Lower back pain can be a periodic ache or a sudden sharp and incapacitating pain. Your back may feel stiff and you might get numbness, tingling or pain (sciatica) down the leg or into the foot.
The pain might get worse after
- Sitting at a desk for long periods
- Driving long distances
- Lifting awkwardly
- Activities like gardening and cleaning
Lower back pain often interferes with sleeping.
We find that people suffering from lower back pain often fear that they have done serious damage to their back. Lower back pain can be caused by a damaged disc (slipped disc), strained muscle, joint inflammation or ligament damage. Causes such as cancer and infection are not common, however if you have symptoms such as feeling unwell, losing weight, bowel or bladder disturbance then you should talk to your GP at once.
We find that most patients with lower back pain respond well to treatment.
What to Expect
We will discuss your medical history using your symptoms as the main indication of where the problem is likely to be. We will then check your posture and use our hands to locate any muscle knots or tender spots. If necessary we will suggest that X-ray, MRI or other diagnostic procedures be carried out.
Most lower back pain is the result of tight muscles and compressed joints. We can relieve these pressures to restore mobility by gentle manipulation of joints, tissues and muscles around the lower back.
We may discuss exercises and strategies of dealing with daily life necessary to prevent another episode.