MYOFASCIAL LOWER BACK PAIN
WHAT IS IT?
Myofascial pain is extremely common and can be defined as a regional pain with a soft tissue origin (ie. muscle or fascia/connective tissue). Myofascial trigger points, and symptoms as a result of muscle tightness are a common cause of back pain. A myofascial trigger point is a hyperirritable spot (that often feels like a knot) which can be the cause of your pain and reproduce your symptoms. We can also experience back pain from muscle tightness if this tightness causes changes in the tissue environment, resulting in altered chemical balance and tissue sensitivity.
Symptoms commonly associated with myofascial lower back pain
Symptoms associated with myofascial lower back pain may include (but are not limited to):
- Back pain located in either the lower back, or in a referral pattern from a myofascial trigger point
- Back pain that is often described as an ache
- Back pain that is worse with sedentary activities and improves with movement
- Back stiffness and limited range of movement
- Tenderness with palpation of the lower back
- Weakness or increase in fatiguability of the muscles of the low back
Contributing Factors associated with myofascial lower back pain
There are many factors that can contribute to the development of low back pain. These may include (but are not limited to):
MODIFIABLE
- Muscle imbalances and strength deficits
- Poor motor patterning
- Poor weight transfer from lower limb
- Dysfunctional patterns of muscle activation
- Poor lumbopelvic stability
- Repetitive functional tasks
- Prolonged posture – sitting or standing
- Loading – sport, work etc.
NON-MODIFIABLE
- Individual anatomical variations
- Past injury history
Considerations in the management of myofascial lower back pain
SHORT TERM
DIAGNOSE
Diagnosis is a vital part of managing any injury. Not only is it important to determine which structures are responsible for our symptoms, but why they have become symptomatic. Addressing the ‘why’ will ensure adequate recovery and prevention of future injury. Our Geelong Physiotherapists will work with you to ensure an accurate diagnosis of your injury.
EDUCATION
It is important that you have an understanding of your diagnosis, and what strategies are important for acute management, and reduction of future injury risk.
MOTOR CONTROL
As deficits in strength, stability, control or patterns of muscle activation are often key contributors to low back pain, it is important these are addressed to not only reduce load through injured tissues, but to ensure we reduce the risk of injury recurrence.
MANUAL THERAPIES
These can include soft tissue techniques (i.e., massage), dry needling, joint mobilisation / manipulation etc. and may be used to manage tissue health and symptoms
ACTIVITY MODIFICATION
You will often be advised to avoid provocative activities to allow tissue recovery; but it is also important for us to discuss how to keep you as active as possible to limit deconditioning and get you back doing the things you love as soon as possible.
LONG TERM
STRENGTHENING
Progressing strengthening exercises to a gym environment under the supervision of strength coaches will often be advised, as this will help to improve tissue tolerance to load and be the best chance and reducing your risk of re-injury.
SUMMARY
If you have any questions about your low back pain or possible myofascial pain, please do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 5229 3911, email us at info@theinjuryclinic.com.au or book an appointment to see one of our Geelong physiotherapists.
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