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Statistics show that between 60 to 80 per cent of the population will suffer from lower back pain at some point in their life. While it is easy as health practitioners to sit here and say our bodies are incredibly resilient and have an extraordinary way of healing, in the moment of an acute lower back pain episode, it can be hard to know what to do.

What do I do?

Should I move, rest, use heat, use ice, visit my GP, or go to the physiotherapist? 

We suggest to always book an appointment with your physiotherapist and let them know ahead of time, just what's going on. Physiotherapists are highly skilled in the assessment and diagnosis of injuries. They will help you understand your pain and work with you to create a custom treatment plan so that you can return to regular daily activities. This may involve movement and exercises, massage and mobilisation, or dry needling techniques. Added bonus, you DO NOT need a referral to make an appointment if you have lower back pain.

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain tends to last between six and twelve weeks for acute injuries. If lower back pain lasts longer than three months, it is classified as chronic or persistent. Chronic lower back pain is pain ongoing after the typical timeframe of healing. During the healing process, our nervous system can sometimes become hypersensitive and we may experience lower back pain despite our tissues being healed. Many lifestyle factors and beliefs can play into our painful experiences. It’s important to know that the way we think can play a role in our recovery. Whether you have had pain for a few days or a few months, we are here to help guide you in the right direction.

Tips and tricks to ameliorate lower back pain:

  • Book an assessment with your physiotherapist – early management helps prevent chronic pain
  • Keep moving – gentle walking or mobility exercises can help to reduce your painful symptoms
  • Limit sitting for extended periods – movement is key
  • Ice for the first 24 to 72 hours – after that using a heat pack can be great for pain relief
  • Develop a custom treatment plan with your physiotherapist – this may include clinical pilates, movement retraining, or strength training

There is no ‘one size fits all approach’ for lower back pain. If you’d like to read more about lower back pain, check out our what we treat page.

Book an assessment now to start working towards feeling better and stronger!

Right at Home Allied Health is dedicated to delivering quality, patient-centred care across Australia. Our allied health services comprise chiropractic, exercise physiology, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology, and speech pathology. We also provide remedial massage therapy, clinical nutrition, clinical naturopathy, and Pilates. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for those we serve by decoding health, happiness, and harmony. Discover, heal, and optimise your physical and emotional wellbeing with Right at Home Allied Health. Book a Discovery Session at your local clinic today. 

*Some services may not be available in all locations. Please contact your local office to learn more about their in-clinic and at-home allied health and wellbeing services.