Low Back Pain Rapid Access Clinic

Once you are referred to a RAC, you will be contacted by an Advanced Practice Provider's clinic to schedule your appointment.

An Advanced Practice Provider (APP) is a physiotherapist or a chiropractor with advanced education and experience who has completed specialized training.

You can expect an appointment date within four weeks.

Your assessment appointment will be scheduled with the nearest available clinician.

It is recommended that you arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment to complete the necessary paperwork.

Upon completion, you will then receive a thorough assessment by an APP for approximately one hour.

• Your OHIP card
• A list of medications you are taking
• A CD of any recent applicable images of MRI/CT Scan/x-rays
• Your completed patient intake form.

Smoking can slow down and interfere with the healing of bones, skin and other body tissues. As a result, recovery from a back injury can be slower or less complete.

Pain with sitting: If your back hurts with sitting make sure to stand up or walk around at least once every 20 minutes. Choose a seat with good lower back support, arm rests and a swivel base. Consider placing a rolled towel in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve. Keep your knees and hips level (90 degrees).

Pain with standing or walking: If your back hurts with standing or walking make sure you sit down, round your back or perform pelvic tilts as needed to help alleviate your symptoms. Additionally, avoid wearing high heels. ​

If your back hurts with sitting, bending and twisting: Regular low-impact aerobic activities such as walking (flat surface), aquafit and tai chi can increase your overall cardiovascular fitness while strengthening and increasing endurance in your back. This allows your muscles to function better.

If your back hurts with standing and walking: Regular low-impact aerobic activities such as cycling, swimming and tai chi can increase your overall cardiovascular fitness while strengthening and increasing endurance in your back. This allows your muscles to function better.

Regardless of what positions make your back hurt, core-strengthening exercises (abdominal and back exercises) such as planks, side planks, and bird dog exercises can help specifically condition your core muscles so that they work synergistically to support your back.

But if you must… let your legs do the work. Hold the weight close to your body and avoid lifting and twisting simultaneously. Ask for help if the object is heavy or awkward.