Non-specific low back pain… what is it and how can the team at Beyond help!?
What is non-specific low back pain?
Non-specific low back pain is defined as low back pain that is not caused by a recognisable, known pathology, such as an infection, tumour, osteoporosis, structural deformity, inflammatory diseases, radicular syndrome or cauda equina.1 Studies have shown that 80% of people will be affected by low back pain at some point in their lifetime.
Low back pain can be caused by many different causes; sustained poor postures, poor muscle strength and flexibility, poor pelvic stability and poor mobility, just to name a few.
How can the team at Beyond help?
- Our Osteopaths and Myotherapists
Our Osteos and Myos will take you through a thorough case history and examination to determine the cause of low back pain and the best course of treatment. We use a variety of different techniques, including soft tissues, stretching and manipulation (performed only by our Osteopaths), to treat the symptoms as well as get to the root course of your pain. We will then develop a management plan tailored to you, which may consist of specific exercises, education, lifestyle and occupational changes that may help MOVE THROUGH LIFE.
- Our Movement team
In conjunction with our Osteopaths and Myotherapists, our experienced movement team consisting of Pilates Instructors and Exercise Physiologists, will address any underlying issues that may be contributing to your low back pain. These may be related to poor muscle strength, poor movement patterns, tight muscles… the list is endless! We offer a range of different classes to help you get back on track and achieve your goals, pain free.
- Treatment aids
Sometimes we just need a bit of extra care love to get us back on track. The use of a spikey ball, lacrosse ball or foam roller can help reduce muscle tension and improve overall mobility of the body. Popping these under your glutes, hamstrings and hip flexors may help reduce muscle tightness and reduce their effect on the low back. A lumbar support may also help reduce low back pain in those who spend a lot of time seated at a desk. It aims to create a natural lumbar curve in the spine to improve posture, therefore reducing the pressure placed on the spine and surrounding muscles, joints, ligaments and fascia.
Why not check out our videos below for a couple of great spiky ball exercises to help release that muscle tension!
Seated Hamstring Release with Spiky Ball
https://www.youtube.com/embed/n9bkowSjajo
Psoas Release with Spiky Ball
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXAMhHu4xHM
Glute Release with Spiky Ball
https://www.youtube.com/embed/PiHhs86PltA
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare practitioner. The team at Beyond can’t wait to help you move through life!
1.Balagué, Federico, et al. “Non-specific low back pain.” The Lancet 379.9814 (2012): 482-491. Level of evidence 1A
