What is Acute or Chronic Low Back Pain?

• ‘Acute’ indicates onset within the last 6 weeks.
• 80% of Australians will have an episode of acute or chronic low back pain – you are not alone.
• Acute low back pain may involve one or more structures around the spine such as the intervertebral disc, the facet joint, the ligaments or the muscles.
• Acute low back pain often affects people suffering with irritable bowel syndrome, continence issues and respiratory diseases.
• Research shows that acute low back pain inhibits the stabilising muscles surrounding the spine (see below picture) leading to chronic weakness.
• Stretching is only effective if you are targeting the right muscles. Too much stretching can actually make you more unstable in the long term.

A combination of strength and flexibility is vital for the long-term health of your spine.

Treatment Lower Back Pain Treatment

• Regular monitoring by your specialised physiotherapist can help to ensure that the interventions are tailored to your responses
• Increase your awareness of good postural habits
• Anti-inflammatory creams/patches or medication may be prescribed by your doctor
• You are very likely to improve significantly within one month
• You can expect slower improvements over the 3 months following
• It is not uncommon to suffer a repeat episode within 12 months

Research
• Research has shown that improving your posture and the strength and control of your anti-gravity muscles, will reduce the chance of future episodes of acute low back pain.