Are you suffering from an achy lower back and x-ray\u2019s or MRI\u2019s have not shown any significant injuries, or have you been informed about \u201cdegenerative changes\u201d in your spine?<\/p>\n
Working as a physiotherapist, I deal with this sort of diagnosis daily, providing strategies and exercises that can help to reduce your pain; however, infectious or cancerous causes should be excluded by your physician. When we are dealing with non-specific back pain, though, physical repetitive work, sports or prolonged sitting ( > 1hr) can still lead to symptoms.<\/p>\n
Contact your doctor in case you experience worsening symptoms of incontinence, loss of strength in your limbs to the extent that you might drop items if you experience intense pain no matter how much resting or activity you did, or you are losing weight unexpectedly. (Vincent E. 2023)<\/p>\n
Our assessment will start with remembering when it all started – did it come on suddenly or gradually? What makes it better or worse?. Suffering from back pain for less than 3 months would classify it as (sub-)acute, while anything over 6 months belongs to the chronic category. The length of time you have been experiencing symptoms, the intensity, as well as your commitment to your rehab program, will all affect how fast you will see improvement. <\/p>\n
The BLACK BOX
\nTest yourself at home and see when your spine is least supported or has the most trouble controlling a movement (motor control). This step is often overlooked, hence one just starts random planking or back extension exercises at the gym. Without motor control, you will not be able to make use of the strong muscles because you still have not developed a \u201cfeel\u201d for the correct spine posture. Your lower back is just like a black box for your brain. There are not many cells devoted to this body part, whereas the finger or tongue has an abundance of nerve cells giving feedback to the brain or acting on its commands. The longer your back symptoms prolong, the worse your movement control will become. Consequently, it throws you into a vicious cycle, not being able to support your already aching back with your stabilizer muscles (Luomajoki, H., 2008).<\/p>\n
Watch this YouTube clip or click on this link to run through a 5 min test, have someone film you or bring your recording into our clinic: <\/p>\n