Recognising Lower Back Pain & When It Should Be Addressed

During the course of our lives, around 90% of us will experience some form of lower back pain, in around 50% of those cases the pain often subsides after 2 weeks and for 80% of reported cases of lower back pain, the pain has been said to subside after 6 weeks. Contrasting that, one in five adults will develop what is known as “chronic back pain”, this is the kind of lower back pain, that is stated by medical practitioners, to last longer than 12 weeks.

Starting a new exercise program, gardening, shovelling, heavy lifting, bad posture, being overactive and even being inactive are just some of the reasons why people may experience lower back pain. Generally, lower back pain caused by these factors often heal on their own and may need the use of an ice or heat pack to aid the process. Lower back pain can also be caused by sciatica, arthritis, a herniated or bulging disc and in more severe cases can be caused by fracture, infection or cancer.

With so many contrasting causes and symptoms it is important to know when to visit a professional. It is recommended that you seek medical attention if:

  • Your back pain does not lessen in a few weeks or gets worse
  • You are also experiencing chills or fever
  • You have weakness, tingling and numbness in your hands, arms, down your leg or in your groin
  • You have swelling
  • You are losing control of your bladder or bowel
  • The pain is interfering with your everyday activities
  • The pain is preventing you from work

At Enfield Osteopathic Clinic, we offer a free consultation to determine the severity of lower back pain and its cause. Our practitioners will take you through a non-invasive conventional examination that will assess posture, structural state, range of motion in the joints and if movement is restricted. Your osteopath will ask how the symptoms began and any factors that are affecting the pain. During your consultation, your osteopath will also check the condition of patients’ connective tissue, soft tissue, muscles and ligaments to identify if they are under stress. Your osteopath may also request further information from your doctor such as x-rays, urine samples or blood tests where necessary. Ultimately, a clear diagnosis will be reached and a plan of action will be put into place of the steps you will need to take on your path to recovery.

Each individual’s case is unique so identifying the cause of lower back pain is not a “one size fits all” scenario. The main points to remember is what you should pay attention to when experiencing pain and recognising when is the right time to speak to a professional. Don’t hesitate to give us a call or book in your complimentary consultation via our website.

Leave a reply