What is the cause of lower back stiffness and spasms?

Lower back stiffness and spasms can be a simple postural and muscular problem related to wrong strenuous posture at home or at work. Rarely it can also be underlying lumbar spine issues. Some of the common causes are:

• Muscle strains
• Lumbar spondylosis

What are the common symptoms associated with lower back stiffness and spasm?

• Pain in lower back region.
• Simple daily tasks become difficult to perform due to stiffness.
• In severe cases, pain can be experienced even while resting.
• Tenderness in the lower back region.
• Weakness of back.

What is the impact of lower back stiffness and spasms on daily activities?

• It affects daily working
• Leads to Disability
• Reduced energy levels
• Disturbed sleep due to pain
• Increased irritability due to lack of sleep or pain

What are the risk factors for developing lower back stiffness and spasm?

• Repetitive movements of the back
• Overweight
• Overuse of computers, laptops
• Wrong way of using computer, laptop
• Kitchen and daily household work
• Lack of strength

What happens during consultation at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• The doctor will examine the patient.
• A detailed history regarding the onset and progression of the disease will be noted.
• A record of previous treatments tried will be noted.
• The strength differences of different muscles will be analysed.
• Previous reports (if any) such as MRI, X rays will also be seen and discussed.

What questions to expect from your doctor?

The doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• Where exactly does it hurt?
• Since when have you had this problem?
• What was the trigger or nature of injury (if applicable) for the beginning of pain?
• How would you describe the pain — dull, sharp, burning?
• What are the previous treatment modalities tried by you?
• What makes the pain worse? What makes the pain better?
• How does the pain affect your sleep and life?

Is it necessary to have any investigations done before or after the consultation?

• It is NOT compulsory to have any investigations done before consultation.
• Blood tests and MRIs are NOT asked for.

How to prepare for your consultation with the doctor?

• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Don’t consume painkillers (at least 12 hours before) while coming for consultation. Painkillers mask the symptoms and interfere with understanding of symptoms.
• Bring all the previous reports, investigations, and medication prescriptions. It is NOT necessary to have investigations or tests to be done before.
• Write down all your questions on paper or on a mobile phone that you want to ask the doctor.
• It is always useful to bring a companion with you during consultation.

What treatment can be offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Based on the examination, reports, and medical history, the doctor will prescribe home-based exercises. Home-based exercise prescription contains diagrams, figures and detailed instructions.
• If needed few sessions of specific exercises can be conducted at the BILD Exercise Clinic.

What types of exercises are covered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

 As needed one or more of the following exercises are prescribed and administered.

• Exercises for strength
• Exercise for traction & decompression
• Exercises for flexibility
• Mobilization exercises

How ergonomic corrections are done at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• It is good to bring a picture of your current laptop or computer use on your mobile phone.
• The doctor will study your current style of laptop, and computer use and suggest changes.
• Changes in placement of screen, keyboard, mouse, chair etc. are discussed and proper prescription is provided for the same.
• Doctors might suggest ergonomic changes in lifting objects, bending, and leaning methods.

What are the goals of the exercise treatment at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Decrease in pain and stiffness.
• Improve muscle strength.
• Delay or reverse the further progression of symptoms.
• Improve function.
• Improve quality of life.

As with any medical or exercise intervention the outcome varies from patient to patient.

Which technology might be used (as per the need) at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Inversion table
• Yoga belts
• Anti-gravity treadmill
• Theragun

The selection of technology and exercise protocol is determined by the doctor.

What kind of treatment is NOT offered at BILD Exercise Clinic?

• Painkillers or Anti-inflammatory medications
• Vitamin supplements
• Ointments and creams of any kind
• Any other pharmacological/drug treatment
• Hormonal Therapy or injectables of any kind
• Intra-joint injections of any kind
• Surgery of any kind

What can be tried to prevent lower back stiffness and spasms?

• Intermittent rest and recovery from work, take breaks.
• Stretch your joints intermittently.
• Correction of ergonomics of laptop, and computer use.
• Proper placement of table, chair and supports.
• Correction of lifting, and bending methods during kitchen and household work.
• Improved strength of shoulder, arms and wrists.
• Sleep in an improved position.
• Follow proper methods of carrying objects such as purses, bags, grocery bags etc.

How to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital?

• Reach the Super Speciality Building (SS building/new building) lobby/main entrance before time. Wheelchairs are available in the lobby and parking for needy patients. Click here for the Google map location of BILD Exercise Clinic.
• Parking is available based on availability. You can prefer public transport such as bus, auto-rickshaw, cab or taxi.
• If you are not registered as a patient and appearing for the first time as a patient at Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital then try to come at least 15 minutes before the appointment time to complete the simple registration process at the ground floor reception of the super specialty building.
• Get an OPD entry pass (for patients) and an attendant pass at the ground-floor reception.
• Choose appropriate lifts (life no.1,2,3 ) at the ground floor to reach BILD Exercise Clinic OPD on the 11th floor.
• Depending upon patient numbers some waiting period is expected. Comfortable sitting, clean drinking water, a book reading section, clean toilets, changing rooms, and a cafeteria (on the ground floor and seventh floor) are available at your service.