General lower back pain
Lower back pain comes in many forms and causes, from sudden acute pain after an awkward movement to a gradual ache that slowly worsens. In most cases there's no serious underlying cause, but that doesn't make it any less frustrating. We assess exactly what's involved, whether it's muscles, joints, tendons or intervertebral discs, and build a treatment plan that fits your situation.
SI joint complaints
The sacroiliac joint, or SI joint, connects the sacrum to the pelvis. Complaints here present as pain low in the back, just above the buttocks, sometimes radiating into the leg. SI complaints are often confused with a herniated disc or hip problem. Through targeted examination we can make this distinction clearly. Treatment focuses on restoring mobility, relieving the joint and strengthening the surrounding muscles.
Herniated disc
A herniated disc occurs when the core of an intervertebral disc pushes through the outer ring and presses on a nerve. This causes radiating pain, tingling or weakness in the leg, also known as sciatica. Not every herniated disc requires surgery. In many cases physiotherapy helps very well: we reduce pressure on the nerve, train the stabilising muscles and teach you how to load your back in a way that reduces the complaints.
Chronic back pain
When back pain lasts longer than three months, we call it chronic back pain. This requires a different approach than acute pain. Alongside the physical component, fear of movement, posture and lifestyle also play a role. With chronic complaints we always work on multiple factors at once: movement, building strength, reducing fear, and learning to trust your body again.
When to see a physiotherapist?
If you have back pain after a fall or accident, radiating pain into the leg, tingling or weakness, or back pain lasting longer than two weeks, it's worth coming in. We can help you quickly and no referral is needed. The longer you wait, the greater the chance complaints become chronic.
Recognize these symptoms?
Book an appointment directly with Shane Gnade Physiotherapy in Almere. No referral needed, we help you get started quickly.
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