Master Lower Back Pain: 3 Essential Care Tips

Lower back pain is a prevalent and often debilitating condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.

The discomfort and limitations it brings can significantly impact one’s quality of life.

According to the World Health Organisation, in 2020, roughly 619 million people around the world were affected by back pain (World Health Organization, 2023). The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that roughly four million Australians experienced lower back pain from 2017-2018, with reports that it also contributed to poor general health, general bodily pain and psychological distress. (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).

While many people may attribute their back pain to a singular cause, the reality is that lower back pain is a complex issue with a multitude of possible causes.

My name is Piumi Herath; I am a senior physiotherapist from M Physio in our Spring Hill clinic. In this blog, we will explore some the various causes of lower back pain! These include muscle strains, ligament sprains, disc changes, joint degeneration, posture and more!

Moreover, the root cause of your back pain can even be influenced by changes in other areas of your body such as your ankles, knees, hips, thoracic spine or even your shoulder. Identifying the root cause is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and preventing recurring episodes of lower back pain.

Musculoskeletal Causes

Muscle and ligament strains often result from overuse, improper lifting techniques, or sudden & awkward movements. These injuries can lead to localised pain and stiffness in the lower back.

Structural Causes

Changes within the disc, joints and spinal canal can also contribute to lower back pain. These can occur as a result of factors like overuse, repetitive movements and sustained awkward positions, but also due to ageing.

Neural Causes

Irritation to the nerves around the lower back can occur secondary to musculoskeletal and/or structural causes, but also as a result of repetitive movements, over-stretching or sustained postures.

Posture and Lifestyle Factors

Modern sedentary lifestyles and poor posture are often overlooked culprits of lower back pain. Prolonged sitting, poor ergonomic work stations, back arching and slouching can gradually overload the structures in the lower back and contribute to back pain.

So where do Physiotherapists come into the picture?

Whether you are experiencing a new or recurrent lower back pain, it is essential to consult a physiotherapist. We are trained to conduct a thorough assessment to identify the underlying causes of your pain. A personalised treatment plan may include exercises, manual therapy, posture correction, and education on self-management strategies.

Seeking early intervention from a physiotherapist can prevent the progression of symptoms and improve long-term outcomes. (Machado et al., 2017).

Lower back pain is a multifaceted issue with various potential causes, making it crucial to adopt a comprehensive approach to its management.