Do you have lower back pain? Is it preventing you from doing the things you love? Let us help you with the following pro tips for getting your back pain under control. At least 4 out of 5 people will experience low back pain at some stage in their lifetime – it’s pretty common! If you have low back pain currently, and you want to take the first steps to work through it, let’s get started.
First of all, STOP!
Do you have any of the following symptoms?
Unexplained weight loss
Fever
Major trauma to your low back
Pain radiating down your legs
Pins and needles or loss of sensation in your legs
Loss of control of your bladder or bowel recently?
These signs, where low back pain is present, indicate something more serious may be underlying your pain. You should see your healthcare professional immediately, especially if these are recently worsening.
The best current literature available for low back pain advocates for the following:
1. Avoid bed rest – maintain your normal activities where you are able. Low back pain without the symptoms previously mentioned above is not a serious illness and has good prognosis. The pain you are feeling is likely not correlated with physical damage to your back, it is just sensitive to a few positions. That means you can go about your daily activities where you are able with the confidence you are helping your recovery!
2. Basic pain relief – the guidelines recommend simple anti-inflammatories (ie; ibuprofen, Nurofen, Voltaren) to be most effective, with the knowledge that for some people they can cause an upset stomach or other side effects. Take these as per the indication on the packet if needed, and see your pharmacist or doctor if you need further guidance or are concerned about using them.
3. Exercises – although there is a great discrepancy as to what form of exercise is best, the guidelines indicate that exercise is useful for the resolution of low back pain. These can either be done in the form of the normal daily exercise classes that you enjoy, a simple walk outside for 15-20 minutes, or get in touch if you would like to hear about some of our favourites. Note: Don’t feel as though you need to flare your back pain up doing these; the emphasis is on comfortable movement – just do what you can.
Please note: Imaging (ie; X-ray, MRI, etc) is recommended against the guidelines for low back pain without the symptoms mentioned above. However, if symptoms persist or worsen this may be useful.
We hope this information and the above steps help to get your low back pain under control. If you have any ongoing struggles or would like to get more advice on how to properly rehabilitate your low back and how to prevent injuries from happening in future, please get in touch and have a chat with one of our Physiotherapists! We’d be happy to get you back on track.
Book a telehealth consultation for services during the covid19 lockdown
We will be offering clinical services via telehealth for both existing bookings and new patients/injuries. We will be in touch if you have an appointment booked. Stay safe.
How does an online appointment work using telehealth?
We are now utilising specialist rehabilitation software called telehealth so we can continue to work with you remotely, to achieve the best possible outcomes for your health and well-being. Connecting via telephone or video chat is a breeze. If you have any questions or need help we can easily talk to you about this process prior to your appointment. It is a very simple way to keep on top of your injury management. It is an exciting new way for us to work together and support you.
How does it work?
1. Book an appointment: First, you need to book an appointment with us just like a normal appointment you can call, email or book online
2. We send you a link to connect with us. The day before your appointment we will send you a text reminder and an email with a link to telehealth services (ensure you check your junk mail). Click the link at your appointment time and your clinician will be there to discuss your needs. If you are using your mobile or tablet you can download these apps ahead of your appointment for better interaction with your clinician – https://www.physiapp.com
3. We chat online, just like we would in person: We can share tailored exercise videos, set goals and routine alerts, discuss your injury and management plan and recommend ways you can utilise everyday items at home to keep you moving and progressing in a positive direction. Watch this video to see how a Telehealth Appointment works
What services can we continue to provide?
Private and ACC Physiotherapy, Initial and Follow-up consultations.
We acknowledge the very difficult circumstances for all New Zealanders at the moment and wish to offer prices reflective of that for the Alert Level 4 period.
Our team has worked hard to provide a package of care that will continue to serve the Active Health community. Our mission statement and commitment to you as always is to provide quality holistic health care in a supportive, professional, fun and successful environment.
Find a time that suits you now – and we will reach out with everything you need to connect with us at that time.
Active Health Specialises in Vocational Rehabilitation Support. We have teams in Christchurch and the Waikato who are able to work with you and your employer to support a safe and sustainable return to your pre-injury work role.
VIDEO
ACC’s Vocational Rehabilitation Service is available to you if you are off work on weekly compensation and can refer you for this free service if you meet their criteria.
Through this service we are able to provide:
· Functional Strengthening Physiotherapy programmes at our many clinics.
· Return to work programmes that work for you and your employer
· Workplace monitoring
· Support with medical certification and specialist referrals.
Get in touch with us to discuss your situation and we can help you navigate the process.
Recent Comments