Lower back pain has been one of the leading causes of physical disabilities in people, especially the working population in Vashi, navi mumbai and beyond. Several researches indicate that around 30% to 80% of the global population have suffered from lower back pain at least once in their lifetime.
The human back is complex, including discs, vertebrae, ligaments, facet joints, and muscles. Because of this complexity, when back pain strikes, only a proper physiotherapy-based rehabilitation program can save you.
Physiotherapy is a treatment to improve joint and muscle movement and function. It is an excellent way of reducing your lower back pain. Moreover, it reduces the risks of its return. Your physiotherapist may recommend different physiotherapy treatments for lower back pain by looking at your body’s muscles, nerves, and bones.
What is Lower Back Pain?
There are several different descriptions of lower back pain depending on what its source is:
● European Guidelines define lower back pain as pain and discomfort localised between the costal margin and inferior gluteal folds. It may or may not result in leg pain.
● Resembling European Guidelines, S. Kinkade defines low back pain as pain in the posterior region between the margin of your lower rib and proximal thighs.
Classification of Lower Back Pain
Before getting into the physiotherapy treatments for lower back pain, your physiotherapist will define what type of pain you suffer from. It could be:
● Acute Type: Pain lasting for less than 6 weeks.
● Sub-Acute Type: Pain lasting between 6 and 12 weeks.
● Chronic Type: Pain lasting beyond 12 weeks.
Physiotherapy Treatment for Lower Back Pain
Most lower back pain types are often subjected to first-line treatments. Physical treatment for lower back pain includes guided exercises to strengthen your lower back muscles.
These exercises also play a crucial role in conditioning your spinal tissues and joints.
Both short and long-term goals of physiotherapy treatments include the following:
● Decreasing painful symptoms
● Improving the functioning of your lower back
● Increasing the flexibility of your spine
● Formulating a maintenance plan for the health of your lower back
The exercises or treatment plans for your lower back pain are designed to provide the necessary flexibility and strength training for the entire kinetic chain reaction in your lower back. The best physiotherapy treatments for lower back pain help restore your ability to perform daily activities with little to no discomfort-related issues.
Physiotherapy Exercises for Lower Back Pain
Generally, keeping fit with routine exercises is key to a healthy body and mind. This applies to lower back pain as well. Physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain can help you get back on your routine faster.
Exercising is an excellent tool for enhancing mobility, flexibility, and strength in your lower back.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises enhance the flexibility of your spine by significantly reducing tension.
Types of Stretching Exercises
Knee-to-Chest Stretch
Steps:
● Start by lying down on your back, bend your knees, and keep your feet flat on the floor.
● Bending one knee, gently pull it towards your chest region while keeping the other flat.
● Hold this position for around 15-20 seconds while breathing deeply.
● Slowly lower your knee back in position while repeating the same with the other knee.
Cat-Cow Stretch
Steps:
● Position yourself on your hands and knees. Your hands should rest directly under your shoulders and your knees under your hips.
● Inhale deeply while dropping your belly towards the mat you are lying down on.
● Lift your chest while gazing up at the ceiling.
● While relaxing your shoulders, think of pushing your hip bones towards the ceiling.
● Exhale deeply while rounding your spine upwards.
● Move fluidly between the above steps while drawing your belly button towards your spine.
Knee Hugs
Steps:
● To do this exercise, lie on your back and bend your knees.
● Your feet should be resting flat on the floor.
● Raise one of your knees towards you.
● Using your arms, turn the back of your knees around to bring them closer to your chest.
● Once you have done this with one knee, repeat the same with the other knee.
Bottom to Heels Stretch
Steps:
● Start on your hands and knees while keeping your back straight.
● Slowly and steadily, ease your back so your bottom rests on your feet.
● Your arms should be straight before you, and your head should look down towards the floor.
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercises push you to move and increase your heart rate.
Types of Aerobic Exercises
● Walking
● Swimming
● Cycling
● Elliptical Machine
● Water Aerobics
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain benefit your core muscles and must be included in your routine.
Types of Strengthening Exercises
Pelvic Tilts
Steps:
● Lie flat on your back with your knees bent and your feet resting flat on the floor.
● Try pressing your lower back on the floor while engaging your gluteal and abdominal muscles.
● Pull your belly button toward your spine while pushing your pelvis slightly upwards.
● Arch your lower back slightly at a height above the ground.
● Avoid jerky movements.
● Inhale while tilting your pelvis in the forward direction, and exhale while tilting your pelvis backwards.
● Repeat this entire set with 5-10 repetitions.
Bridge Pose
Steps:
● Lie down on your back, knees bent, feet touching the ground. Place your hips wide apart.
● Pull your tailbone towards your pubic bone while engaging your core muscles to prepare your body for the lift.
● Exhale while pressing your feet firmly on the floor and lifting your hips off it. Balance your body in a straight-line position between your knees and shoulders.
● Hold this bridge pose for a few breaths and slowly return to your starting position.
Additional exercises include partial crunches, side bridge, bird dog, McGill Curl Up, glute bridge, hamstring stretches, child’s pose, and cat stretch.
Back Extensions
Lie with your chest resting on the floor. Raise your chest and head a bit high from the ground. Keep your forearms flat on the floor to support you. Alternatively, you can use your hands to push and lift your body from the ground.
Bird-Dog Exercise
Steps:
● Begin the exercise with your hands and knees first, and then place your shoulders directly over the hands with the hips aligned with the knees.
● Extend your right arm and tense your abdominal muscles.
● Hold the posture while maintaining your balance.
● Lift your legs, hold them straight and extend them straight behind the body.
Planks
Steps:
● First, you need to lie down on your stomach and place your forearms against the floor.
● The elbows must be placed in line with the shoulders.
● Make sure you tighten the glutes and the abdominal muscles.
● Lift your hip and both knees off the floor.
Manual Therapies for Lower Back Pain
Your physiotherapist may recommend manual physiotherapy treatments for lower back pain, including:
● Manipulation
● Mobilisation
● Massage Therapy
These therapies complement your exercise regime and improve recovery outcomes.
Aftercare for Physiotherapy Treatment
Once your physiotherapist has recommended the best physiotherapy treatment for lower back pain, they will advise home remedies and posture corrections.
Maintaining proper posture, taking short breaks, and following home physiotherapy exercises are essential for long-term recovery.
Duration of Physiotherapy Treatment
The duration of your physiotherapy treatment for lower back pain depends on severity.
● Mild cases: 1–3 weeks improvement
● Chronic cases: 8-week structured program + long-term maintenance
Start Your Recovery Today in Vashi, navi mumbai
Physiotherapy treatment for lower back pain has proven to be one of the most effective and safest solutions. Whether you are dealing with acute or chronic pain in Vashi, navi mumbai, physiotherapy offers long-term relief and improved quality of life.
From pain reduction and posture correction to strength building and rehabilitation, physiotherapy provides a complete solution. Many physiotherapy exercises for lower back pain can even be performed at home, making treatment convenient and accessible.
If you’re experiencing discomfort, don’t wait consult a qualified physiotherapist in Vashi, navi mumbai today and take the first step toward a pain-free life.