Pain Column: Lower Back Pain

Low back pain is a common condition among many Hong Kong people, including office workers, athletes, housewives, etc. Aloha Wellness & Physiotherapy's pain column will answer the causes, symptoms, daily impacts, and precautions for people with low back pain. Remember to stay tuned until the end for Aloha's treatment recommendations.

Causes of Low Back Pain

1. Musculoskeletal Issues

   • Ligament Strain
     There are small ligaments connecting each vertebra. These ligaments maintain the stability and balance of the spine, allowing the spinal bones to move freely. If the thoracic spine joint movement is restricted, the stress on the lumbar spine ligaments increases. When subjected to significant impact, the lumbar spine ligaments are more prone to strain and inflammation, leading to acute low back pain. Improper handling can result in inflammation and adhesions around the area, causing long-term low back pain.

   • Herniated Disc
     The intervertebral disc is the soft cartilage tissue between the vertebrae, filled with water and elasticity, serving as a shock absorber. However, prolonged improper stress on the spine can lead to excessive wear and tear on the bones and soft tissues between the vertebrae, causing the disc to bulge and press on nearby nerve tissues, resulting in discomfort and pain from the lower back to the legs.

   • Muscle Trigger Point Referral Pain
     Trigger points refer to a small bundle of muscle fibers that remain contracted and tense, making the area sensitive and causing intense pain when subjected to external pressure. Trigger points in muscles such as the iliopsoas, gluteus medius, rectus abdominis, etc., can lead to muscle force issues, causing referred pain in the lower back.

2. Chronic Health Conditions

   • Kidney Inflammation

   • Rheumatoid Arthritis

Symptoms of Pain (Daily Impacts)

1. Musculoskeletal Issues

   • Continuous dull pain during rest due to ligament inflammation

   • Sharp tearing pain in the lower back when moving to a specific range

   • Acute pain when injured ligaments are pressed externally

   • Unexplainable dull pain in the lower back during prolonged sitting

   • Sudden sharp pain in the lower back when coughing or sneezing

   • Initial dull pain evolving into numbness and sharp pain, which may radiate to the buttocks or back of the legs

   • Difficulty getting up, with pain appearing upon slight bending

   • Weakness in core muscles, causing instability during exercises like Bird Dog

   • Ineffective relief from all lower back stretches

   • Prone to developing pelvic tilt issues

Who is Prone to Low Back Pain?

1. Pregnant Women
   Hormonal changes during pregnancy can lead to ligament laxity, reduced spinal stability, and increased susceptibility to strains and sprains.

2. Individuals with Poor Thoracic Spine Mobility
   Those who frequently slouch or have rounded shoulders.

3. Manual Laborers
   Those involved in repetitive bending and lifting heavy objects.

4. Individuals with Prolonged Sitting or Standing Jobs
   Studies show that poor sitting posture can subject the lumbar spine to approximately 200 kg of pressure. Prolonged sitting can lead to the iliopsoas muscle being in a shortened state, gradually forming trigger points.

Aloha Physiotherapy's Recommendations for Improving Low Back Pain

• Vacuum Cupping:
  Relaxation of the superficial fascia of relevant muscles. Compared to fixed cupping, vacuum cupping is more effective in relaxing large areas of superficial fascia through traction, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the treatment.

• Dry Needling:
  Needling of inflamed ligaments, providing pain relief and inducing minor inflammation at the site to accelerate recovery.

• Posture Correction:
  Designing appropriate correction plans for accumulated incorrect postures, balancing relative muscle strength to address the root cause of pain.

• Anti-inflammatory and Pain Relief:
  Therapists will use corresponding instruments to alleviate pain and help reduce inflammation at the affected area (ultrasound therapy, interferential therapy, shockwave therapy).

Q & A Session

Q: If I have pelvic tilt and low back pain issues, can resolving the pelvic tilt solve the low back pain problem?
A: Research shows that most people have a pelvic tilt of 6-13°, which is a common phenomenon and not pathological. Studies also indicate that there is no significant relationship between pelvic tilt and low back pain. If you want to thoroughly address low back pain, it is recommended to consult a doctor or physical therapist.

Book an Appointment/Inquiry

Aloha Wellness & Physiotherapy

• Phone: 29872099 | 93158877 (Whatsapp)

• Address: 23/F, Fung Lok House, 56 Queen's Road Central, Central (1-minute walk from Central MTR Station Exit D2)