Lower back pain (sometimes referred to generally as lumbago) is a common symptom of musculoskeletal disorders or of disorders involving the lumbar vertebrae. It can be either acute, subacute or chronic in its clinical presentation. Typically, the symptoms of low back pain show significant improvement within two to three months from its onset. In a significant number of individuals, low back pain tends to be recurrent in nature with a waxing and waning quality to it. In a small proportion of sufferers this condition can become chronic. Population studies show that back pain affects most adults at some stage in their life and accounts for more sick leave and disability than any other single medical condition.

An acute lower back injury may be caused by a traumatic event, like a car accident or a fall. It occurs suddenly and its victims will usually be able to pinpoint exactly when it happened. In acute cases, the structures damaged will more than likely be soft tissue like intervertebral discs, muscles, ligaments and tendons. With a serious accident, osteoporosis or other causes of weakened vertebral bones, vertebral fractures in the lumbar spine may also occur. At the lowest end of the spine, some patients may have tailbone pain (also called coccyx pain or coccydynia). Others may have pain from their sacroiliac joint at the bottom of the lumbar spine, called sacroiliac joint dysfunction (see sacroiliac joint for more information). Chronic lower back pain usually has a more insidious onset, occurring over a long period of time. Physical causes may include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degeneration of the discs between the vertebrae, or a spinal disc herniation, a vertebral fracture (such as from osteoporosis), or rarely, a tumor (including cancer) or infection.

Appointments call 0203 174 2120

Upper Back Pain Treatment London

Upper back pain, also called middle back pain or thoracic pain, is pain that is felt between the bottom of the neck and top of the lumbar spine. The upper spine is very strong and stable to support the weight of the upper body, as well as to anchor the rib cage which provides a cavity to allow the heart and lungs to function and protect them.

The word “thoracic” means pertaining to the chest, and the thoracic spine comprises the upper portion of the spine that corresponds to the chest area. The upper spine includes twelve vertebrae, and each of the upper nine vertebrae in this section attach to the a rib on either side of the spine. From this attachment, they provide a supporting structure for the internal organs as they curve around the side of the body to attach into the breastbone.

The most common cause of upper back pain is believed to originate from muscular irritation or other soft tissue (e.g. ligament) problems. These can arise from lack of strength, poor posture, overuse injuries (such as repetitive motion), or a trauma (such as a car accident or sports injury). Muscular strain in the upper back is usually treated by one or a combination of the following:

• Exercise/Active and passive physical therapy
• Joint manipulation, as commonly performed by chiropractors or osteopathic physicians
• Deep massage or massage therapy
• Acupuncture
• Ice and/or heat therapy
• Analgesics such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

If there is a specific tender spot, then trigger point massage or injections can be helpful.

Another cause of upper back pain is problems with the joints that connect the vertebrae and the ribs. Treatment for joint problems such as this usually includes:

• Manual manipulation (with an osteopathic physician or chiropractor)
• Exercise and physical therapy
• Pain medications such as anti-inflammatory medications

A compression fracture of the vertebra can also cause acute and/or chronic pain in the upper back. Osteoporosis can result in vertebral fractures and should be considered as a possible cause of upper back pain (typically), especially in women over the age of 50. A painful vertebral compression fracture may be treated with pain medication and rest, or with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty surgery.

Other, less common causes of upper back pain include a spinal disc herniation, degenerative disc disease, or some type of trauma (such as a fall) that may have fractured a vertebra in the thoracic spine.

Appointments call 0203 174 2120

Acute Back Pain Treatment London

It is the length of time and not the severity of the symptoms that defines an acute episode of low back pain. Acute pain usually lasts no longer than 6 weeks. If you think you may suffer from acute back pain please contact London Physio to make an appointment.

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