What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain can be a debilitating condition which affects many people. Often the exact causes are unknown and it is important that you see a doctor to rule out anything serious, especially if you have sustained some sort of injury.

How to relieve lower back pain?

Most of the time, factors such as exercise, improved posture and leading a healthy lifestyle can help to improve symptoms or eradicate the problem entirely. Strengthening exercises and stretches can also really help if you have lower back pain or want to improve your posture. We recommend that you make an appointment with a Physiotherapist who can assess you fully and give you an exercise plan which works for you, rather than getting general exercise from the internet. A Physiotherapist is medically trained so they will also be able to tell if there is anything more serious wrong with your back.

How to prevent lower back pain?

Maintaining a healthy weight is an important factor because the more weight you carry, the more stress you put on the spine and surrounding muscles and ligaments. This means that these structures have to work harder and this can lead to pain and alterations in posture. Posture is another important element for great back health. Standing or sitting straight with your spine aligned and your shoulders back is the best position but remember that when standing, you need a stable platform. This starts at your feet! Poor footwear or high heels will affect your posture. Look for good supportive footwear that holds your heel, supports your arch and cushions your forefoot.