Low back pain can occur in any of the anatomical structures outlined below. It can occur as a result of incorrect posture/mechanics (joints not moving properly), wear and tear, compression, sprain (ligaments), strain/tightening (muscles) inflammation of the blood vessels/nerves, fractures (bone).
Structures of the lower back
The low back comprises of the Lumbar spine (L1 – L5 vertebrae) and the pelvis including the sacrum, ilia and coccyx, known as the tail bone.
Between each spinal vertebrae are fibrocartilage structures called Discs which allow slight movement and shock absorbancy. The bones are held together and stabilised by ligaments. The joints are further stabilised and moved by the muscles which are categorised into superficial, Intermediate and Deep muscles.
The brain, spinal cord and nerves collectively are known as The Nervous System which is protected by the spine and skull. The spinal cord is housed within the vertebral canal of the spine. From the cord, the nerves, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral, and 1 coccygeal exit, to provide an electrical communication network from the brain to the lower limb and the lower limb back to the brain.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis, therefore can be difficult without the appropriate training. As primary care physicians, each of our practitioners at Future Proof Care, are qualified to perform a thorough history and examination to gain the correct diagnosis of your low back pain.
History and Examination
When a patient comes to the Practice, they will be asked questions regarding their presentation. Thereafter an examination will be performed on your back as well as your neck, upper back, ribs, pelvis, muscles, legs, abdomen and posture to ensure the correct cause of the low back pain is established. Many mechanical, orthopaedic, neurological and muscle tests will be performed to establish a diagnosis with clinical clarity.
Conditions we have diagnosed and/or supported
Patients have presented to our Practice with low back pain from a range of causes. Irritation can result from overuse, trauma or impact, poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, instability, or sometimes pain of unknown reason. We have diagnosed and/or support patients with the conditions outline below:
- Lumbago
- Disc bulge / herniation
- Sciatica
- Nerve pain
- Hyperlordosis
- Muscular Strain
- Sacro-iliac dysfunction/sprain
- Poor Posture
- Lower cross syndrome
- Facet syndrome
- Sprains
- Mechanical dysfunction
- Coccydynia
- Sacroiliitis
- Scoliosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Fractures
- Spondylolisthesis
- Anterolisthesis
- Retrolisthesis
Some of the above conditions are referred for imaging or further testing to confirm the diagnosis. Patients are then, when appropriate, supported with treatment and educated on how to manage and rehabilitate their presentation.
How conditions present
Patients may describe their low back pain or symptoms as some of the expressions outlined below. Each description helps the practitioner towards a certain diagnosis. If you use any of these terms, book an appointment with one of our Practitioners at Future Proof Care, Kings Hill, West Malling.
- Unable to straighten up
- Unable to bend forward
- “Tight band across the low back”
- Sharp shooting pain
- “Tingling”
- “Need to rub it/press on it”
- Difficulty turning over in bed
- Painful going from sit to stand
- Numb or “deep ache”
- Catching or ” Pinching”
- Cant sit / walk / stand for too long
- “Feels like something pressing down”
- Weak – “Feels like it’s going to go”
Why Choose us?
Not all Chiropractors, Osteopaths or Physiotherapists treat low back pain both directly AND indirectly. They may focus more on the area of discomfort in isolation. At Future Proof Care, we treat the body as a whole, thereby getting better results quicker.
We first establish what your pain is and why you have it. The focus will then placed on how to get you back to function as quickly as possible. We are honest and act with integrity, keeping you, your goals and needs at the focus of our care
Don’t let your low back pain stop you from normal daily function. Our practitioners go beyond their training in Chiropractic and Osteopathy. We continually attend seminars and stay up to date with the latest research, sports injury and techniques, so our patients can get the best service.
