Lower Back Pain

What is Flexion Related Lower Back Pain?

Flexion Related Lower Back Pain is a broad term used to describe any lower back pain that is aggraved by flexion movements e.g. bending and sitting. Pain can be localised to the middle of your back or is also commonly felt in the buttocks and thigh. Occaisionally pain can shoot down the leg. This electric shooting type of pain is called radicular pain or is also often refered to as sciatica. It is important that you keep moving and return to work (even if you can only do light duties). Excessive “bed rest” is not effective in managing lower back pain and is even considered detrimental to your rehabilitation.

How Flexion Related Lower Back Pain Happens

Flexion related lower back pain usually occurs with a bending, lifting or twisting movement, or can be a result of prolonged sitting or bending postures. Flexion related lower back pain can be caused by irritation of multiple structures such as an intervertebral disc, facet joint, ligaments or surrounding muscles. As the spine is a complex structure a comprehensive assessment by one of our specialist physiotherapists is essential in getting the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.

What Get Active can do to Treat Flexion Related Lower Back Pain

Soft tissue massage to decrease muscle spasm and pain
Joint mobilization: Specific to the affected joint in your back to relieve pain and increase range of movement
Specific Exercises: Home exercises to increase your range of movement and decrease pain. Core muscle retraining to increase the strength of the supporting muscles of the back and decrease your risk of re-injuring your back
Ergonomic advice: ie workstation set up, avoiding loading positions such as proloinged sitting and bending
Taping can be beneficial in reducing pain in the acute stages of managment