Improving low back pain from home: how telerehabilitation can help your patients.

In the age of technology, telerehabilitation has become increasingly popular as an effective form of treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain. Telerehabilitation allows patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their own home, using technologies such as video conferencing and mobile apps

What is low back pain?

Low back pain is a medical term that refers to pain in the lumbar region, i.e. the lower back. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting people of all ages and lifestyles. The cause of low back pain can be diverse, ranging from poor posture to traumatic injury. 

It is estimated that around 80% of the population will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an increase in the number of people working from home, which may further exacerbate the problem.

While most cases of low back pain resolve with conservative treatment, such as physiotherapy, there are situations where surgery is required.

Causes of low back pain

Low back pain is a very common condition that can have a variety of causes. Some of the most common causes of low back pain include:

1. Poor posture: Poor posture when sitting, standing or lifting can put excessive strain on the muscles of the back and spine, which can lead to low back pain.

2. Traumatic injuries: Traumatic injuries, such as sprains, muscle strains or fractures, can damage the tissues of the back and spine, which can cause low back pain.

3. Herniated disc: A herniated disc is a condition in which the jelly-like material inside an intervertebral disc slips out and presses on a nerve. This can cause low back pain, as well as leg pain and other symptoms.

4. Degenerative problems: Degenerative problems, such as osteoarthritis or spinal stenosis, can cause low back pain as wear and tear and degeneration of the tissues of the back and spine occurs.

5. Postural and mobility problems: Postural and mobility dysfunctions such as scoliosis, kyphosis or lordosis can cause low back pain.

6. Risk factors: Some risk factors, such as being overweight, smoking and lack of physical activity, can increase the likelihood of developing low back pain.

It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience low back pain to determine the specific cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Benefits of telerehabilitation for low back pain

Telerehabilitation for low back pain may include a series of specific exercises to strengthen the back muscles and improve spinal flexibility. It may also include relaxation techniques and manual therapy to relieve pain and improve blood circulation.

In addition, telerehabilitation for low back pain may include advice on ergonomics and lifestyle changes that can reduce the load on the back and prevent future injury.

The benefits of telerehabilitation for low back pain include:

Increased accessibility: telerehabilitation allows patients to receive treatment from the comfort of their home, which can be especially beneficial for those who have difficulty getting around or who live in rural or remote areas.

Increased convenience: Telerehabilitation offers greater convenience for patients by allowing them to receive treatment in a familiar and comfortable environment, which can improve their well-being and increase their motivation to participate in treatment.

In summary, telerehabilitation is an effective and convenient option for the treatment of low back pain, offering a wide range of benefits for patients. If you suffer from low back pain, do not hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional to explore treatment options, including telerehabilitation.

ReHub and low back pain

Low back pain is one of the top 3 pathologies most treated with ReHub by specialists who already use our telerehabilitation platform.  

Through the platform, the professional can guide the patient to carry out rehabilitation in a digitalised and constantly monitored way. The wide variety of specific exercises to work in a precise and objective way the different aspects facilitate a comprehensive rehabilitation. Among them, the development of the strength of the centre of the body or core (CORE), with exercises endorsed by a physiotherapist and created so that all types of people can do them depending on their limitations.

  The exercises most commonly used by physiotherapy professionals using the ReHub platform are:

• Multifidus stabilisation
• Cat-cow
• Barbell spine stretches
• Quadruped diagonals
• Lumbar stretch, flexion
• Lumbosacral stretching on the floor

The aim of these exercises is to strengthen the abdominal girdle and release tension in the sacrolumbar area, with postural hygiene exercises, muscular strengthening of the CORE and specific stretches to release the adhesions of the contracted tissues; in addition to stabilising the lumbopelvic area, to maintain the body in a muscular balance between the upper and lower body and to increase muscular strengthening of the stabilising and anti-gravitational muscles.

These exercises allow us to approach the patient in a preventive way to avoid future relapses and to keep the central area of the body stable and strengthened.

Telerehabilitation for low back pain can include stretching, strengthening and mobilisation exercises, as well as education on correct posture and ergonomics in the workplace. It may also include virtual therapy and pain management counselling. Patients can benefit from the comfort and convenience of receiving care online. In summary, telerehabilitation is a promising way to treat low back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders, and its use is expected to continue to grow in the future.