Back instability

Back instability is increasingly common these days. You can resolve this instability by performing special exercises for the spine. You can seek advice from a physiotherapist for exercises and a treatment plan for your back. You can also use aids, such as a back brace, to support you when doing these exercises. Want to learn more about an unstable back? Then read on.

What is back instability?

Back instability causes pain in the lower back. An unstable lower back leads to an unstable spine. To ensure the spine maintains proper alignment during movement, the capsules, ligaments, intervertebral discs, and muscles in the back work closely together. If these structures in the body do not function properly, you have an unstable spine or unstable back.

What are the causes of an unstable back?

Various causes can lead to an unstable back. Often, one problem in the back triggers a chain reaction, creating another issue. Since there are multiple causes, we've provided more information for each cause below.

Damage to capsules and ligaments

Damage to capsules and ligaments usually results in their impact on the nervous system, making it harder to contract your muscles properly. The deep muscles then have even more difficulty correcting the instability.

Thinning of the intervertebral disc

Thinning of this disc occurs due to aging or a herniated disc. With aging, the disc becomes less flexible. If you’ve had a hernia, space may develop between the vertebrae, increasing instability.

Poor recovery after back pain

It can also happen that after a period of back pain, the back muscles do not function properly, leading to instability. Sometimes ligaments or capsules become overloaded and damaged as a result. The exact cause is not always known.

What are the symptoms of back instability?

Various complaints can occur if you have an unstable back. The complaints are not entirely clear-cut, as research is ongoing. However, it is known that people may experience the following symptoms:

• Pain in the lower back
• Sudden sharp pain in the back
• Pain during prolonged walking, sitting, or standing
• Pain when standing up
• Increased effort required for daily activities
• Reduced mobility in the lower back
• Complaints when lifting, carrying, or handling objects
• Reduced physical condition

Diagnosing an unstable back

To make a diagnosis, the doctor will talk with you. During this conversation, the doctor will look for the cause of your symptoms. Once the cause is identified, the doctor can provide treatment advice following a physical examination. During the physical examination, the doctor will check the spine's mobility. The doctor will then perform several tests to evaluate the stability of the lower back. In most cases, additional examinations are not necessary.

Treatment for back instability

To stabilize your back, you'll need to perform exercises to strengthen the spine. If the muscles are properly trained, a strong muscle corset can form around the spine. The instability can then be partially compensated. Exercises are designed to activate the muscles correctly. Training improves your coordination and endurance, making your back more stable and resilient.

Aids for training

To get the right training and exercises, you can ask a physiotherapist for advice. The physiotherapist can examine your back and create a treatment plan to strengthen your lower back and spine. You can wear a back brace for support during training and daily activities.

Daily activities

To improve daily activities, the physiotherapist will observe how you normally perform them and recommend how to do them in a better posture. The physiotherapist identifies which muscles you currently engage and which you could better utilize. The goal is for you to apply this in everyday life, ensuring a correct posture and reducing muscle strain.

What you should avoid with back instability

There are several things you should avoid. Give your back sufficient rest. However, this doesn’t mean sitting on soft pillows or lying on thick, low pillows. It’s better to lie down with a pillow under your knees. This provides rest for your lumbar vertebrae.

Ready to resolve your back instability?

Find out the cause of your back instability together with a doctor. Follow your physiotherapist’s treatment plan and perform the right exercises. Use aids such as a brace to support your lower back. Not sure which brace is suitable? At Podobrace, we offer various back braces that provide the right support.

Questions about which brace is suitable for a specific issue, or do you have another question? Contact our team of specialists. We’re happy to help you find the right support.