Lower Back Pain When Bending Over
Lower back pain when you bend over may feel sharp, dull, or burning. This pain can result from several causes, which this article will discuss in detail. You are at risk of lower back pain if you are overweight, have a sedentary lifestyle, or bend repetitively.
Getting prompt treatment for lower back pain is essential to prevent your pain from worsening or from becoming a disability. This article explores when you should visit your doctor for lower back pain when bending over and how physical therapy can help.
Causes Of Lower Back Pain When Bending Over
Lower back pain can result from several causes, including the following;
Back Injury
Strains and sprains are common injuries that can stretch the supporting muscles and ligaments around your spine. These injuries put pressure on your lower back, leading to pain and inflammation. You may also experience muscle tension and spasms as a result of lower back injury.
Bulging Discs
Your spine has discs along the vertebrae. These discs stabilize your lower back and also act as shock absorbers. Unfortunately, these discs can sometimes fall out of place and cause inflammation around your nerves, leading to lower back pain when you bend over.
Sciatica
Your sciatic nerve runs from your lower back down the back of your legs. If the nerve is damaged or under pressure, it can cause lower back pain when you bend over. The pain can also radiate down your buttock, thigh, and foot.
Osteoarthritis
Although there are different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common one that affects the spine. This condition occurs due to wear and tear, which slowly breaks down the cartilage between your joints, leading to pain and inflammation.
Spondylolysis
Spondylolysis is a condition where one of your vertebrae is weak or stress-fractured. This condition is common in adolescents who participate in repetitive sports such as weightlifting and gymnastics.
Spondylosis not only causes lower back pain when you bend over, but it can also cause a condition called spondylolisthesis, which means you’re unable to maintain a straight and upright posture.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is a rare arthritis form that causes chronic inflammation of the spine and pelvis. If you have this condition, you are likely to experience pain and stiffness in your lower back. Difficulty bending over or sleeping can also result from it.
When Should You See Your Lower Back Pain When Bending Over?
Lower back pain when bending over is quite common. Sometimes, the pain may even resolve on its own. Nevertheless, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis if you notice any of the following accompanying symptoms;
- Persistent lower back pain lasting more than two weeks
- Severe abdominal pain
- Loss of control of bowel or bladder
Your doctor can examine your symptoms and evaluate your medical history to know if there is an underlying cause for your condition.
How Can Physical Therapy For Back Pain in Austin, TX, Help?
Physical therapy is a drug-free treatment that can help relieve symptoms of lower back pain. When you visit your physical therapist for back pain relief in Austin, TX, they will examine your symptoms and medical history to create a customized treatment plan for you.
Other ways physical therapy can help with lower back pain include the following;
- Improved function
- Increased range of motion
- Posture correction
- Education on preventing a recurrence
What Physical Therapy Techniques Are Used To Treat Lower Back Pain When Lying Down?
Physical therapy in Austin, Texas, uses a customized treatment approach for back pain relief. After examining you, your physical therapist will create a treatment plan that may include one or more techniques. Your physical therapist will explain the treatment to you and show you how to carry out what requires your input. These techniques may include;
Manual Therapy
physical therapy exercises can help improve your range of motion and strength. Your physical therapist will design an exercise program that suits your condition. You will also learn how to do these exercises safely to prevent injury.
Physical therapy consists of manual techniques for pain and muscle tension relief. Manual therapies include joint mobilization, massage therapy, and manipulation. This treatment aims to promote circulation, relieve stiffness, and improve flexibility.
Modalities
Your physical therapist in Austin can recommend dry needling for your lower back pain. Although dry needling involves the use of needles, the treatment is not painful. Instead, it relieves areas of tight muscles around your lower back to relieve pain and promote circulation.
Physical Therapy Exercises For Lower Back Pain When Bending Over
Different exercises can target your lower back pain to provide relief and prevent a recurrence. Your physical therapist can create an exercise program consisting of the following;
Aerobic Exercises
Aerobic exercises increase your heart rate and improve your activity levels. Your physiotherapist may recommend low-impact aerobic exercises like swimming, walking, and biking to relieve stiffness and pain.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises are low-impact exercises that reduce tension in your spine and improve flexibility. Some popular stretching exercises for lower back pain include knee-to-chest stretch, child’s pose, knee rotation, and cat-cow stretch.
Strengthening Exercises
Your physical therapist may also recommend strengthening exercises depending on your strength levels. These exercises may also be passive or active. Strengthening exercises for your lower back pain may include plank, fire hydrant, bridge, and lateral leg raises.
How To Prevent Lower Back Pain When Bending Over
You can prevent lower back pain when bending over by;
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight can strain your back muscles, leading to lower back pain.
- Lifting correctly. Improper lifting techniques can strain your back. The best technique is to lift heavy objects by bending your knees and keeping your back straight.
- Proper posture is important. Poor posture, especially when sitting or standing, adds extra pressure to the lower back, leading to pain.
- Exercising regularly. Regular exercise can stretch and strengthen your back muscles. You can carry out core-strengthening exercises at home to prevent lower back pain.
Conclusion
Lower back pain when bending over can make carrying out your daily tasks difficult. Getting treatment, especially if the pain is persistent, is crucial. Your physical therapist at Carter Physiotherapy can examine your condition and recommend the best treatment for you. The treatment is progressive, and we will always make adjustments if necessary to suit your progress. Contact us at (512) 693-8849 to schedule an appointment!
