Back Pain and Weakness

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Woman with back pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions we face.

It is estimated that as many as 80% of the population will experience at least one episode of lower back pain during their lifetime.

Current evidence indicates that individuals with lower back pain are more likely to have a significant decrease in pelvic floor function compared to individuals without lower back pain.

And it’s not just weak, under active pelvic floor muscles that can trigger pelvic floor and lower back pain – having over active muscles that are too tight, or a muscle imbalance can produce the same outcomes.

A longitudinal study reports that women with pre-existing pelvic floor dysfunction are more likely to develop lower back pain than women without such problems.

That’s because the foundation for all movement, balance, stability and flexibility begins in the pelvis.

And that’s why it’s important to make sure your pelvic floor is functioning properly.

Why is the core so important?

Most of us have heard of the term ‘core’ but what does this really mean? Many people believe their core refers to their abs and lower back, but the true core is more than that. In fact, the pelvic floor is a significant piece of your body’s core.

Your core consists of four key components:

  • the pelvic floor muscles
  • the deep abdominal muscles (Transversus Abdominis)
  • the deep stabilising spinal muscles (Multifidus), and
  • the diaphragm (i.e. the ‘breathing muscle’).

Your core works to support the spine and control the pressure inside the abdomen. For example, with lifting, the internal pressure in the abdomen increases while the weight is being lifted, then returns to normal when the weight is put down.

A fully functioning core will actually anticipate and prepare us for whatever activity we are about to undertake before we even move. In a dysfunctional core, the ability to anticipate and prepare is hindered in some way and this can result in significant pain and injury.

The Female Athlete

Almost every exercise or physical activity you do affects your pelvic floor. And some activities place greater stress on your pelvic floor than others. For example, you can be at significant risk of developing pelvic floor problems if you are involved in high impact or high stress sports or activities such as:

  • gymnastics or trampolining
  • athletics or triathlon
  • netball
  • tennis, squash or badminton
  • weightlifting or weight training
  • crossfit, or
  • running, skipping or jumping.

In fact, any activity or exercise that places constant and excessive downward pressure on your pelvic floor can lead to issues and injury, or worsen existing conditions, if there is any muscle weakness or imbalance in the pelvic floor muscles.

It can also significantly affect athletic performance by limiting strength, speed and movement, and leave you vulnerable to injury to joints, ligaments, tendons and muscles.

And of course, it can increase the risk of issues such as incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or sexual dysfunction.

Click through the tabs below for more information on treatment options

Pelvic Health Physio

A thorough assessment of your spine, muscle balance, core function and breathing biomechanics underpins all treatment options.

Experienced, evidence based therapy is then used to decrease pain and improve your movement patterns, flexibility, strength and function.

Treatment can include joint mobilisation and manipulation, massage, acupuncture and progressive functional therapeutic exercise.

Read more about Pelvic Health PhysioCall for an appointment
PelviPower

PelviPower – Treatment Option

PelviPower Magnetic Field Therapy (MFT) uses repetitive magnetic impulses to trigger comfortable but powerful contractions of the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles.

With contractions much stronger than you can achieve yourself, the function, coordination and strength of your pelvic floor is improved which positively impacts your core strength. Stimulation of the tissues and nerves also increases circulation and can result in marked pain relief.

PelviPower Biofeedback Training (BFT) increases the perception, coordination and control of your pelvic floor because you see the efforts of your training presented to you in real time on a computer screen in front of you.

There is no need to undress as you train in your every day clothes.

Read more about PelviPowerCall for an appointment
Ultrasound

Real Time Ultrasound Biofeedback

Your core stability muscles are deep. Ultrasound scanning helps teach you how to contract them by visualising their activation. Seeing your muscles move as you feel them contract is a very powerful training tool.

Real Time Ultrasound BiofeedbackCall for an appointment
What Are the Advantages of Treatment?

Acupuncture

Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system and local tissues. This encourages your body to control unnecessary pain, reduce excess tone and spasm and promote a local tissue healing response. Acupuncture is a useful tool to reduce pain and dysfunction so we can help you get stronger sooner.

Read more about AcupunctureCall for an appointment

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