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Lower back pain
Recent research shows that back pain is due to inflammation of the fascia, the connective tissue
When the cobweb-like collagen threads stick together, nerve endings get pinched and signal pain.
FasciaClinics offer both immediate help with pain-relieving Fascia treatment and specially trained Fascia therapists who have helped thousands of people overcome the root cause of their back pain.
Why do I have lower back pain?
Lumbar pain can be caused by direct trauma, but the most common is to perform various movements suddenly or incorrectly and simply overstrain the back, such as heavy lifting with a bent back and straight legs, lifting with a load on the vertebrae and not using the legs. Lifting and twisting your back at the same time is also a movement that strains your back. Too little movement and too much sitting can also cause lower back pain. The hip flexor muscles then become tight and short and contract the entire lumbar spine. This happens, for example, in people who spend a lot of time sitting in cars, in office work, in horse riders, etc.
What causes low back pain?
The lumbar spine is the lower part of the back, located between the thoracic spine and the sacrum. It is made up of five lumbar vertebrae with associated disks between the vertebral bodies. A canal runs through each vertebral body, carrying the spinal cord from the brain down to the sacrum. Between the vertebral bodies are facet joints, one on each of the right and left sides of the vertebrae. The joints are surrounded by joint capsules and strong ligaments and small stabilizing muscles also run between the vertebrae along the entire spine. Woven into the whole structure is also a strong fascia, the thoracolumbar fascia, which provides additional stability, elasticity and shock absorption to the whole spinal structure.
There can be many different causes of low back pain. Lower back pain can come from a back injury, a herniated disc between one of the vertebrae or from worn facet joints. As you get older, you may also develop various age-related changes, such as weakened cartilage in the discs, changes in the vertebrae, spondylosis or spinal stenosis. Such changes in bones and cartilage can be diagnosed by X-ray or MRI.
Most commonly, however, no cause for the back pain is found despite various investigations. Most often, the pain in the lower back comes from a densified and more inelastic fascia, which gives an increased direction to pain receptors, which are abundant in the fascia. This is not visible with the usual examination techniques used today. If the densification is allowed to continue, reinforcements are eventually formed with more collagen formation and then it can be seen with ultrasound diagnostics. The densification occurs due to an overexertion of the structures of the back which can be due to incorrectly performed movements but also to an incorrectly balanced body that loads structures unevenly.
Over-mobility, when the fascia is more unstable and compliant, can also cause back pain as the muscles have to work harder to get stability that the fascia cannot handle.
Low back pain can also be caused by other problems not directly related to the back, such as tumors, kidney or ovarian problems in women, although this is less common, and it also brings with it several other symptoms.
What is low back pain a symptom of?
If direct injuries to the back have been ruled out, lower back pain can be a symptom of poor ergonomics, i.e. performing movements incorrectly. Poor ergonomics is also sitting too much without pausing and moving regularly enough. It can also be a symptom of a poor balance through the body so that the vertebrae, joints, muscles and fascia are constantly under unequal strain.
Lower back pain during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the collagen structures in the body are affected by the hormonal changes and thus the fascia and structures in the back are also affected. The collagen changes to a softer version that is more flexible and elastic. This can lead to increased mobility and fatigue in the back muscles, which must stabilize a more elastic fascia.
When and where should I seek treatment for low back pain?
If you are worried about any injury or herniated disc, you should go to a doctor and get it checked out. If no cause is found during an examination of the back, you can seek help from a Fascia Clinic, where you can get treatment for both lower back pain and back pain.
How is low back pain treated?
At a FasciaClinic, treatment begins with an analysis of the body’s balance. Treatment then focuses on releasing tension that pulls structures askew, such as short hip flexors. It is also important to ensure that the pelvis is in proper balance. Most people find the treatment very pleasant, and as the body begins to regain its correct balance and the load on the joints is evened out, the pain is also reduced.
Low back pain – What can I do myself?
Resting too much and sitting still is not good. Walking at a pace appropriate to your ability is always good. Avoid performing heavy movements that strain your back. Try to train the strength of the small stabilizing muscles, the core muscles, to help stabilize your back. Try to exercise gently daily and also practice deep breathing and relaxation.
Exercises for lower back pain?
Relaxation exercises, for example, lie on your back with your legs bent at 90° at the hip and knees, legs on a stool or similar. Extend your arms away from your body with your palms up and breathe deeply. Feel your back pressed against the floor as it relaxes.
Exercises to stretch and lengthen the hip flexors are important, such as different types of forward lunges with one leg extended backwards. Balance exercises are good for stability and practicing with balance plates is very good.
