What is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting people of all ages. It can develop suddenly after lifting, bending or twisting, or gradually from repetitive strain, poor posture or prolonged sitting.
In most cases, lower back pain is mechanical, meaning it arises from muscles, joints, discs or ligaments rather than serious disease. The good news is that most episodes improve with the right treatment and an active rehabilitation program.
Common Symptoms
- Pain across the lower back
- Stiffness, particularly after sitting or in the morning
- Muscle tightness or spasms
- Pain when bending, lifting or twisting
- Difficulty standing upright
- Pain that may spread into the buttocks
- Reduced movement and flexibility
Common Causes
Muscle or Ligament Strain
- Overstretching or overloading soft tissues
- Common after lifting or sudden movements
Facet Joint Irritation
- Pain from the small joints in the spine
- Often aggravated by twisting or arching backwards
Disc Injury
- Irritation or bulging of an intervertebral disc
- May cause local back pain or leg symptoms
Degenerative Changes
- Age-related changes affecting discs and joints
- Can contribute to stiffness and recurring pain
Why Physiotherapy is Important
Research shows that staying active and beginning appropriate treatment early can speed recovery and reduce the likelihood of ongoing back pain.
Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement, improving strength and helping you return safely to everyday activities.
How Physiodynamics Can Help
Our physiotherapists will:
✓ Identify the cause of your back pain
✓ Reduce pain and muscle tension
✓ Improve spinal mobility
✓ Restore core strength and stability
✓ Improve posture and movement patterns
✓ Develop an individualised exercise program
✓ Assist your return to work, sport and daily activities
✓ Help reduce the risk of future episodes
Treatment May Include
- Manual therapy
- Individualised exercise prescription
- Core strengthening
- Mobility and flexibility exercises
- Postural education
- Dry needling (where appropriate)
- Activity modification advice
- Return-to-work and sporting rehabilitation
Common Risk Factors
- Heavy lifting
- Repetitive bending and twisting
- Prolonged sitting
- Poor posture
- Weak core muscles
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Previous back injuries
- Physically demanding occupations
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
Book an appointment if you have:
- Back pain lasting more than a few days
- Pain limiting work or daily activities
- Recurrent episodes of back pain
- Stiffness affecting movement
- Difficulty exercising due to pain
- Pain that isn’t improving
Seek Urgent Medical Attention If You Experience:
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around the groin or saddle area
- Significant leg weakness
- Severe pain following major trauma
- Unexplained weight loss, fever or night pain associated with back pain
Don’t Ignore Lower Back Pain
Early assessment and evidence-based treatment can help reduce pain, restore movement and prevent recurring episodes.