Causes and treatment of lower back pain

You get out of bed in the morning and, even before you make your coffee, you feel an unpleasant twinge in your lower back. Lower back pain in the morning after sleep, lower back pain at night, discomfort with every movement – does any of this sound familiar? The good news is that with small changes in your habits, more movement, appropriate therapies, and exercise, you can once again lead a full life. Follow the article to the end to learn what you can do at home and what treatment for lower back pain we provide at PhysioArt – a physiotherapy and rehabilitation center in Sofia.

Causes of lower back pain

Working in a seated position in the office, long car journeys, and lack of exercise are part of modern everyday life. This often results in all the same thing – lower back pain. Aside from living a sedentary lifestyle, improper execution of exercises or physical daily tasks are some of the most common causes of lower back pain. Pregnancy is also associated with increased stress on the spine.

Persistent lower back pain can be a sign of a more serious condition requiring medical intervention. Very often, patients with a herniated disc say, “My lower back hurts,” because the nerve endings in the spine are compressed, leading to pain in the lower back and numbness in the limbs. Other medical conditions that cause discomfort and pain include osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, scoliosis, and spinal stenosis. We can also mention traumatic lower back pain – when there is a fracture or injury to the spine as a result of a fall or accident.

What is the best back pain relief?

Lower back pain should not be ignored, as it can affect not only physical health but also mental health and wellbeing. It is important to take action, but keep in mind that there is no one-stop solution. When talking about treating lower back pain, we are looking at a multi-layered process that includes medical consultation, suitable therapies, and lifestyle changes. The approach must be custom-tailored, taking into account the cause of the pain, the patient’s age, and any accompanying conditions. The first and most important thing is to find out what is causing the discomfort in order to find out how to relieve your pain.

How to relieve lower back pain?

Various ointments and medications are available on the market, which are often the initial choice for patients seeking relief from those symptoms. However, going down that path is not always the best treatment. They can provide temporary pain relief, but do not solve the underlying problem. Often, taking medication only suppresses the pain without addressing its root cause. That is why it is important to first determine what is causing the pain.

Treating lower back pain at PhysioArt, Sofia

At the PhysioArt Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center, we offer an individual approach to each patient to ensure effective and lasting relief. Regain your freedom of movement through a program tailored specifically to your condition and needs. Among the therapies and procedures we offer our patients are:

High-intensity laser therapy - Stimulates blood and oxygen supply to cells, accelerating cell regeneration and promoting recovery.
High-frequency magnetic field - Targets the deep layers of muscles and nerves, resulting in pain relief and accelerated recovery.
Electrotherapy - Electrical impulses are used to stimulate nerves, muscles, and tissues. This therapy also helps relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Manual therapy and massage - The physiotherapist uses their hands to treat pain. Massage is most commonly used, as it improves blood circulation, relaxes the muscles, and has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Physical therapy - A set of exercises is prescribed aiming atrestoring motor function and improving muscle strength, flexibility, and coordination.

How to treat lower back pain at home?

Back pain treatment at home can include a few simple but effective steps to support and promote your spine health.

Plan time for movement - Make sure you have time to recover and relax when home, but remember that low physical activity and movement, more often than not, makes things worse for one’s health. Light exercise at home or outdoors is recommended. Yoga practices for lower back pain are very suitable as they improve flexibility and strengthen the back muscles.
Always warm up before exercising - Prepare your body for what’s coming. Lightly engaging your joints and activating your major muscle groups will help you avoid injury and improve the effectiveness of your workout.
Lift heavy objects safely - If you have to lift heavy objects, always use the correct technique. When bending down, you should bend your knees rather than hunching your back. When lifting, use the strength of your legs rather than straining your lower back.
Ensure that your posture is correct - Strive to stand upright, with both feet flat on the floor and your shoulders back, with your neck not hunching forward. This distributes the load evenly across your spine.
Lose excess weight - Maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts additional pressure on the spine.
Invest in a comfortable pillow and mattress - When it comes to mattresses for lower back pain, it is recommended to sleep on one with medium firmness. You can add to your comfort with an anatomic pillow. It is recommended to sleep on your back or on your side with a pillow between your knees.

Book an appointment with us

Call us at +359 89 872 4175 for more information and to schedule a convenient time for physical therapy and rehabilitation at PhysioArt. We are open Monday through Saturday, and are located at 21 Prof. Fridtjof Nansen Str., 2nd floor, Sofia (near the National Palace of Culture).