercise if you wish to strengthen your lower back. To perform this, lie down on your back with your knees bent. Keep your outstretched arms by your side. After that, lift your hips off the floor.
Keep your body from top to bottom (head to feet) in a straight line. Stay in this position for a few seconds and then come back to your initial position. Repeat.
Apart from strengthening your back and relieving lower back pain, this exercise is also suitable for people who have hip or knee concerns.
- Child’s pose
Child’s pose is a simple exercise and is ideal for people with sensitive backs. It helps to relieve your lower back pain by elongating the spine. It stretches the lower back muscles as you lean in the forward direction.
To begin this, kneel to the ground. Ensure that your knees are in line with the hips and wrists are in line with your shoulders. Then, start pressing your hips and sit on your heels. If you feel any discomfort in your knees, you can use a pillow to relieve the tension.
Lean forward with your hands extended before you. Make sure that your forehead is touching the floor and chest is resting on the thighs. If your forehead does not touch the floor, you can rest it on a cushion. Inhale and stay in that position for a few seconds. Exhale. Repeat
If you have been suffering from severe back pain since days, it’s high time to consult a specialized doctor. After assessing your condition, the doctor will give you a treatment plan and recommend various tips that will help you recover faster and eliminate back pain.
If you are too sick to go to a hospital and visit the doctor, you can consult a doctor online.
