Spinal Health Week: Why am I getting back pain?

Our team of physios in Richmond are seeing an increase in back pain presentations since the COVID lockdown!

Spinal Health Week raises awareness for the importance of spinal health, which can have a huge impact on improving our overall health and wellbeing. At some point in your life it’s likely you will experience back pain.

Let’s talk about the Spine

An interconnected system of bones, nerves, muscles, tendons and ligaments – your spine is central in how the body operates. With 31 segments, your head at the top, your pelvis at the bottom, the spine is immensely pivotal in normal human functioning. It is involved in everything we do! This week is Spinal Health week and we would like to share with you what we are currently seeing in our clinic and how we can best help you to optimise the functioning of your spine and in turn help to improve your overall health!

The spine continues to be a major cause of grief for individuals. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports the following:

• Over 4 million people reported significant back problems in 2017-2018
• Back problems are the 2nd leading cause of disease burden in Australia
• 86% of the population will experience pain at least once per week.

During this unprecedented time of COVID, self isolation and social distancing, we have seen varied presentations of spinal pain.

These include:

• postural related injuries

• osteoarthritis flare-ups,

• disc degeneration,

• neural compromise

• and many more…

What can cause back pain?

There are so many factors that contribute to these presentations. Age, physical fitness, weight, type of work are a short list of things that can influence an individual’s spinal pain. What we see clinically is that most people who present with spine-related pain have a significant inability to function. Whether it is getting a good night sleep, applying themselves to work or study, exercising or simply doing daily chores, spinal related problems have a significant effect on our day to day lives.

A little insider tip for you – your spine is a robust structure of your body. If you really think about it, if it is involved in everything we do then surely it is built to withstand quite a bit of stress. The key is figuring out what we need to do to build this robustness. To put it simply we may need to work on one (or a combination of the following):

• How can we get you managing your pain better so your day to day activities are not severely affected?
• Can we get you moving better so you can actually do the things you want to do?
• Do you have enough strength and stability in key muscles and joints so that your movements are optimal and not placing too much strain on your spine.

Whether it is one on one physiotherapy, group rehab sessions incorporating clinical pilates or strength and conditioning principles, we are here to support your overall spinal health and ensure you can continue to function to the best of your ability. If you are experiencing back pain and you think it’s your spine, book in to see one of our team members here

KP is the Head Physio at Harlequins Rugby Club, Scotch College Rugby and the Physiotherapist for the Melbourne Rebels Under 18’s.

KP treats a wide range of conditions and is incredibly passionate about helping people understand why they are experiencing pain and how to overcome it.

KP has a special interest in tendon conditions.

In his spare time KP enjoys coaching basketball!

Cricket Back Pain - Spondylosis

Written by: KP

While many appreciate the skill set required to excel in cricket, a lot of people are not aware of the physical tolls the game has on its players - up to 65% of young players complain of back pain!!

In this population Pars defects (stress fracture of the bones of the lower spine) or spondylosis (a type of arthritis spurred by wear and tear to the spine) is reported in up to 30% of players and this can be quite debilitating. Like most back related injuries there is a massive cost paid in not just the enjoyment of playing the game you love but also including time off work and the financial burden that can follow. 

How this occurs?

Similar to diving, gymnastics and sailing, cricket involves repetitive flexion and extension (+/- side flexion and rotation) patterns that place stress on the pars interarticularis (segment of bone that joins the facet joints in the back of the spine).

When to suspect a spondylolysis in an athlete?

 Unilateral lower back coming on with repeated flexion/extension activities
 Pain aggravated by lumbar extension
 Improved symptoms with rest
+/- radiculopathy (nerve pain into the leg)

How do you best explain what is happening?

The space between the joints in your lower back has come under increased stress and isn’t coping at this moment in time. It is important to understand what is causing this stress and address the underlying problems so you can return back to your chosen activity.

How do physiotherapists treat this condition?

 Activity modification – modifying the duration, intensity and frequency of their sport can assist in managing symptoms immensely
 Education – activity modification, nature of the injury, favourable prognosis and overall encouragement to continue moving!

 Exercise – strengthening to focus on pelvic stability, lumbar strength and global stability

If you would like to book in to see one of our physiotherapists to get your back pain assessed and receive an individualised strengthening program for the rest of the season book online at our bridge road clinic.