Lower back pain is probably one of the biggest reasons as to why clients attend Principle Four Osteopathy for treatment.  For anyone who has suffered from an acute lower back injury, we all know how debilitating it can be and the acute pain that comes with even the slightest of movements.  Typically the acute lower back injury will generally only last between a few days and a couple of weeks before things return to normal.  The tissues involved with a lower back complaint usually involve some sort of strain or sprain to the disc, facet joint, ligament or nearby muscle.  Generally speaking, treatment and management that includes rest, over the counter medications such as anti-inflammatories and pain killers, manual therapy and avoidance of aggravating movements or postures will aid in recovery.

Something that I generally see time and time again with those presenting to the clinic with a history of lower back pain is a lack of movement in the hips and the lower limb, general tightness in the soft tissues around the hips and pelvis and lower limb such as iliopsoas, gluteals, piriformis, QL and restriction in the thoracic spine.  The thoracic spine and hips, pelvis and lower limb are key areas in the body where good mobility is desired.  Typically as these areas start to stiffen and tighten up, more load is often placed on the lower back and therefore the repetitive overload to the lower back often results in an acute lower back injury.

For those of you who suffer from a history of lower back pain, I would highly suggest seeing your Osteopath or Physiotherapist for a movement based assessment.  The Osteopath or Physiotherapist will be able to identify where areas of restriction in the spine and lower limb and associated soft tissue tightness which may be contributing to your dysfunction.

Simple Tips To Improve Hip Mobility & Thoracic Spine Mobility.  Below are some videos sourced from YouTube that might be of interest.  Please note:  It is advised that you see your Osteopath or Physiotherapist to get professional advice on whether these are suitable for you.

Foam Rolling – Myofascial Release techniques to the thoracic spine and hips, pelvis and lower limb muscles are a great way to improve thoracic spine movement and reduce tension in those tight soft tissues.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JT61cVqCadc

Stretching out the iliopsoas, QL, glutes, piriformis and lower limb muscles can help reduce soft tissue tightness and improve mobility through the hips and pelvis.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oHFPk_QjTY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGSr5iSNSPA&playnext=1&list=PLD8A7FA2AF447DB6C&feature=results_main

This article was written by Osteopath Heath Williams.  Heath works at Principle Four Osteopathy, one of Melbourne City CBD 3000 leading Osteopathic clinics.  The Osteopathic clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place, Melbourne City CBD 3000.  Appointments can be booked by calling 03 9670 9290 or online @ www.principlefourosteopathy.com.