Physiotherapy May Be As Effective As Surgery For Treating Lower Back Pain, Study Suggests | HuffPost Life

Could Physiotherapy Be The Best Way To Treat Back Pain?

Rachel Moss— The Huffington Post UK

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Back pain affects more than 1.1 million people in the UK, with 95% of patients suffering from lower back pain problems.

Surgery is sometimes used to tackle the condition, but new research suggests it may not be the best solution.

A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine suggests physiotherapy may be just as effective as surgery for tackling a type of lower back pain called lumbar spinal stenosis.

A team of US researchers followed 169 participants age 50 and over between 2000 and 2007 who had previously agreed to have surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis.

A total of 87 patients went on to have surgery for the condition, while 82 agreed to undergo course of physical therapy twice per week instead.

"Surgery is a riskier procedure, with about a 15% complication rate, and half of those are life-threatening," Dr. Anthony Delitto, chair of physical therapy at the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh, said in a statement.

"It isn't a life-risking procedure to do physical therapy."

Participants were allowed to opt to have surgery at any time during the study - 57% of the physical therapy group did choose to have surgery at the follow-up session in 2002.

However, the researchers claim that the participants experienced similar reductions in pain and symptoms regardless of what group they were in after two years.

"The study demonstrates that both surgery and physical therapy are reasonable choices - the person who goes down either path ends up in the same place a year or two later," Dr Jeffrey Katz, of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, commented on the study.

The research comes after paracetamol - another common treatment for back pain - was found to be "ineffective" in easing symptoms in another recent study.

If you're suffering from long-term back pain, the NHS recommend you visit your GP to discuss the best treatment option for you.

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15 Exercises For Back Pain

Push-Up with Leg Lift(01 of16)

With your hands and feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and the arms fully extended, lower your chest to the floor while maintaining a neutral spine in the plank position. As you do this, elevate one foot off the floor squeezing your butt cheeks to activate your gluteals.Alternate sides until you have completed 20 repetitions.

Plan-Balance Level 1(02 of16)

When holding the plank position, ensure that the arms are in a vertical position directly under the shoulders. While maintaining this position, curl your heel to your butt while keeping your knees at the same height and ensuring there is no rotation or movement through the pelvis or torso. Complete 20 repetitions in total.

Plan-Balance Level 2(03 of16)

Same technique tips as level 1, however, the level 2 movement increases the control needed. Complete 20 repetitions in total.

Side Plank Level 1(04 of16)

Lift your hip from the floor to activate the obliques and core. Keep your hips low and push up from your arm on the floor. 10 repetitions each side.

Side Plank Level 2(05 of16)

Same as level 1, reach your arm overhead to lengthen out the torso, and increase muscle activation and balance. 10 repetitions each side.

Side Plank Level 3(06 of16)

Same as the level 2 exercise, this times as you reach overhead, elevate your knee in towards your elbow for more activation and a bigger challenge. 10 repetitions each side

Bodyweight Squats(07 of16)

While maintaining a neutral spine, sit your bodyweight down into a squat position until your tailbone drops lower than your knees. Ensure there is no excessive forward flexion of the torso. The distance that your knees travel forward during a squat will be different for each person depending on their limb length, regardless, make sure you keep your spine neutral. Complete 15 repetitions.

Walking Lunges(08 of16)

Starting with your feet shoulder-width apart and your hands beside your body, take a moderate step forward lowering your knee to about one inch off the floor, while raising your arms overhead. Repeat alternating which leg steps forward for 20 repetitions.

Deadlift Stretch Start(09 of16)

This exercise is used for flexibility in this instance, however, once you have recovered from back pain you can add resistance.

Deadlift Stretch Finish(10 of16)

Focus on keeping the lower back in a neutral position with your chest out and legs should-width apart. You should be able to feel the hamstring activation as your pull your upper body from forward flexion back into an upright position. Complete 10 repetitions.

Gluteal-Hamstring Lift Level 1(11 of16)

Designed to activate the hamstrings, gluteals and lower back, this exercise is great for strengthening and shaping the back of the legs. Start with your butt touching the floor and then lift to push your hips up as you squeeze your butt cheeks. Complete 10 repetitions.

Gluteal-Hamstring Lift Level 2(12 of16)

Same technique as level 1, however, this is the one leg version for people who are looking for an extra challenge. With this level, be sure to avoid any rotation through the pelvis. The challenge is to activate more core and gluteals. Complete 10 repetitions each

Kneeling Hip & Chest(13 of16)

In a kneeling position, take the weight forward as you anchor your back knee to the floor. Hold the stretch for five seconds and release.Completes this stretch five times before switching legs.

Gluteals Level 1(14 of16)

This stretch can also be done with a bent leg elevated on a bench or chair. Aim to have your pelvis in a neutral position with no rotation, and avoid rounding through the upper back as you stretch forward. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds before changing sides. Complete three sets of 20 on each side.

Gluteals & Quads Level 2(15 of16)

Basically the same technique as level 1, this move stretches out the hips. You can elevate the back foot to incorporate hips flexors and quadriceps into the stretch as well. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds before changing sides. Complete three sets of 20 on each side.

Foam Roller(16 of16)

Lie on your side with the roller at the knee and drag your body along the floor until the roller reaches your hips. Return to the starting position. You can also rotate your body forward or back to target a different part of the leg. Complete five rolls on each.

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