Chronic low back pain or CLBP is associated with neurochemical, structural, and functional cortical changes of several brain regions including the somatosensory cortex. Complex processes of peripheral and central sensitisation may have an impact on the development of acute to chronic pain. To put it simply, CLBP is an unexplained pain in the lower back that persists for more than 12 weeks.
Who is at a higher risk of developing CLBP?
This condition is found more in women (70.3 per 1000 population) than men (57.4 per 1000 population) and elderly who are at a higher risk of experiencing chronic back pain. Factors like old age, previous back pain problems, accidents that have caused the condition to occur and psychosocial disorders were factors that affect the recovery.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain and discomfort in the gluteal (buttock) region. One can experience pain in the centre, on either of the sides or both sides of the lower back which may or may not cause pain in the buttocks, hamstrings, or calf.
- A sharp radicular pain travelling down the leg due to nerve root irritation).
- Palpation of the lumbar spine may result in tenderness with frequent muscle spasms.
- Pain may be aggravated by bending, arching back, rotating or combined lower back movements.
How can physiotherapy help?
Physiotherapy assesses the severity of the problem and designs a personalised treatment plan that includes a specific exercise regime that will aid in reducing the pain and improve motor function.
PhysioExperts designs an Individual exercise program, after a careful physical examination and understanding the patient’s clinical history. We deliver a customised exercise program specifically designed to cure the patient’s chronic lower back pain. We only provide supervised exercise programs that include home exercises, supervised training with regular therapist follow-ups.
We encourage the patient to increase the intensity of the exercise based on the severity of the patient’s condition. Stretching and muscle-strengthening exercises were the best types of exercises for improving pain and function.
How long does it take to recover?
In normal cases, patients with back pain recover in 6 weeks and worst cases, it may go up to 12 weeks. It is very important to understand that the recovery phase after the 12th week is slow and uncertain.
In conclusion, chronic low back pain is a slower recovery process. However, with the proper care and following the exercise program diligently can help you to get back to an active life faster. PhysioExperts always strives to move you to better health.
