Understanding Low Back Pain: Common Causes and Symptoms

If you’ve ever felt that nagging pain in your lower back, you’re not alone. Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a physiotherapist. Let’s break down what might be causing your discomfort and what symptoms to look out for.

What Causes Low Back Pain?

1. Muscle Strain and Ligament Sprain: One of the most common culprits is a strained muscle or sprained ligament. This can happen from lifting something too heavy, sudden movements, or even sitting in a weird position for too long. If you’ve been active or had a recent physical mishap, this might be the cause.

2. Poor Posture: Do you find yourself slouching at your desk or hunching over your phone? Poor posture can put a lot of strain on your back muscles and spine. Over time, this bad posture can lead to chronic pain and discomfort.

3. Herniated Discs: Your spine has discs that act as cushions between the bones. Sometimes these discs can slip out of place or bulge, putting pressure on nerves and causing pain that might radiate down your legs. It’s a bit like having a squishy jelly doughnut that’s lost its shape!

4. Arthritis: As we age, the cartilage in our spine can wear down, leading to arthritis. This condition can cause stiffness, pain, and even reduced mobility in your back.

5. Skeletal Irregularities: Conditions like scoliosis, where the spine curves sideways, can also lead to back pain. If you’ve noticed a change in your posture or have been diagnosed with a spinal condition, it’s worth mentioning to your physiotherapist.

What Symptoms Should You Watch For?

1. Dull, Aching Pain: If you’re experiencing a constant, dull ache in your lower back, it’s a common sign of muscle strain or poor posture. This kind of pain can be annoying but is usually manageable with some lifestyle changes.

2. Sharp or Shooting Pain: If the pain feels sharp or radiates down your legs, it could be a sign of a herniated disc or nerve involvement. This type of pain often requires a closer look to determine the best treatment approach.

3. Stiffness and Limited Movement: Feeling stiff or having trouble moving around easily can indicate that your back muscles are tight or that there’s an issue with your spine. This can be particularly noticeable in the morning or after sitting for long periods.

4. Pain that Worsens with Activity: If your back pain gets worse with certain activities or movements, it might be a sign that you’re overdoing it or that there’s an underlying issue that needs addressing.

5. Pain Accompanied by Other Symptoms: Watch out for symptoms like numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs. These can be signs that the nerves are being compressed or irritated, and it’s important to get these checked out.

What to Expect at Your First Physio Visit

We’re excited to meet you at Southside Physiotherapy! Here’s a quick overview of what to expect during your first visit:

1. Discuss Your Fitness and Health Goals: We’ll start by chatting about what you’re hoping to achieve. Whether you’re aiming to get back to your favourite sport or just want to be pain-free in your daily life, understanding your goals helps us tailor your treatment plan.

2. Complete Assessment: We’ll perform a thorough assessment to identify the cause of your pain. This might include physical tests, posture evaluation, and discussing your medical history.

3. Discover Your Options: Based on our assessment, we’ll go over the treatment options available to you. This could range from specific exercises to manual therapy techniques designed to ease your discomfort.

4. Start a Custom Treatment Plan: Together, we’ll create a personalised treatment plan to address your specific needs. We’ll set goals, outline the steps to get there, and adjust as needed to ensure you’re on the right path.

Remember, our goal is to help you get back to living your life without pain. Don’t hesitate to ask us any questions about your treatment, our clinic, or even payment options. We’re here to support you every step of the way!