Back pain is one of the most common conditions patients present with in physiotherapy. It can occur in different areas of the back and can be acute or chronic.
The causes of back pain are varied. Poor posture, muscle tension, lack of exercise or one-sided loading are frequently involved. Injuries, herniated discs, wear and tear or inflammatory diseases can also be triggers.
Physiotherapy treatment of back pain uses various approaches. For acute pain, passive measures such as heat applications, massage or manual therapy techniques come first, to ease the complaints and restore mobility.
For chronic back pain, the focus is on active exercises and movement therapy. The aim is to strengthen the back and trunk muscles, release tension, train body awareness and learn back-friendly movement patterns. Elements from back-school programmes are often integrated to teach patients back-friendly behaviour in everyday life.
In addition, physical measures such as electrotherapy or relaxation techniques can be used. Decisive for the success of therapy is the patient's active participation and consistent continuation of the exercises in everyday life in order to remain free of complaints in the long term.