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What is lumbar instability and how can Osteopathy help?

What is lumbar instability and how can Osteopathy help?

Written by Alex Phan - Osteopath | 13th January 2025

Lumbar instability refers to an excessive movement or lack of support in the lumbar spine (lower back) due to weakened or injured structures, such as muscles, ligaments, and intervertebral discs. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and difficulty with movement, and may result from factors like injury, degenerative disc disease, poor posture, or muscle imbalances.

Signs and symptoms of Lumbar Instability:

  • Lower back pain
  • Increased pain with movement or certain positions
  • A feeling of the back "giving out"
  • Muscle spasms
  • Difficulty with activities requiring bending or lifting

How Osteopathy Can Help with Lumbar Instability:

Performing a thorough assessment

  • Osteopaths conduct a thorough assessment to identify specific areas of instability, movement patterns, and contributing factors.

Utilising manual therapy

  • Techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and joint mobilization can help alleviate pain, improve function, and restore proper movement patterns.

Provides strengthening exercises

  • Osteopaths often prescribe exercises to strengthen the core and stabilizing muscles of the lower back, which can provide better support for the spine.

Provides postural education

  • Teaching proper posture and body mechanics can help reduce strain on the lumbar spine and prevent further instability.

Improves flexibility

  • Stretching and mobility exercises can enhance flexibility in surrounding muscles, helping to relieve tension and support spinal stability.

Pain Management

  • Osteopathic treatment can help reduce pain and discomfort, allowing for greater participation in rehabilitation exercises.

Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice

  • Osteopaths may provide guidance on lifestyle modifications, such as ergonomic adjustments at work or during daily activities, to minimize stress on the lumbar spine.

Utilises a holistic approach

  • Osteopathy considers the whole body, addressing any contributing factors and promoting overall health and well-being.

By focusing on the interconnectedness of the body's systems, Osteopathy can play a significant role in managing lumbar instability, improving function, and enhancing quality of life. If you think you may have lumbar instability or would like some more information regarding this condition, it would be a good idea to come down and see one of the Osteopaths at Canterbury Health Hub. Here we can perform a thorough assessment, and provide a tailored treatment and management plan.