Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is one of the most common problems we treat — and the single most searched-for in the UK. It can affect everything from sitting, bending and lifting to walking, sleep and work, and can quickly get in the way of the things you enjoy.
Understanding lower back pain: causes and treatment
Lower back pain can arise from many structures in and around the spine. Broadly, the causes can be grouped as muscular, discogenic, joint-related and nerve-related — and in most cases the pain is mechanical and responds well to the right treatment.
The lumbar spine carries the weight of the upper body and lets you bend, twist and lift, so the muscles, discs and joints here are under constant load. When one of these structures is irritated or overloaded, inflammation and pain can develop — and without the right advice, a short-term problem can become a recurring one. Having your back pain assessed by a physiotherapist helps identify what is actually driving it.
A correct diagnosis is essential to focus treatment on the underlying cause of your pain.
Common causes of lower back pain include:
Get it assessed early
Seek help early
Most lower back pain settles well, but getting it assessed early helps calm your symptoms faster, reduces the chance of it becoming long-standing, and gives you a clear plan rather than guesswork.
It may be referred pain
Lower back pain can refer into the buttock, hip or leg, and leg symptoms such as sciatica often come from the spine. A thorough assessment pinpoints the true source and rules out anything that needs more urgent attention.
Back pain, sciatica & referred pain
When a nerve in the lower back is irritated or compressed, pain, pins and needles, or weakness can travel down into the buttock and leg — this is sciatica. Leg symptoms like these often originate in the spine rather than the leg itself.
Working out whether your symptoms are coming from your back is a key part of our assessment, so treatment targets the true source.
Physiotherapy assessment for lower back pain
Your initial physiotherapy appointment will consist of two key components:
Subjective assessment
A detailed discussion about how your pain started, your symptoms, how they affect your daily activities, work and sleep, and any relevant medical history. We will also explore your personal treatment goals.
Objective assessment
A physical examination of your spinal movement and muscle strength and, where relevant, neurological testing of sensation, reflexes and power, along with special tests to identify the underlying cause of your pain.
At The Treatment Table, we ensure that every assessment is thorough, providing you with a clear diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
Treatment tailored to the cause of your pain
Physiotherapy treatment will depend on the specific cause of your lower back pain but may include:
Strength and conditioning exercises
Joint mobilisation & manipulation
Soft tissue therapy
Massage
Acupuncture
Trigger point therapy
Directional & movement-based exercise
Education & load management
At The Treatment Table, we understand that lower back pain can affect almost everything — sitting, bending, lifting, working and sleeping. Our expert knowledge and tailored treatments aim to reduce pain, restore movement and confidence, and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Book your lower back pain assessment
If you are experiencing lower back pain, whether acute or chronic, a specialist physiotherapy assessment can provide you with the diagnosis and treatment you need.
Lower back pain can be a significant issue, affecting your ability to sit, bend, lift, work and sleep. The good news is that most back pain is mechanical and responds well to treatment — but left unaddressed, it can become a recurring problem, which is why early physiotherapy intervention matters.
A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment will help identify the cause of your pain, leading to an effective treatment plan to reduce symptoms and restore confident, pain-free movement.
For more information or to schedule a physiotherapy appointment, contact The Treatment Table today at 0151 559 1107 or email info@thetreatmenttable.com.
Book your assessment