Understanding Chronic Low Back Pain: How PROmotion Health Can Help
Low back pain (LBP) is a common issue that affects millions worldwide and remains the leading cause of disability globally. In Australia, it’s one of the main reasons for early retirement, reduced workplace productivity, and frequent visits to healthcare providers. While acute back pain often resolves with time and rest, chronic or persistent low back pain (CLBP) requires a more comprehensive approach to care.
At PROmotion Health, our allied health team is dedicated to helping individuals manage and recover from chronic low back pain by addressing its physical, psychological, and social components. Senior Physiotherapist Greg Gibson explores the drivers of persistent low back pain and how we can help.
Chronic Low Back Pain: Causes and Complexity
CLBP is not just about physical discomfort—it’s a multifaceted condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. Often, unhelpful beliefs about back pain, such as fear of movement or assuming the worst, can exacerbate the issue. Additionally, CLBP is frequently non-specific, meaning it isn’t tied to a single underlying pathology.
Factors that can lead to flare-ups include:
- Periods of stress, fatigue, or inactivity.
- Overprotective behavior, such as avoiding movement or activity out of fear.
For most cases, specific causes such as fractures or severe neurological conditions are rare, and unnecessary imaging can often lead to increased anxiety. Instead, a thorough assessment is crucial to identifying contributing factors and tailoring a recovery plan.
How We Approach CLBP at PROmotion Health
Our team at PROmotion Health provides a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to managing chronic low back pain, combining evidence-based therapies with education and support to empower individuals in their recovery journey.
Assessment and Screening
Our initial focus is understanding the individual’s unique experience of pain. This includes:
- Screening for any serious underlying conditions.
- Using clinical tools like the STarT Back Clinical Measurement Tool or the Oswestry Disability Index to measure progress.
- Assessing movement patterns, posture, and functional tasks like bending or sitting-to-standing.
Through this holistic assessment, we identify both physical and psychological contributors to pain, helping patients make sense of their condition.
Management and Treatment Options
Patient Education
- We focus on educating patients about their pain, addressing any fears or misconceptions, and highlighting positive strategies to manage their condition.
Movement and Exercise Therapy
- Our Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology teams work with patients to improve muscular control, mobility, and strength.
- Graded exposure to feared tasks, such as bending or lifting, helps build confidence and promote recovery.
Hands-On Therapies
- Joint mobilisations, soft tissue release, and massage therapy can provide short-term relief and encourage relaxation with our Physiotherapists
- Techniques like dry needling and cupping may be included to reduce tension and promote healing with our Massage Therapists
Lifestyle Integration
- We encourage sustainable lifestyle changes, emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity and healthy habits tailored to each patient’s goals.
- Our Exercise Physiology team provides individualised or group-based programs to support long-term wellbeing.
Why Choose PROmotion Health?
Chronic low back pain doesn’t have to define your life. At PROmotion Health, we work collaboratively with you to develop a plan that fits your needs and goals, combining expert care with a supportive environment.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards managing your pain and improving your quality of life, contact our team today. Let’s move forward together.
