Lower Back Pain (lumbo-sacral pain)

Back pain is one of the most common & debilitating conditions we can suffer from. There are many causes of back pain but one of the most often missed causes is our feet! Read on to find out how.

Muscular tightness in the lower back (lumbo-sacral region) can cause a dull ache and stiffness. Standing for long periods, excessive walking or sitting in the same position may worsen the pain. Often local treatment on its own provides only short-term relief. There may not be any significant findings by the doctor following x-rays or other tests. This may suggest that some other underlying factors are involved that causes the return of the pain.

These other and often neglected factors can be diagnosed after a thorough biomechanical examination including a gait evaluation. The biomechanical exam can reveal structural or muscular problems that overload or strain the structures involved in back pain. The gait analysis should be conducted walking down a corridor or on a treadmill. This is often videoed were the body movements can then be slowed down for assessment. The results may indicate how the body is compensating for the structural or muscular problems detected during the biomechanical exam. 

SELF TREATMENT improve body posture: stand & walk up straight. For people with office jobs: sit with back straight and head up exercises : Strengthening abdominal muscles – ‘safe’ sit-ups (lift head & shoulders off the ground whilst keeping eyes focused on the ceiling)   : Press-ups: like push ups, however the legs & pelvis stay flat on the ground   : Hamstring & lumbo-sacral stretches   hot & cold packs, anti-inflammatory creams

PODIATRIC TREATMENT reducing excess pronation &/or limb length differences with heel raises, shoe modifications, custom made orthoses or modified stock inserts. People with spinal fusions and fusion of other joints in the lower limb may need extra shock absorption from shoes and custom orthoses recommendation of adequate shoes to meet the needs of your foot type

For further information concerning 'Lower Back and Hip Pain', Click HERE

Footmed recognises that patients with chronic low back pain do not limp because they hurt; rather, they hurt because they limp. Addressing the reason for limping may resolve problems of postural low back pain.