Lower Back

At ADM Ottawa Physiotherapy, our team is experienced with relieving back pain for countless patients. You don’t have to live with the pain. It’s entirely treatable and preventable!

Almost everyone will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. In fact, back pain is one the leading causes for job-related disabilities and one of the top reasons for missed work days. That’s why our back specialists in Ottawa are here to help.

A Closer Look at Back Pain

Back pain can range from mild to severe. It can also last for either a short or long term period, not to mention that it can make everyday activities difficult to do. Bending over might be problematic. You may have issues going from sitting to standing… and vice versa. It may even begin to impact your sleep.

But why does back pain happen?

Your spine is made up of small bones, called vertebrae, which are piled up on top of each other. Muscles, ligaments, nerves and invertebrate disks are additional parts of the spine. Discs sit in between the vertebrae, which protect and cushion them. These act as shock-absorbers. The spinal cord also runs through the spine with various nerves branching off of it. Ligaments and muscles further attach at the spine, which allow you to move, twist and bend. It’s a complicated structure. And with complications, many things can go wrong.

Back pain is different from one person to another. The pain can come and go slowly or appear constantly in a severe case. Surprisingly, back pain can also go away on its own within a few weeks.

There are many reasons why lower back pain occurs. One of those factors may be caused by specific movements such as lifting or bending. This can cause a pulled muscle or a sprained ligament. Additionally, as we age, our spines age with us. Aging naturally causes degenerative changes in the spine. These changes can start in our 30s, or sometimes even younger, especially if we delay in doing any sort of physical activity. This deterioration of the spine can lead to pain, particularly in the lower back.

Other common causes of lower back pain include:

• Arthritis

 

• A Ruptured or Bulging Disc

 

• Spine Abnormalities (such as an abnormal curvature like scoliosis)

 

Osteoporosis

Preventing Back Pain

Often, back pain is entirely preventable. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and weight, your risk substantially decreases. Excess weight can create added pressure on the bones of the spine and throughout the body. Ultimately, this can lead to increased degeneration of the joints and tissues. Furthermore, physical activity helps strengthen muscles and bones, protecting and preventing you from injury.

Proper lifting techniques at work or at home also help prevent back pain issues. Many incidents of back pain result from poor lifting techniques, which then cause pulled muscles or ligaments. By learning how to lift properly, you can prevent a low back injury from happening.

Interestingly, quitting smoking can also contribute to a reduced risk of back pain. Science shows that smoking decreases blood flow to the spine. This can hinder healing as well as up your chances of injury. Quit while you’re ahead! It’s good for your spine and your general health.

Treating Your Back Pain

Are you experiencing back pain in Ottawa? Are you in need of a reliable and experienced back pain specialist? Look no further.

 

Contact Us: (613) 820-8765

 

ADM Ottawa Physiotherapy has the tools, experience and resources to help you recover from back pain. Our team always puts our patients first and strives to get each and every patient back to feeling their best as quickly and as safely as possible. Let us help you on your road toward recovery. Contact us today and find out how our team can help you say goodbye to back pain for good.