Back pain will be experienced by almost everyone at some point of their life. It can become chronic, debilitating and a lifelong condition with no easy cure. Fortunately most back pain will get better.
The Global Burden of Disease Study has declared lower back and neck pain to be Australia’s leading cause of ongoing disability and poor health. Ranking more highly than ischaemic heart disease and depressive disorders, and the years lost because of this disability have increased significantly.
The World Health Organisation suggests that an ageing population will make low back pain more common; so will the increases in obesity and inactivity. Low back pain is often an occupational hazard: 37 per cent is attributed to work, whether it be construction workers and nurses lifting, or drivers and professionals just sitting.
Sudden, acute episodes of low back pain usually get better within 6 weeks with conservative treatment and sufficient management. People should try to get moving again as soon as possible, stretching and strengthening as they return to normal. Factors such as prolonged sitting position at the workplace, lack of exercise, obesity and high body weight will contribute to the problem persisting.
As with any problem it is advisable to seek expert advice and more importantly gather information to allow you to create a better understanding of that advice.
Whether you have a history of lower back pain, currently have lower back pain or yet to experience it as yet, here are a few tips for stretching out your lower back.