What is Lower Back Pain
How Physiotherapy Can Help with Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, affecting up to 80% of people at some point in their lives. Whether it comes on suddenly or builds up over time, this discomfort can interfere with your daily routine, sleep, and overall quality of life. The good news is Physiotherapy offers safe, effective, and long-lasting relief.
What Is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain refers to discomfort or stiffness in the area between the bottom of your rib cage and the top of your legs. It may feel like a dull ache, a sharp stabbing pain, or tightness that limits movement. It can be acute (lasting a few days to weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 3 months).
What Structures Are Involved?
The lower back is a complex area made up of several key components:
Muscles and ligaments: These support movement and stability.
Lumbar vertebrae: The five bones in your lower spine.
Intervertebral discs: Cushion-like structures that absorb shock between the vertebrae.
Facet joints: Small joints that guide movement.
Nerves: Including the sciatic nerve, which can cause radiating leg pain when irritated.
Pain can arise from injury, poor posture, lifting improperly, or conditions like:
Muscle strain
Herniated disc
Degenerative disc disease
Sciatica
Spinal stenosis
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Physiotherapists are trained to assess and treat musculoskeletal pain, including issues in the lower back. Here's what they can do for you:
1. Personalised Assessment
A physiotherapist will conduct a detailed evaluation of your posture, movement, strength, and pain triggers. This helps pinpoint the underlying cause of your back pain.
2. Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques such as mobilizations, soft tissue release, and spinal manipulation can reduce pain, improve mobility, and relax tight muscles.
3. Exercise Therapy
Targeted exercises help:
Strengthen core and back muscles
Improve flexibility and posture
Reduce stiffness and promote healing
Prevent future injuries
4. Education and Postural Training
You’ll learn how to:
Maintain proper posture at work and home
Use safe lifting techniques
Avoid movements that aggravate pain
Physios may also use:
Heat/cold therapy
Electrical stimulation (TENS)
Dry needling or acupuncture
Taping or bracing (if needed)
The Goal of Physio for Lower Back Pain
The aim isn’t just to relieve pain, but to restore function, build resilience, and prevent recurrence. With the right guidance, most people experience significant improvement without needing medication or surgery.
Don’t Wait—Get Moving Again
If you're struggling with lower back pain, physiotherapy can be your first step toward lasting relief. Book an appointment with our qualified physiotherapist and take control of your recovery today.
