How to Keep Moving With Low Back Pain

You’ve lifted up something and your back suddenly is in a heaping amount of pain. You try to bend over and realize your hands can’t go past your knees without pain screaming at you. This scenario is common and while test may be helpful, research encourages movement to prolonged recovery and to prevent symptoms from worsening. With a situation like this, introducing the idea of direction of preference can be beneficial help you get moving faster! 

Direction of preference, in the regards to acute low back pain, refers to the specific movements or positions that are more comfortable or less painful. Recent research has emphasized the importance of understanding and identifying these directional preferences to guide treatment to better outcomes. The direction of preference may be vastly different depending on the person so utilizing the guidance of an experienced clinician may be necessary to manage the low back pain.

Recent advancements in research have explored the potential benefits of incorporating directional preference assessments into the early stages of treatment for acute low back pain. Identifying a patient's preferred direction of movement allows us as your clinicians to design targeted exercises and interventions. For example, if a person finds relief when bending forward, therapeutic exercises emphasizing flexion may be prescribed. On the other hand, those who prefer extension movements might benefit from exercises that emphasize backward bending or extension. By tailoring interventions based on an individual's direction of preference, healthcare providers can optimize rehabilitation strategies and improve the efficiency of acute low back pain management, facilitating quicker recovery and reducing the risk of chronic issues. If you are struggling with finding a direction of preference and/or want guidances, let us at Focus On Health help you get on the right track!