Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical or physiotherapy care. Whether it’s a dull ache, a sharp stabbing sensation, or stiffness that won’t go away, lower back pain can significantly affect your daily life. At Pretto Physiotherapy, we help patients understand the root causes of their pain so they can get back to living pain-free.
In this blog, we explore the most common causes of lower back pain and how physiotherapy can help.
- Poor Posture
In today’s digital age, many of us spend hours sitting at desks or hunched over devices. Poor posture, especially when sitting or standing for long periods, places excess strain on the muscles and ligaments in the lower back. Over time, this can lead to chronic pain.
Tip: Make sure your workstation is ergonomically friendly and take breaks to stretch and move.
- Muscle Strains and Sprains
Overstretching or lifting heavy objects incorrectly can cause sudden lower back injuries. These strains or sprains occur when muscles or ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range.
Common symptoms:
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Muscle spasms
- Pain that worsens with movement
How physiotherapy helps: Manual therapy, targeted exercises, and posture correction can significantly reduce pain and promote healing.
- Herniated or Bulging Discs
Between each vertebra in your spine are soft, cushion-like discs. When one of these discs slips or bulges out of place, it can press on nearby nerves, causing pain that may radiate down the legs (sciatica).
Physiotherapy can help: With spinal mobilization, core strengthening, and education on safe movement techniques.
- Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the spinal discs can naturally wear down. This condition, known as degenerative disc disease, can cause chronic lower back pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Effective management: Physiotherapists can help you manage Degenerative Disc Disease through exercises that improve spinal stability, mobility, and strength.
- Sciatica
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often due to a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. It causes radiating pain from the lower back down through the buttocks and into one or both legs.
Physiotherapy focus:
- Nerve gliding exercises
- Core and pelvic strengthening
- Postural corrections
- Spinal Stenosis
This condition involves a narrowing of the spinal canal, which puts pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. It’s more common in older adults and can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the legs.
Treatment through physiotherapy: Exercise programs focused on flexibility, strength, and pain relief techniques.
- Lifestyle Factors
Weight gain, physical inactivity, stress, and poor sleep habits can all contribute to lower back pain. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle plays a key role in preventing and managing pain.
When to See a Physiotherapist
If your back pain:
- Persists for more than a few days
- Limits your daily activities
- Radiates to your legs or feet
- Is accompanied by numbness or weakness
then it’s time to seek professional help. At Pretto Physiotherapy, our physiotherapists offer personalized treatment plans to address your pain and prevent it from recurring.
How We Can Help at Pretto Physiotherapy
Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Thorough assessment and diagnosis
- Tailored treatment programs
- Hands-on manual therapy
- Exercise prescription and movement re-education
- Education and prevention strategies
Book Your Physiotherapy Appointment Today
Don’t let lower back pain hold you back. Contact Pretto Physiotherapy today to schedule your assessment and start your journey toward a pain-free life.
