Lower Back Pain: Common Causes and When to See a Physiotherapist

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy care.

It can begin suddenly after lifting something heavy — or develop gradually over weeks of prolonged sitting, repetitive movement, or reduced activity.

For some, it settles quickly. For others, it becomes recurring and frustrating.

Understanding what causes lower back pain — and when to seek support — can make a significant difference in recovery.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back discomfort is often linked to:

• Prolonged sitting or poor movement variety
• Muscle strain from lifting or sport
• Reduced core stability
• Limited hip mobility
• Repetitive bending or twisting
• Previous unresolved injury

In many cases, pain is not caused by one major incident — but by accumulated stress on the spine and surrounding muscles.

Is It Muscle, Joint, or Something Else?

Lower back pain can stem from:

• Muscle tension or strain
• Facet joint irritation
• Disc irritation
• Movement control deficits
• Postural overload

A structured assessment helps determine which structures are involved and what type of treatment is appropriate.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

You may benefit from professional assessment if:

• Pain lasts longer than 1–2 weeks
• Discomfort returns frequently
• Pain radiates into the leg
• You feel stiffness every morning
• Rest does not fully resolve symptoms
• Movement feels restricted or unstable

Early physiotherapy intervention can often prevent acute pain from becoming chronic.

What Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain Typically Involves

Treatment plans often include:

• Manual therapy to reduce irritation
• Mobility exercises for hips and spine
• Core strengthening programs
• Movement retraining
• Gradual return to normal activity

The focus is not just pain relief — but restoring strength, mobility, and confidence in movement.

What Physiotherapy for Lower Back Pain Typically Involves

Physiotherapy for lower back pain focuses on identifying the root cause rather than simply masking symptoms.

Treatment plans may include:

Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques can help reduce joint stiffness, improve mobility, and decrease muscle guarding. This may involve joint mobilisations or soft tissue techniques to restore more comfortable movement.

Targeted Mobility Work

Improving flexibility and movement in the hips, thoracic spine, and surrounding structures often reduces strain on the lower back.

Core and Stability Training

Strengthening deep stabilizing muscles helps improve spinal support and reduce recurring overload.

Movement Retraining

Addressing how you lift, bend, sit, or train can significantly reduce repetitive stress on the lumbar spine.

Gradual Return to Activity

Rather than prolonged rest, physiotherapy often involves graded exposure to normal activities to rebuild confidence and resilience.

The overall goal is not just pain relief — but restoring strength, mobility, and control to reduce future flare-ups.

Preventing Recurring Lower Back Pain

Prevention strategies often involve:

• Improving core endurance
• Maintaining hip mobility
• Reducing prolonged static postures
• Building gradual strength
• Managing training loads appropriately

With the right plan, many people experience fewer flare-ups and improved daily comfort.

Taking the Next Step

If lower back pain is interfering with work, sport, or daily movement, a professional physiotherapy assessment can help identify the cause and guide a structured recovery plan.

Addressing the underlying factors early often leads to faster, more sustainable results.