1. Lower Back Pain

3. Learn about the anatomy of the spine

4. Common causes of low back pain (LBP) and injury

5. Chronic/persistent pain

10. BACKINJURIES

14. Degeneration of vertebrae/discs

15. Muscular strain/tightness

16. Nerve root compression

17. Instability

18. Postural related pain

19. Wear and tear (osteoarthritis and degeneration)

21. Extremely strong structures and can bear a lot of force

22. Discs will naturally lose height and degenerate

23. Outside layer is highly innervated with nerves

25. They can weaken, or tighten, and therefore contribute to pain

26. Fast healers – rich blood supply

28. Provide static support, so prevent movement in certain directions

30. May notice pins and needles, numbness, tingling, burning night pain, skin changes (reduced sensation)

31. Nerve compression can occur by the discs and joints

34. Inflammation no longer

35. Tissue may have already healed

37. Many people suffer ongoing disability after a back injury

39. Avoid certain activities as we believe they may hurt

42. Pain pathways become heightened immediately following an injury

43. Nerves (in your back) detect painful stimuli much more than they used to (sensitization)

44. The brain learns to recognise pain easier (cortical smudging)

47. Core becomes weaker, and strain and tension on spine and ligaments is increased

48. The less you move, the more your brain learns to avoid that movement

50. Loss of motivation

51. Stress

52. Time off work, so more stress!

54. If you have never had treatment, get some!

55. Physiotherapists/doctors can help diagnose your condition

56. May be shown useful stretches and exercises to do

58. Evidence has shown that general exercise can help improve the general strength of your body and therefore your back

59. Exercise is a great way to de-stress, so you feel great afterwards!

60. Releases endorphins and improves mood, which helps you to deal with pain

62. Lift CORRECTLY

63. Good sitting and standing posture

64. Frequent changes in posture

66. Know that your hurts won’t harm you

67. Pacing and graded exposure

68. Accessing the virtual body

70. Hydrotherapy sessions

71. Physiotherapy treatment: assessment and education

72. Pilates assessment and treatment