Low Back Pain (LBP) remains one of the most prevalent and disabling conditions globally. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study (2017), LBP accounts for 7.3% of all years lived with disability (YLD), affecting up to 70% of people at some point in their lives. Understanding LBP is crucial for doctors pursuing a career in pain management, especially with the rising demand for non-invasive diagnostic tools and treatments.

Globally, LBP is most common among individuals aged 30 to 50, often resulting from poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, or occupational stress. The economic burden is significant, particularly in high-income countries, where healthcare costs and productivity losses are substantial.

Red Flags in Low Back Pain (LBP)

Physiotherapist must be vigilant when assessing LBP, as certain red flags may indicate more severe underlying conditions. These include:

Progressive neurological deficits (e.g., leg weakness)

Loss of bladder or bowel control

Unexplained weight loss

Persistent fever

History of cancer

Significant trauma in older adults

Physiotherapy treatment and advice include :

• exercises to do yourself

• manual therapy and mobilisation

• acupuncture treatment

electro-acupuncture is quite effective

Therapeutic modalities Eg. LASER

Diagnostic Interventions

In certain cases, physiotherapist may perform diagnostic interventions like nerve blocks or joint injections. These not only help confirm the pain source but also provide therapeutic relief. Trigger point injections can address muscle-related pain, improving patient mobility and reducing discomfort.

Back Pain Types:

•  

  Lower Back

•  

  Middle or upper back strain

•  

  Disc prolapse

•  

  Sciatica

•  

  Abdominal pains

•  

  Groin pain & strain

•  

  Piriformis syndrome

Sciatica

Sciatica is where the sciatic nerve, which runs from your lower back to your feet, is irritated or compressed. It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer.

Check if you have sciatica

If you have sciatica, your:

• bottom

• back of your leg

• foot and toes

may feel:

• painful – the pain may be stabbing, burning or shooting

• tingling – like pins and needles

• numb

• weak

Your symptoms may be worse when moving, sneezing or coughing.

You may also have back pain, but it's not usually as bad as the pain in your bottom, leg or foot.

Shoulder Pain Types:

•  

  Bursitis

•  

  Tendonitis

•  

  Rotator cuff strains

•  

  Rotator cuff tears

•  

  Instability

•  

  Frozen shoulder

Neck Pain types:

•  

  Neck & upper shoulder

•  

  Thoracic spine pain

•  

  Headaches

•  

  Dizziness

•  

  Neck disc prolapse

•  

  Related arm pain

• Knee Pain Types

• ACL strains & tears

• Meniscus or cartilage

• Anterior knee pain Patella tracking problems

• Running or sporting knees 

• Compartment syndromes