Low Back Pain

What is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting the area between your lower ribs and buttock crease. It can range from a dull, constant ache to sudden, sharp pain that leaves you incapacitated. Low back pain can be acute (lasting less than 6 weeks), subacute (6-12 weeks), or chronic (persisting beyond 12 weeks).

The condition can involve various structures including muscles, ligaments, joints, discs, and nerves. Most episodes of low back pain are mechanical in nature, meaning they result from problems with how the spine moves and functions rather than serious underlying pathology.

What Causes Low Back Pain?

Low back pain can develop from numerous factors, often involving multiple contributing elements:

Mechanical causes:

  • Postural stress, particularly prolonged sitting or standing

  • Heavy lifting with poor technique

  • Sudden awkward movements or twisting

  • Muscle strains from overuse or sudden exertion

  • Joint dysfunction or stiffness

  • Disc problems including herniation or degeneration

Lifestyle factors:

  • Sedentary lifestyle and lack of regular exercise

  • Weak core and back muscles

  • Tight hip flexors and hamstrings

  • Excessive body weight placing additional stress on the spine

  • Poor sleep quality affecting tissue recovery

  • High stress levels contributing to muscle tension

Work-related factors:

  • Prolonged desk work with poor ergonomics

  • Jobs involving repetitive bending or lifting

  • Vibration from machinery or vehicles

  • Shift work affecting sleep patterns

  • High job demands with low control

Risk factors:

  • Previous episodes of back pain

  • Age-related changes in spine structure

  • Smoking affecting tissue health and healing

  • Lack of physical fitness

  • Psychological factors including anxiety and depression

What Are the Symptoms?

Low back pain presents with varying symptoms depending on the underlying cause:

Primary symptoms:

  • Aching or stiffness along the spine from the base of the neck to the tailbone

  • Sharp, localised pain in the lower back

  • Muscle spasms that can be severely painful

  • Pain that worsens with movement or certain positions

Activity-related symptoms:

  • Pain when bending forward, backward, or to the sides

  • Discomfort when sitting for prolonged periods

  • Pain when getting up from sitting or lying down

  • Difficulty with lifting, carrying, or twisting movements

  • Morning stiffness that may improve with gentle movement

Radiating symptoms:

  • Pain that travels into the buttock or thigh

  • Numbness or tingling in the legs (may indicate nerve involvement)

  • Weakness in the legs or feet

  • Pain that worsens with coughing or sneezing

Functional limitations:

  • Reduced ability to perform daily activities

  • Sleep disturbance due to pain

  • Difficulty with work or recreational activities

  • Compensatory movement patterns affecting other areas

  • Reduced confidence in physical activities

Warning signs requiring immediate medical attention:

  • Loss of bowel or bladder control

  • Severe leg weakness

  • Numbness in the groin area

  • Fever accompanying back pain

Struggling with persistent back pain? Our specialist team has extensive experience treating low back pain across all populations, from office workers to professional athletes. We provide comprehensive assessment using advanced testing, targeted manual therapy techniques including spinal manipulation, and bespoke rehabilitation programmes to address both symptoms and underlying causes.