Back Pain

After an episode of low back pain the ‘motor control’ in the spine can be affected. This can often lead to compensations, or maladaptive changes occurring. Maladaptive changes can then leave the spine vulnerable to further pain and dysfunction and can account for why low back pain often reoccurs. The same is true for neck or upper back pain.

Importantly, specific exercises and treatment can rectify these maladaptive changes that may have occurred, thereby reducing pain and the risk of reoccurrence. Such rehabilitation programmes have become part of the common treatment for low back pain; they are also being increasingly used by athletes to improve performance and by the general public for health and well-being reasons; or for the prevention of injury (Barr, 2008).

Further research into back pain is showing just how complex a problem it is and how inter-connected the spinal muscles, the nervous system and our pain responses are. Chartered Physiotherapists are best placed to understand the neuro-musculoskeletal implications of back pain; Pilates classes led by Chartered Physiotherapists are the recommended option for any one with an injury or pain, who may be considering taking classes.