Back pain is a common form of discomfort that can affect people of any age. It is often termed as one of the leading causes of disability with a whopping 60-80% people experiencing it at least once in their life.

Understanding Back Pain

One of the most common reasons for seeking medical intervention, back pain can be caused by injuries, activity, or a medical condition. It can be defined as discomfort, or even devastating pain in the rear section of your body extending from your shoulders to hips. Back pain can manifest in various ways ranging from an aching muscle, to a shooting or stabbing sensation. Back pain can also lead to a pain that radiates down your leg or worsens when you walk, stand, or lift something.

This affliction could include pain in the neck, upper back, or lower back. The most common type of back pain occurs in the lower lumbar region. A back pain could be acute, with a severe pain that lasts for a short period. It could also be characterised as chronic, with a pain that lasts for more than three months, or sub-acute, with a mild but nagging pain.

In order to determine the cause of the back pain, a thorough physical examination as well as history is essential. Other important factors that decide the course of action are age, location, duration, and nature of pain. Factors such as occupation, events before onset of pain, and psychological disturbances, if any, also play an important role. Certain cases may also involve imaging studies such as X-rays or more advanced radiographic studies. Certain conditions that lead to back pains include ruptured disks, muscle strain, ligament strain, or arthritis. Risk factors that increase chances of a back pain include age, weight, lack of exercise, inappropriate lifting, smoking, diseases, or psychological conditions.

What is Kyphosis?

Kyphosis is a condition in which the spine has an excessive curvature in the upper back section. It is also known as round back or hunchback. Kyphosis can afflict patients of any age but is commonly observed in adolescents. The upper region of the spine has a natural slight curve to support the weight of the head and absorb shock. However, in kyphosis, this natural arch is larger than usual.

In most cases, kyphosis doesn’t cause a lot of problems. In some cases, a patient may be asked to wear a back brace or exercise to improve posture and strengthen the spine. However, if severe, it can lead to spinal deformity and breathing issues. Surgical intervention may be required in such severe cases to reduce the curvature of the spine.

Spine Scoliosis

What is Spine Lordosis?

A normal spine has a slight curvature in the neck, upper and lower back. These curves give the spine its ‘S’ shape. The curves in the neck and lower back are called lordotic while in the upper back are called kyphotic. These curves help the body to absorb shock, support the head, align the head and pelvis, move, and bend.

If the curve arches too far, it is termed as lordosis, or swayback. Lordosis can affect the neck or the lower back. Lordosis can lead to excess spinal pressure and cause pain and discomfort. If left untreated, it can get severe and affect your ability to move.

Most cases of lordosis affect the lower back. In this case, if the patient will lie down on a flat surface, significant space between the lower back and surface will be visible. In the case of lordosis of the neck, the condition can lead to spasms, neck pain, or even reduced mobility. Lordosis can be found in people of any age. However, certain conditions like spondylolisthesis, achondroplasia, osteoporosis, and obesity may increase the risk.

Bad Posture leading to Spine Problems & Back Problems

Posture can be defined as the position of your body when you are sitting or standing. It explains how your spine aligns with your shoulders, hips, and head. Though good posture cannot really be defined, it generally refers to a neutral spine, where all the ligaments, joints, and muscle groups are aligned to reduce stress, maintain balance, and maintain flexibility. Posture that is unsupported can cause the loads on your spine to distribute unevenly. This can lead to weaker tissues in your back, leading to pain and discomfort.

Some examples of unsupported posture are:

  • Slouching on your couch or office chair
  • Sitting on a bed and working on your laptop
  • Hunching while you wash dishes
  • Lying on your belly while working or reading
  • Walking with a hunched back without supporting the head
  • Lifting heavy objects by bending your back
  • Standing on one leg

Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle or lack of exercise can also lead to stress and pain in the lower back.

If you use incorrect posture, you may facilitate the development of several areas of stress in your spinal joints, muscle tissues, and discs. If this practice is continued, it may slowly weaken the structure. Prolonged hunching may lead to stiffness and weakness of the lower back and trunk. Unsupported sitting may lead to load on the lower spinal discs and herniation. Similarly, incorrect lifting can cause the lumbar disc to herniate and lead to pain in the lower back or legs.

Back Pain Physiotherapy in Pune

What does a Back Pain Physiotherapist do?

Physiotherapy is an effective mode of treatment for  back pain. A back pain that doesn’t subside for long, or is caused after an injury should be checked at the earliest. Symptoms such as fever, numbness of the legs, or weight loss should also not be ignored.

A physiotherapist will first diagnose the cause of the back pain. Physiotherapists generally focus on restoring function and movement to the body after illness or injury. The physiotherapist will determine how the nerves, bones, and muscles are affected and use exercise and manual therapy to help. Treatment may include aerobic exercise, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises. You will be encouraged to take active part in your rehabilitation. This will help you to manage your pain, get moving normally, and reduce the risk of a back injury again.

Physiotherapy can help with non-specific lower back pain, sciatic pain, degenerative back pain, or spinal stenosis.

What does a chiropractor do?

A chiropractor will generally use alternative treatments like hands-on spinal manipulation. They follow the theory that alignment of the musculoskeletal structure will enable the body to heal without medication or surgery. Manipulation can be used to restore movement to joints. Chiropractic treatment is often used as pain relief for muscles, joints, connective tissue, etc. It may be used in conjunction with conventional treatment.

A chiropractor, after evaluation, might formulate a treatment plan that involves manual adjustments. The doctor will manipulate the joints with sudden force to improve the quality of movement. Treatment plans may also include exercise and nutritional counselling.

Does physiotherapy work for lower back pain?

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons for a visit to the physician. According to certain studies, up to 23% adults are affected by chronic low back pain. Most patients suffering from low back pain are referred to physiotherapy as the initial treatment before opting for more aggressive forms such as surgery. Physical therapy aims to reduce pain, improve function and movement, and teach the patient to prevent future problems. According to various studies, the exercises included in physiotherapy play an important role in pain management as well as improved function. Evidence also supports the role of physical therapy before and after back surgery.

How can I use physiotherapy for back pain at home?

Physiotherapists generally suggest some simple exercises you can practice for back pain in the comfort of your own home. Regular exercise can lead to better pain management as well as improved function of the back. After consulting with a physiotherapist, you will be given exercises which you can practice at home. Exercises such as holding your knees to your chest, knee rotation, lower back rotation, cat-cow pose, child pose, and hamstring stretches can help alleviate back pain.

How can physiotherapy treat back pain?

Correct Muscular imbalances of the body

Physiotherapy will include a progressive course of treatment that helps to correct muscular imbalances. This will include strengthening of muscles with the help of weight machines, stretch bands, or free weights. The exercises will be performed either on one side of the body to equalize function or within opposing muscle groups. It will also include stretching tight muscles that have contracted due to stronger opposing muscles, repetitive drills to awaken dormant neural connections, manual massage techniques, and ice, heat, or ultrasound therapy to treat injuries or inflammation.

Correct form & alignment of your Spine

When aligned properly, the body maintains a relatively straight line from the head, shoulders, to the hips. Proper alignment helps to prevent future pain, motion impairment, and other issues. Physical therapists can use spinal manipulation and other therapies to align the spine. Exercise, along with these techniques, can help you to maintain correct form and get your bones and muscles moving properly.

Add strength programmes for stability of the spine

A physiotherapist can also design a treatment plan that includes various exercises that help in improving lumbar stability. Exercises such as the hamstring stretch, pelvic tilt, and arm or leg raises help in strengthening the spine as well as treating instability. Lumbar stabilization helps to reduce back pain, strengthen the spine and muscles and improve movement.

Physiotherapy Clinic & Chiropractic therapy centre in Pune – Meet our Sports Physios, Chiropractors, Nutritionists. We are one of the most advanced chiropractic clinics and carry the latest chiropractic equipment which helps our doctors diagnose and treat back pains, spinal problems, neck pains and other joint disorders.

Physiotherapy Benefits: Physiotherapy, today is a form of preventive medicine and not just a post operative solution.

Physiotherapy treatments help people to restore, and maximize their overall well-being. A physiotherapist typically has in-depth knowledge of the functions of your body as well as skills to diagnose and treat injury and disability.

Some examples of treatments offered by a Physio include Neck & Back pain, Issues in the bones, Joints, Ligaments, Lungs, Disability due to Heart trouble, and Loss of Mobility due to an accident or trauma, Pelvic issues and much more.

Looking for an Orthopaedic Physiotherapy Clinic in Pune?

Hip Pain - Hip Mobility

  • What does an Orthopaedic Physiotherapist do?

The treatment goal of an orthopaedic physiotherapist is pain relief. They focus on improving strength, joint range of motion, flexibility and restoration of full function of the joint which is causing pain. It also involves pre and postoperative rehabilitation of Knee, Hip and Shoulder.

An orthopaedic physiotherapist will evaluate your condition, determine movement diagnosis, create a plan for treatment, administer appropriate care, and educate you about injury management and prevention of further injury.

Conditions treated by an Orthopaedic Physio include Fracture rehabilitation, Osteo-Arthritis, Rheumatoid-Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Ligament strain, Sprain, Scoliosis, Spondylolysis, and post surgical rehabilitation of foot, ankle, hip, knee and shoulder.

Typical treatments include Manual therapy, Exercise Programmes, Ultrasound therapy, Neuromuscular Stimulation, Dry-Needling, acupuncture and Interferential Therapy (IFT).

  • Does an Orthopaedist do Physiotherapy?

An orthopaedic surgeon deals with diagnosis, pre-operative treatment, operative treatment and post-operative treatment of injuries or diseases of the musculoskeletal system.

Physiotherapy on the other hand is a style of treatment that improves the range of motion, builds up muscle strength and improves endurance. A physiotherapist can guide you with an exercise programme and provide various treatments for pain reduction and better movement range.

In cases where bone or joint damage is extensive, an orthopaedic surgeon will play an important role due to the requirement of treatment forms such as a surgery.

  • What is the difference between Physiotherapy and Orthopaedics?

Physiotherapy aims to assist in freeing a patient from pain and prevent recurrence. This line of treatment helps a patient to build endurance and muscle strength. It also helps a patient to improve coordination, restore motion and reduce pain or inflammation.

Orthopaedic surgery, comes into play when physiotherapy is no longer effective. This usually occurs when injuries to the muscles and tissues are more severe. It could be the case of a serious fracture, where surgery is required for proper healing.

Post Surgery physiotherapy can then help strengthen the tendons and tissues that surround the injured area. The extent of the injury is the deciding factor in choosing the type of treatment required. For example, physiotherapy is effective in strains or sprains. Orthopaedic surgery, on the other hand, will be required for an injury like ACL or meniscus tear.

  • What are the types of Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy can be divided into sub-categories, focusing on various aspects of treatment and rehabilitation.

  • Neurological Physiotherapy aids patients in recovery due to neurological conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, strokes, spinal and brain injuries. Since a lot of neurological conditions are chronic, doctors often prescribe physiotherapy.
  • Occupational Physiotherapy mostly deals with work-related injuries. This type of therapy deals with promotion of lifting heavy objects with the knees and not the back. Work-place injuries often occur due to incidents such as improper lifting. This therapy also focuses on building upper-body and core strength.
  • Geriatric Physiotherapy deals with movement or mobility issues in the elderly. It also includes addressing mobility issues that arise from musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis and certain types of cancer.
  • Paediatric Physiotherapy focuses on kids and deals with specialized growth or mobility needs of toddlers, infants and adolescents. It may include issues that arise due to genetic conditions, severe injuries, and trauma to the head, limb disabilities and congenital disabilities.
  • Rehabilitative Physiotherapy focuses on patients recovering from major surgeries and continues till complete mobility is achieved. This therapy is often needed by athletes or bodybuilders after injury.
  • Cardio respiratory or pulmonary physiotherapy can aid patients suffering from diseases associated with the heart, lungs or chest. The therapy can help in rehabilitation and management of symptoms such as shortness of breath.

 

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Looking for a Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic in Pune?

Physical Rehabilitation After Stroke

  • What does Neurological Rehabilitation involve?

Neurological rehabilitation is a program that is designed to help patients suffering from diseases, disorders or injuries of the nervous system. Neurological rehab can help with improved function, reduced symptoms and better well-being.

Neurological rehabilitation can help with infections, injuries, tumors, degenerative diseases, structural defects or disorders in the circulatory system. Conditions that may be managed include vascular disorders such as strokes, infections such as meningitis, polio, trauma such as brain or spinal cord injury, neuromuscular disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, muscular dystrophy, or Guillain Barre Syndrome, functional disorders such as dizziness and seizure, or degenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Huntington chorea and Parkinson’s disease.

A neurological rehab team will generally consist of a neurologist, orthopaedic surgeon, physiotherapist and other specialty doctors. The rehab program may include assistance with daily activities, speech therapy, stress and depression management, bladder and bowel training, mobility improvement, exercise, social skills retraining, nutritional counseling, pain management, promotion of independence and vocational counseling.

  • How long does neurological rehabilitation take?

Neurological rehabilitation programs are designed according to a patient’s individual needs and the timeline for each program will depend on the condition being treated. For example, a patient suffering from a traumatic brain injury may take around two years to recover. The time could vary from person to person. Similarly, neurological rehabilitation for a person suffering from a stroke can vary from weeks to years depending on the severity of the stroke.

  • What does a neurological physiotherapist do?

A neurological physiotherapist is trained to treat various neurological conditions to help a patient to regain or improve movement and attain functional independence. Physiotherapists use various forms of treatment such as stretching, balance re-education, electrical stimulation, postural exercise, strengthening, joint mobilization, spasticity management and education on lifestyle and fatigue management.

  • What is the most common neurological disorder?

Neurological disorders can affect millions of people every year and need to be identified and treated to avoid future complications. These disorders can affect people of any age or health. The disorders can also affect different people with different symptoms and varying severity. Some of the most common neurological disorders are stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

  • How long does it take to heal from a brain injury?

The time taken to recover from a brain injury depends on the severity, with the prognosis for mild brain injury being better than moderate, and moderate better than severe. With mild injury, most people recover within 3 months. In the case of a moderate brain injury, most patients recover a majority of their brain function with the additional help of occupational and speech therapy. Recovery from a severe brain injury is a little harder to predict as it depends on the severity of damage, the location of the trauma, and other aspects.

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Looking for Post Operative Physiotherapy in Pune?

  • What is postoperative physiotherapy?

Postoperative physiotherapy is a program designed to re-establish muscle strength, restore mobility, reduce pain and improve overall functions in the body after surgery.

  • Why is Physiotherapy important after surgery?

Post-operative physiotherapy may be essential after a variety of surgeries such as orthopaedic, cardiac and neurological. Different types of surgeries can lead to different consequences. These include pain, reduced strength and movement, balance and coordination difficulties, and postural issues after orthopaedic surgeries. Consequences such as breathing difficulty, postural problems and pain after cardiac surgeries, or, muscle shortening, reduced mobility and breathing issues after neurological surgeries are common. Postoperative physiotherapy is essential as it aids in pain management, strengthening of muscles, improvement of posture, balance, coordination and much more.

  • When should I start Physio after surgery?

Physiotherapy should begin right after surgery, at the hospital. It needs to be continued even after discharge as it helps in faster recovery. Physiotherapy will reduce pain, improve mobility, muscle strength and also assist with respiratory and circulatory problems. Physiotherapy in the early recovery phase will help in pain management, reduction of swelling, restoration of motion. The second phase involves tougher strength exercises, improvement of balance, restoration of full joint motion and soft tissue treatment. This is followed by more complex exercises to improve balance and attain full range of motion if not already achieved.

  • What is Pre-Operative Physiotherapy?

Pre-Operative physiotherapy is being increasingly recommended by surgeons due to its benefits. Studies indicate that starting physiotherapy around a month before surgery can speed up recovery time and reduce surgery-related anxiety. Preoperative physiotherapy helps in reducing pain with the help of exercise, massage, and heat or ice therapies. It can help to improve the overall outcome of surgery as it helps in improving strength. Due to the increase in strength and endurance as a result of physiotherapy, it may reduce chances of complications. Surgery mostly leads to reduced strength and endurance. Preoperative physiotherapy can reduce the amount of strength lost during surgery, making recovery easier. It also shortens the recovery period due to the fact that it improves muscle strength.

Looking for the Best Physiotherapy clinic in Pune – Your search for a Sports Physio near you ends here. Work with the finest Physiotherapy specialists in Pune.

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Simple massages are good for de stressing your body, you however need Myofascial releases for trigger points which form knots in your body. Know more about the Myofascia Network & Myofascial Pain