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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

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​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.

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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

 

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