Symptoms
- Back pain that may radiate to the arm or leg
- Numbness or tingling in the affected limb
- Muscle weakness along the nerve pathway
- Pain worsening with coughing or sneezing
- Pain with prolonged sitting
Common causes
- Age-related disc degeneration
- Heavy or improper lifting
- Repetitive bending or twisting
- Trauma or injury
- Excess body weight
- Sedentary lifestyle
How physiotherapy helps
Treatment includes McKenzie method directional preference exercises, spinal mobilisation, core stabilisation, neural mobilisation, traction, and postural correction. Education on proper lifting mechanics is essential.
Exercises your physiotherapist may give you
- Prone press-ups (McKenzie extension)
- Core bracing exercises
- Nerve gliding/flossing exercises
- Pelvic tilts
- Modified planks
- Bird-dog exercise
Please note: start these exercises only after an assessment, and stop if pain increases. Your physiotherapist will choose the right exercises, number of repetitions and progression for you.
Guide written by the physiotherapists of CAPT – Centre for Advanced Physiotherapy, MVM Educational Trust. For more reading, search MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).