Lower back pain (LBP)
Low back pain (LBP) is a common problem that most people experience at some point in their life and is the leading cause of activity limitation and absent days from work throughout the world (Hoy et al., 2010). Overall prevalence of LBP increases with age and can be associated with stress, anxiety, workplace injury, and manual handling, (Hoy et al., 2010). Research shows that LBP can be caused by several factors related to bones, discs, joints, muscles, and neural tissue (Hoy et al., 2010).
Approximately 15% of LBP can be attributed to a specific cause such as an osteoporotic fracture. For the remaining 85% of cases, the cause of LBP is unknown (Gordan & Bloxham, 2016). For those with an unknown cause of LBP, proper assessment and evaluation by an exercise physiologist is vital in ensuring your rehabilitation is handled correctly and suited to your specific needs.
EXERCISE & LOWER BACK PAIN
There can be no specific type of exercise that will be most beneficial for those with LBP. However, the evidence suggests that all exercise types are effective provided they are in line with the individuals exercise preferences and abilities (Foster et al., 2018). Research shows for those with non-specific LBP, early mobilisation is a clear choice for treatment with the aim to reduce pain, reduce likelihood of permanent disability and restore working/living capabilities (Illés, 2015). Remaining active has been found to be the first line treatment for both acute and chronic LBP.
Physical activity can be beneficial for those with LBP as movement can increase blood flow and nutrients to the soft tissues of the back and provide improved capacity for healing and reducing stiffness felt in the low back (Gordan & Bloxham, 2016). Further benefits of physical activity include the uptake in the body’s production of endorphins which can have a similar effect to pain reducing drugs and thus decrease the brain and spinal cords perception of pain. Exercise, therefore, can provide a natural alternative to pain relief for the body and reduce LBP (Gordan & Bloxham, 2016).
THE ROLE OF AN EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST
Exercise physiologists can design and implement exercise programs that consider an individual’s specific needs, personal preferences, goals, and capabilities, which means a tailored program specific to your needs with the aim of returning you to previous function as soon as possible. A targeted exercise program will help to restore function whilst decreasing further injury risk.
Content Written by Jarrad Forlonge (Charles Sturt University Master of Clinical Exercise Physiology Student 2023)
REFERENCES:
Arnau, J. M., Vallano, A., Lopez, A., Pellisé, F., Delgado, M. J., & Prat, N. (2005). A critical review of guidelines for low back pain treatment. European Spine Journal, 15(5), 543–553. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00586-005-1027-y
Foster, N. E., Anema, J. R., Cherkin, D., Chou, R., Cohen, S. P., Gross, D. P., Ferreira, P. H., Fritz, J. M., Koes, B. W., Peul, W., Turner, J. A., Maher, C. G., Buchbinder, R., Hartvigsen, J., Cherkin, D., Foster, N. E., Maher, C. G., Underwood, M., van Tulder, M., … Woolf, A. (2018). Prevention and treatment of low back pain: Evidence, challenges, and promising directions. The Lancet, 391(10137), 2368–2383. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(18)30489-6
Gordon, R., & Bloxham, S. (2016). A systematic review of the effects of exercise and physical activity on non-specific chronic low back pain. Healthcare, 4(2), 22. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare4020022
Hoy, D., Brooks, P., Blyth, F., & Buchbinder, R. (2010). The epidemiology of low back pain. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 24(6), 769–781. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.berh.2010.10.002
Illés, S. T. (2015). Low back pain: when and what to do. Orv Hetil, 156(33), 1315–1320. https://doi.org/10.1556/650.2015.30232