This page describes 5 of the most common lower back injuries that we see in our clinics. These injuries can be sustained in a number of ways, from sporting injuries, to trips/falls or as a result of biomechanical abnormalities. Please have a read through the conditions listed and if you have any concerns that you may be suffering with any of the symptoms described, or anything that sounds similar, then please give one of our clinics a call to arrange an assessment appointment with no obligation for follow-up.

Spondylolisthesis

This occurs when a vertebrae in your spine moves forwards (anterolisthesis) or backwards (retrolisthesis) over the vertebrae below it. A diagnosis for this is based upon imaging such an X-Ray. There are different gradings from I-V dependent on the amount of slippage.

Risk Factors

• Trauma
• Arthritis
• Congenital
• Hyper-extension of Lumbar

Signs and Symptoms

• Lower back pain (worst after exercise)
• Numbness/ pins and needles in legs
• Tight hamstrings
• Tender in lumbar region

Treatment

• Pilates/ core strengthening exercises
• Range of movement exercises
• Massage
• Manual therapy
• Taping
• Acupuncture

Disc Injuries

Often referred to as a slipped disc, there are a number of injuries that can affect the discs in the spine. These are often broken down to refer to the specific type of injury which occurs: Bulge, Prolapse, Herniated. The disc may push on the root of a nerve causing pain to radiate in to the lower limb(s).

Risk Factors

• Regular lumbar flexion (bending forwards)
• Increased age
• Smoking
• Poor posture

Signs and symptoms

• Lower back and/ or buttock pain
• Can have leg pain
• Pins and needles/ numbness
• Weakness of lower limbs
• Loss of control in bladder/ bowel (very rare)

Treatment

• Ice/ Heat advice
• NSAID’s / pain relief
• Massage
• Joint mobilisations
• Acupuncture
• Pilates/ core strengthening
• Postural advice
• In extreme cases, surgical intervention may be required. If you are experiencing issues regarding loss of bladder/ bowel control then an immediate visit to A+E is recommended.

Mechanical Lower Back Pain (MLBP)

Most people will experience lower back pain during their lifetime. MLBP is the term used to describe pain in the lumbar region caused by strain on muscles of the vertebral column and abnormal stress. A person could have an acute episode which lasts 2-4 weeks, or a chronic injury that last longer than this.

Risk factors

• Prolonged sitting/ standing
• Operating vibrating machinery
• Road traffic collisions
• Lifting/ twisting whilst holding objects

Signs/ Symptoms

• Pain in lumbar region

Treatment

• Home exercises for range of movement
• Pilates/ core strengthening
• Massage
• Joint mobilisations
• Acupuncture
• Postural advice
• Heat/ice advice
• Pain relief

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is characterised primarily by stiffness and pain in the joints, which tend to be worse in the morning and can take up to 30 minutes to ease up.

Risk factors

• Age
• Long periods of inactivity
• Gender- up to age 45 males a more likely than females to have it. Over 45, females are more likely than males.
• Overweight/ increased BMI
• Genetics
• Associated diseases

Signs and symptoms

• Swelling in lumbar
• Localised tenderness
• Intermittent or constant pain in the joint
• Decreased flexibility
• Crepitus (noise)
• Abnormal curve
• Pins and needles / Numbness

Treatment

• Pilates/ core strengthening exercises
• Range of movement and flexibility exercises
• Heat advice
• Postural advice
• Acupuncture

Lumbar vertebrae fractures

A break or fracture of a lumbar vertebrae usually due to a high trauma mechanism of injury.

Risk factors

• Trauma such as: car crash, sports, fall from height, direct blow
• Osteoporosis

Signs and symptoms

• Very painful to touch
• Pins and needles/ numbness
• Decreased mobility
• Pain in lumbar region
• Weakness in lower limb(s)
• Loss of control in Bladder/ bowel

Treatment

Initially

• Bracing for 6-12 weeks
• Or stabilisation/ surgery

Once fracture has healed

• Mobility exercises
• Strengthening exercises
• Acupuncture
• Massage
• Joint mobilisation