Archive for October, 2018

Back pain is a very common condition affecting 7 out of 10 people at some point in their lives but it can be treated effectively.

The largest cause of work-related absence in the UK, back pain can affect anyone at any stage in life but has the highest prevalence during adolescence, and then again in middle age.

Low back pain can be very uncomfortable, but it is usually not serious. It can also be the cause of pain, numbness, weakness, or tingling sensations in the legs, often called sciatica. In the majority of cases, the cause of your back problem can be linked to the way in which the bones, muscles, and ligaments in your back work together and how you have been using them.

If during your episode of low back pain you notice changes to your bladder or bowel function you should go straight to your local Accident and Emergency Department as this could indicate a more severe problem.

The lower part of your back, known as the ‘lumbar region’ supports the entire weight of your upper body and is under constant pressure, particularly when you are bending, lifting, and twisting. The complex structure of your lower back means that even small amounts of damage to any part of the lumbar region can cause pain and discomfort. Back pain will usually last from a few days to a few weeks but can be longer in more severe cases.

Aside from a muscular strain, which is the most common cause of low back pain, one of the more common injuries, or causes of pain, in the lower back originates from the discs. When enough pressure is applied to one side of the disc, the paste-like nucleus on the inside can protrude or bulge out from the disc. This is otherwise known as a prolapsed or herniated disc. Disc injuries most commonly occur when a person bends over to lift a heavy object incorrectly.

How can we help you?

Physiotherapy can be extremely beneficial for someone suffering from back pain. Our aim will be to reduce your pain and stiffness, increase your core stability and flexibility, and provide you with education and advice to prevent any future occurrence. Treatment may consist of hands-on therapy, acupuncture, exercises, as well as ergonomic and postural advice.

Pilates classes are also a great exercise option for improving core strength and movement patterns and are appropriate for someone experiencing back pain.

Our Rehab classes can also be beneficial in building your general strength and fitness which will aid in the long-term care of your back.

Regular Massage can also aid in reducing muscle tension, improving flexibility, and relieving any painful and overactive areas.

If you’re suffering from back pain and would like to see a Physio, please call us on 01380 730473 or book online here. 

Children can often experience aches and pains in the evenings or during the night commonly known as growing pains – that can be uncomfortable for them, but also make parents feel helpless to ease their child’s discomfort.

The good news is there are a lot of different things that can be done to help with growing pains.

So we’ve asked one of our Physios to shed some light on this topic and clarify what growing pains really are and what you can do about them.

What are growing pains?

Growing pains are aches experienced by children in their legs, typically at night and during periods of rapid growth. Children with growing pains:

• Occasionally wake up feeling stiffness in their legs
• Can wake up in the middle of the night with leg pain
• Often feel discomfort in their legs after playing sport
• Sometimes feel discomfort in their legs when resting
  

Why do they occur?

There isn’t any conclusive research to show why growing pains occur, but there are a number of factors that can contribute to it – such as the rate of your child’s growth, the volume and intensity of physical activity, tight muscles, weight,  foot posture, and many other factors. Growing pains tend to be more prevalent in active children and they can be common amongst siblings.

So what can you do?

Physiotherapy can help assess, diagnose and recommend the best treatment options to help alleviate growing pains. This may include regular Massage, the use of orthotics (custom-made insoles), a strengthening programme, anti-inflammatories, and much more.

Children can often continue with their sports or activity during treatment, and our Physios will advise them on how best to do this.

At the Clinic, all our Physiotherapists are experienced in treating children, so if your child or grandchild suffers from growing pains, don’t ignore them. Call our friendly team to book in for an assessment on 01380 730473 or click here to learn more about Physiotherapy at Hatts