What is persistent non-specific low back pain?
Persistent low back pain is when the pain has lasted for longer than six weeks. Non-specific refers to the pain triggered by arthritis, infection or sciatica. This usually indicates that it may not be possible to find a specific area of pain. Imaging is not required to identify what is causing the pain or managing your condition.
What causes persistent non-specific low back pain?
Persistent low back pain is when the pain has lasted for longer than six weeks. Non-specific refers to pain that is not attributed to a recognizable cause, known pathology (arthritis, infection, osteoporosis, spine fracture, structural deformity, inflammatory disorder or sciatica). This usually indicates that it may not be possible to find a specific area of pain.
How can an Exercise Physiologist help with persistent non-specific low back pain?
- Graded Exercise Therapy – It’s really important to start exercise at a pain-free level and gradually progress from there. This will allow your body to regain confidence in moving, decrease pain, improve strength, improve flexibility and return to the activities you were doing before. Through improving your strength, endurance and flexibility, you will also improve the physical capacity of your spine.
- Pain Education – Pain is very complex and is influenced by a wide range of factors. These factors include; emotional state, sleep, perceptions of your body, fear of movement, avoidance of movement and pain behaviours E.g; excessive focus on your back, holding your breath and moving rigidly. It’s really important to work towards understanding the complexity of pain, as an understanding of the influences has been shown to decrease the pain experienced and promote recovery.
How long will my recovery be?
It is common that people can recover in 12 months (one in two people). People that experience on-going pain usually have relatively low pain or disability. People who suffer for longer than the approximate recovery time may see a pain clinic to help them further.
If you would like to find out more please call us or book an appointment here.