WHAT IS IT? LUMBAR INSTABILITY
Hypermobility is essentially too much movement at a joint (s). This excess movement can then create instability in the lumbar spine resulting in low back pain.
Signs and symptoms
-
Low back pain may be general or specific to one level
-
Poor lumbopelvic control
-
Feeling of weakness or instability
-
Poor response to normal mobilising or manipulative treatment
WHAT CAUSES IT?
-
General hypermobility affecting the whole body
-
Poor core stability
HOW TO SELF MANAGE
-
Modify aggravating activities so that they are carried out with control.
-
If globally hypermobile all over then choose activities which address improving stability such as Pilates.
-
For more specific management, assessment by your physiotherapist will be required.
PROGNOSIS
-
Long term self management with progressive stabilising exercises is necessary to improve stability and reduce segmental low back pain.
HOW PHYSIO HELPS?
-
Assess for global Hypermobility
-
Palpate the spine to determine if an individual segment is affected versus general
-
Hypermobility
-
Provide specific strengthening exercises to increase lumbar stability
-
Mobilise areas of hypomobility if present, so that one mobile segment is not connected to a stiff one
OR for an online consultation click here