BACK PAIN - When You Should Worry and What You Should Do

BACK PAIN is a common issue that affects many Australians at some point in their lives.

While most cases are not serious, back pain can significantly impact your day-to-day activities and quality of life. At Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates in Geelong, we understand the frustration that comes with back pain, and we're here to help you understand when you should be concerned and what steps to take to manage and recover effectively.

In most cases, lower back pain (LBP) is non-specific, meaning there isn’t a clear, identifiable cause, and it's not usually a serious medical condition. However, there are situations where back pain could signal something more severe. So, when should you worry, and what should you do about it?

When Should You Worry About Back Pain?

While the majority of back pain cases do not indicate a serious problem, there are certain "red flags" that may suggest more serious underlying conditions. If you experience any of the following, it's important to seek medical attention immediately:

• Unexplained weight loss alongside your back pain.

• Pain at night that interferes with your sleep or gets worse at night.

• History of cancer combined with new or worsening back pain.

• Bladder or bowel problems, such as incontinence or retention.

• Severe pain following trauma, such as after a fall or accident.

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs or around your groin area.

• Fever and chills with your back pain.

  
  

These red flags may point to conditions such as infections, spinal fractures, or nerve damage, and you should seek urgent medical care. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to be safe and get assessed by a professional.

Myths About Back Pain: What You Need to Know

There are a number of myths surrounding back pain that can cause unnecessary stress and confusion. Let’s take a moment to debunk some of the most common misconceptions:

Myth 1: Back pain is usually a serious medical condition.

Fact: In most cases, lower back pain is not a life-threatening condition. It's often caused by muscle strain or tension, and the majority of people recover with appropriate treatment.

Myth 2: Lower back pain will only get worse as you age.

Fact: While back pain can be common, it doesn’t necessarily worsen as you get older. Most episodes of back pain improve over time, especially when managed properly with physiotherapy and lifestyle changes.

Myth 3: Persistent back pain is always due to tissue damage.

Fact: Chronic back pain is often linked to psychosocial factors, such as fear-avoidance behaviour, poor pain coping strategies, and negative thoughts about recovery. It’s not always about tissue damage.

Myth 4: Scans are always needed to figure out what's causing back pain.

Fact: Scans like MRIs and X-rays are not always necessary and do not typically change the course of treatment. Often, physiotherapists can diagnose your condition through a thorough physical assessment and help you move forward with appropriate care.

Normal scans in people with NO BACK PAIN 

Myth 5: Any pain from movement or exercise means harm is being done to your back.

Fact: Gentle exercise and movement is important for spine health. Gradual and controlled movement can actually help improve your flexibility, strength, and reduce pain over time.

Myth 6: Poor posture is the main cause of back pain.

Fact: While posture can contribute to discomfort, it is not the primary cause of back pain. More important factors include muscle imbalances, lifestyle habits, and stress levels.

Myth 7: Weak core muscles are the cause of back pain.

Fact: A weak core is not the root cause of back pain. In fact, some people over-tense their core muscles, which can contribute to pain. Strengthening the core is helpful, but it should be balanced with learning how to relax these muscles when they’re not needed.

Myth 8: Repeated spinal loading leads to 'wear and tear'.

Fact: Movement and loading are important for building resilience in the spine. As long as the load is appropriate and gradual, the spine can tolerate it without causing harm.

Myth 9: Pain flare-ups are signs of tissue damage.

Fact: Pain flare-ups are more commonly associated with changes in activity, stress, or mood rather than actual damage to the spine. Staying active and engaged in movement is key to managing these flare-ups.

Myth 10: Strong medications or surgery are always necessary for lower back pain.

Fact: Effective treatment for lower back pain can be relatively simple and non-invasive. Physiotherapy, patient-centred education, and exercise are often the best ways to manage back pain and prevent it from returning.

When Should You See a Specialist Back Physio in Geelong?

While many cases of lower back pain can be managed with self-care and over-the-counter treatments, seeing a specialist back physio can make a significant difference in your recovery. Here’s how we can help at Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates:

1. Thorough Assessment: We’ll perform a comprehensive assessment to understand the nature of your pain, your movement patterns, and any underlying factors contributing to your discomfort.

2. Personalised Home Program: Based on your assessment, we’ll provide you with an individualised program of exercises and techniques to help alleviate pain and improve your mobility.

3. Reducing Flare-Ups: Our goal is to increase the time between episodes of pain, teaching you strategies to manage and reduce flare-ups in the future.

4. Long-Term Management: We’ll guide you through a structured plan to help you regain function and reduce the impact of back pain on your life.

   
   

By addressing the root causes of your back pain, we aim to help you live pain-free, without needing to rely on scans, medication, or surgery.

Do You Need to Go to the Hospital for Back Pain?

In most cases, back pain does not require a visit to the hospital. However, if you experience any of the red flags mentioned above, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. For the majority of people with lower back pain, a specialist physiotherapist can provide the care and support you need to get back to full health.

Get Help Today at Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates!

If you’re dealing with back pain and unsure of your next steps, don’t hesitate to reach out to our expert team at Move Sports Physiotherapy & Pilates in Geelong. Book an appointment today, and let us help you manage your back pain, improve your quality of life, and get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Book your FREE physio phone consult – no obligations, just honest advice to help you find the right fit.

BOOK NOW