Lower Back Pain: When Physiotherapy Can Help

Lower back pain affects nearly 80% of adults at some point in their lives. While many episodes resolve with time, persistent or recurrent lumbar discomfort requires professional clinical assessment to prevent long-term mobility loss.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

• Lumbar Disc Herniation or Bulges: Pressing on nerve roots causing localized or radiating leg pain (sciatica).
• Postural Strain & Muscle De-conditioning: Prolonged desk work leading to weak gluteal and deep core stabilizers.
• Facet Joint Osteoarthritis: Stiffness and localized ache upon spinal extension.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction: Asymmetric pelvis strain often felt around the upper buttocks.

How Physiotherapy Treats Lower Back Pain

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Evaluating spinal range of motion, neurological reflexes, and movement patterns.
2. Targeted Manual Therapy: Joint mobilization and spinal traction to reduce joint stiffness and relieve pressure.
3. Core Stabilisation Exercises: Progressive training of the transversus abdominis and multifidus muscles to protect the spine.
4. Ergonomic & Postural Re-education: Modifying workstation setups and daily movement mechanics to prevent re-injury.

When to Seek Immediate Care

Seek urgent medical attention if back pain is accompanied by numbness in the groin area (saddle anesthesia), sudden loss of bowel or bladder control, or severe progressive leg weakness.