what is low back pain? causes, symptoms, prevention and treatment?

🦴 What Is Low Back Ache? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Low back ache, also known as lower back pain, is one of the most common health issues affecting people of all ages. Whether due to poor posture, muscle strain, or underlying spinal conditions, low back pain can interfere with daily activities and reduce quality of life.

In this article, we'll explore the definition, common causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for low back ache, especially from a physiotherapy perspective.


Table of content:

what is low back pain?

what are the causes of low back pain?

what are the symtoms of lower back pain?

what are the physiotherapy treatment for low back pain?

📌 What Is Low Back Ache?

Low back ache refers to discomfort or pain felt in the lumbar spine region, which is the lower part of the back. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pain, and may sometimes radiate down to the buttocks or legs.

The pain can be acute (lasting less than 6 weeks), subacute (6 to 12 weeks), or chronic (persisting more than 12 weeks).

🔍 Common Causes of Low Back Ache

  1. Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain

    • Often due to heavy lifting, sudden movements, or poor posture.

  2. Herniated or Bulging Disc

    • A slipped disc can press on nearby nerves, causing pain and numbness.

  3. Degenerative Disc Disease

    • Wear and tear of spinal discs with age.

  4. Sciatica

    • Nerve compression causing radiating pain down the leg.

  5. Spinal Stenosis

    • Narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to nerve compression.

  6. Spondylolisthesis

    • One vertebra slips over another, causing instability and pain.

  7. Poor Posture and Sedentary Lifestyle

    • Long hours of sitting or poor ergonomic habits can lead to chronic pain.

  8. Other Conditions

    • Kidney infections, osteoporosis, arthritis, or tumors (rare).

🧠 Symptoms of Low Back Ache

  • Dull, aching or sharp pain in the lower back

  • Stiffness and reduced mobility

  • Pain worsens with movement or prolonged sitting

  • Muscle spasms

  • Radiating pain into the buttocks or legs (in cases like sciatica)

  • Tingling or numbness (neurological involvement)

🩺 Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Patient history and physical examination

  • X-ray (to assess bone structure)

  • MRI or CT Scan (to check disc, nerve, or soft tissue involvement)

  • Neurological tests (to assess nerve function)

🧘‍♂️ Treatment Options for Low Back Ache

1. Conservative Management

  • Rest (for a short period, avoid prolonged bed rest)

  • Hot or Cold Packs

  • Over-the-counter painkillers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen)

2. Physiotherapy

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Manual therapy or mobilization

  • Posture correction

  • TENS therapy or ultrasound

  • Core stabilization programs

3. Medical Management

  • Prescription medications (muscle relaxants, nerve pain medications)

  • Epidural steroid injections (in severe cases)

4. Surgical Treatment

  • Reserved for serious cases like herniated discs not responding to conservative care, spinal instability, or nerve compression.

🛡️ Preventive Measures

  • Maintain good posture

  • Avoid lifting heavy objects improperly

  • Use ergonomic chairs and desks

  • Engage in regular physical activity

  • Strengthen core muscles

  • Take breaks during long periods of sitting

❓ FAQs About Low Back Ache

Q1: Is low back pain a serious issue?
A1: Usually, it's not serious and resolves with conservative care, but chronic or severe pain may indicate an underlying issue.

Q2: How long does low back pain last?
A2: Acute pain often lasts a few days to weeks. Chronic pain lasts more than 12 weeks.

Q3: Can I exercise with low back pain?
A3: Gentle exercises are encouraged. Avoid high-impact or painful movements.

Q4: Should I see a doctor for back pain?
A4: Yes, especially if it's severe, persistent, or associated with numbness, weakness, or bowel/bladder issues.

Q5: Can a physiotherapist help with back pain?
A5: Absolutely. Physiotherapists use exercise, manual therapy, and education to relieve pain and prevent recurrence.

📝 Final Thoughts

Low back ache is a common but manageable condition. With proper care, exercise, and guidance from a physiotherapist, most people can recover fully and return to their daily lives. If you're experiencing low back pain, don’t ignore it—early intervention can prevent long-term complications.


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