How Physiotherapy Can Help with Low Back Pain: Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Low back pain is more common than you might think. In fact, a 2020 study published in one of the world's most respected medical journals found that low back pain affects 619 million people globally, and that number is expected to increase by 36% by 2050. In Australia alone, we're looking at nearly a 50% increase in cases by 2050.

This rising number highlights an urgent need to address low back pain in order to limit disability and improve quality of life. Physiotherapy has emerged as one of the most effective treatment options for both acute and chronic low back pain. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of low back pain and how physiotherapy can help.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Low back pain can arise from a variety of causes, and identifying the root of the problem is essential for effective treatment. Some of the most common causes include:

1. Muscle Strain or Spasm
Muscle strains often occur after sudden movements, improper lifting, or overuse of the muscles in the lower back. These strains can cause significant pain, weakness, and stiffness, limiting your ability to move freely.

2. Herniated or Bulging Discs
The discs in your spine act as cushions between vertebrae. When a disc herniates or bulges, it can press on nearby nerves, leading to intense pain that may radiate to other areas, such as the back of the leg—a condition known as sciatica.

3. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that wears down the protective cartilage between bones. As osteoarthritis progresses in the spine, it can result in chronic low back pain, particularly in older adults.

4. Poor Posture
Sitting for long periods, slouching, or maintaining poor posture can place undue strain on the lower back, contributing to chronic discomfort. This is especially common in office workers who spend much of their day seated.

5. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac joint, which connects the lower spine to the pelvis, can become dysfunctional or inflamed. This condition often results in pain in the lower back and gluteal region and is frequently seen in people with hypermobility or during pregnancy.

How Physiotherapy Can Help with Low Back Pain

If you're dealing with low back pain, you’ve likely come across countless videos online offering exercises for relief. But the truth is, every case is different, and a generic exercise routine may not target the specific issue causing your pain. That’s where physiotherapy comes in.

Here’s how a physiotherapist can help:

• Individualised Assessment: A physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to determine the root cause of your low back pain. This is crucial for creating a tailored treatment plan.

• Avoid Worsening the Issue: While online advice may seem helpful, it can sometimes exacerbate the problem if not tailored to your condition. A physiotherapist ensures that the exercises and treatments are appropriate for your specific case.

• Comprehensive Treatment Plan: Once the cause of the problem is identified, a physiotherapist will craft a comprehensive treatment plan aimed at addressing the underlying issue and preventing further complications.

What Types of Physiotherapy Treatments Are Effective for Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is best treated with a multimodal approach—meaning the use of several different treatment techniques. Some of the most effective treatments include:

1. Manual Therapy
Manual therapy techniques, such as joint mobilisations and soft tissue massage, can provide immediate relief by reducing muscle tension and improving movement in the spine.

2. Exercise Therapy
A customised exercise program can help strengthen the core and back muscles, improve spinal mobility, and enhance stability. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a combination of strengthening, mobility, and stability exercises tailored to your condition.

3. Education
Physiotherapists don’t just treat the symptoms—they educate you on the cause of your low back pain and provide valuable insights on posture, movement patterns, and lifestyle changes to prevent future flare-ups. Learning how to modify your daily activities and sitting posture is critical in preventing re-injury.

4. Taping
In some cases, taping techniques can be used to provide additional support to the affected area, allowing you to move more freely while still protecting the injured muscles or joints.

The Key to Lasting Relief: Combining Therapy and Exercise

While manual therapy can provide immediate pain relief, the real long-term benefits come from committing to a regular exercise routine. Exercises prescribed by your physiotherapist are designed to enhance flexibility, build strength, and support spinal health.

A multimodal treatment plan that combines manual therapy, exercise, and education is the most effective way to reduce low back pain and minimise the likelihood of future episodes.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Low Back Pain with Physiotherapy

The goal of physiotherapy is to provide more than just short-term relief—it’s about addressing the underlying causes of low back pain. Whether it's improving spinal mobility, strengthening muscles, or correcting posture, physiotherapy aims to restore long-term function and prevent future injuries.

With the right physiotherapy plan, you can return to your regular activities with reduced pain and a lower risk of recurrence. Remember, the ultimate goal is to empower you to take control of your recovery and maintain a healthier, pain-free back for life.

Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?
If you’re struggling with low back pain, don’t wait. Book an appointment at Melbourne Physio Clinic and let our team of expert physiotherapists help you regain control of your health and well-being.

References:

GBD 2021 Low Back Pain Collaborators (2023). Global, regional, and national burden of low back pain, 1990-2020, its attributable risk factors, and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet Rheumatology, 5(6), e316–e329. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2665-9913(23)00098-X

Shipton E. A. (2018). Physical Therapy Approaches in the Treatment of Low Back Pain. Pain and Therapy, 7(2), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-018-0105-x