Lower back pain can be excruciating. Up to about 18% of Canadians suffer from chronic back pain. If you're among them, there are some things you can do to help. Various exercises for lower back pain can make it easier to manage, and many of these are fairly simple to do. You may want to speak to a physical therapist or another health professional before trying these to make sure it's safe for you to do so.
Let's take a look at some of the best physical therapy exercises for back pain relief.
Knee-to-Chest Stretch
Physiotherapists can help with a range of issues. They're likely to advise of exercises such as the knee-to-chest stretch.
Lie down on your back with your feet flat on the floor and your knees bent at a 45-degree angle. Pull one of your knees towards your chest with one hand. Tighten your abdomen muscles while pushing your spine towards the floor.
Hold this for five seconds, then return to the start and do the same with the other leg. After this, repeat the motion with both legs simultaneously. You should do this two or three times in the morning and the same again in the evening.
There are plenty of exercises like this that can help relieve pain in your lower back.
Some other popular examples include:
Lower back rotational stretch
Hip flexor stretch
Gluteal stretch
Cat cow
Lumbar Rocking
Bridge exercise
Seated lower back rotational stretch
You should always see a qualified health professional before doing any of these exercises. They'll be able to confirm that it's safe for you to do so.
What Is Customized Exercise Prescription for Lower Back Pain?
The exercises above (as well as others) can often help with lower back pain, but they won't provide the same results for everyone. This is why it's vital to see a health professional.
They'll be able to assess your situation and determine the most suitable exercises for you. They can then prescribe a set of exercises for you to do that should yield positive results.
How Can a Registered Physiotherapist Help Formulate an Exercise Plan?
A trained physiotherapist can examine your back and assess any issues you have with sitting, standing, walking, and lifting your legs. They'll also ask for a range of details such as:
Duration of symptoms
Functional limitations
General health history
Family health history
Previous treatments
Aggravating and relieving factors
Depending on your case, they may also suggest tests such as X-rays, CT scans, blood tests, and bone scans. From all of this, they can determine the cause of your lower back pain and advise you on the best solution.
Going Beyond Exercises for Lower Back Pain
There can be plenty of causes of back pain, and as such, there are various treatment methods beyond these exercises for lower back pain. Chiropractic care can be one of the most effective approaches.
Northgate Physiotherapy, Chiropractic & Massage Therapy Centre can help with a range of muscle and joint issues. Our Calgary-based team is fully trained and qualified and has decades of experience between them. If you're suffering from lower back pain, book your treatment with us today.