Back pain isn’t just a minor inconvenience, it’s one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare. From young professionals hunched over laptops to older adults finding it harder to move, it can affect anyone at any stage of life.
As physiotherapists, we see a wide range of causes. Pinpointing the exact reason for your back pain is the first step towards finding the right treatment and achieving long-term recovery. Here are some of the most common culprits we see in the clinic, and how we help.
1. Muscle and ligament strain: the classic cause
What it is:
Muscle or ligament strain is one of the most frequent triggers of back pain. It can happen suddenly, for example, lifting something heavy the wrong way or twisting awkwardly, or develop gradually from poor posture, prolonged sitting, or lack of exercise.
Symptoms:
- Localised dull or aching pain in the lower back
- Muscle stiffness that worsens with movement
- Pain that eases with rest but flares during activity
Physiotherapy perspective:
For strains, gentle movement within pain limits and progressive strengthening are key. Research shows that early movement is better than prolonged rest, which can actually increase stiffness. In the early stages, we often use manual therapy, like soft tissue release or trigger point techniques, to reduce tension. As pain improves, we shift the focus to building core strength and flexibility to prevent future injury.
2. Disc bulge: when the cushion slips
What it is:
A bulging or herniated disc happens when the soft cushion between vertebrae pushes out or ruptures, irritating nearby nerves. It’s common in people who do repetitive bending, lifting, or twisting.
Symptoms:
- Sharp, radiating pain that can extend into the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Pain that worsens with bending, sitting, or lifting
Physiotherapy perspective:
Treatment focuses on spinal stabilisation and nerve mobilisation exercises. We may use lumbar traction and nerve gliding to ease pressure on the nerve, while progressively strengthening the core and lower back muscles to restore function without aggravating the injury.
3. Osteoarthritis & degenerative disc disease: wear and tear with age
What it is:
With age, spinal discs and joint cartilage naturally wear down. This can reduce shock absorption, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms:
- Ongoing low back pain, worse after activity or long sitting
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after inactivity
- Reduced flexibility or difficulty bending
Physiotherapy perspective:
While age-related changes can’t be reversed, targeted strengthening of the core and lower back can help support the spine and ease joint pressure. Stretching maintains mobility, while joint mobilisation techniques keep spinal joints moving freely.
Other causes you should know about
Back pain isn’t always caused by the “usual suspects.” Less common conditions include:
- Spinal stenosis – narrowing of spaces in the spine, compressing nerves
- Spondylolisthesis – one vertebra slipping forward over another
- Ankylosing spondylitis – inflammatory arthritis affecting the spine
In rare cases, back pain may signal serious conditions like cancer, infection, or spinal fractures. That’s why a proper diagnosis is always the first step. Once any serious issues are ruled out, your healthcare provider can design a tailored plan to restore strength, flexibility, and movement, so you can get back to doing the things you love.
Do you have any questions?
Call us on (03) 9857 0644 or (07) 3505 1494 (Paddington)
Email us at admin@mdhealth.com.au
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