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Lower Back Pain:
Causes, Relief and When to See a Specialist
Lower back pain is one of the most universal health complaints there is. Globally, hundreds of millions of people are living with it at any given time, and it remains one of the leading causes of disability worldwide.
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At PEAK, we’d put it more simply: almost every patient who walks through our Hawthorne or New Farm doors has dealt with it at some stage, whether from a single awkward lift or a slow build-up of poor posture and stress. (At PEAK, we call all our patients Athletes, not because of fitness level but because of mindset: our job is to help you reach your goal, whatever that is.)
The good news is that most lower back pain isn’t dangerous, and it responds well to the right plan. This guide covers why lower back pain happens, what we look for in clinic, and how to know when it’s time to get it properly assessed.
Why Lower Back Pain Happens
Lower back pain rarely comes from one isolated event. The patients we see usually have a combination of contributing factors:
- Posture and prolonged sitting. Long hours at a desk, in a car, or hunched over a phone place sustained load through the lower back and hips, particularly when core and glute strength haven’t kept pace.
- Lifting and sudden movement. A heavy lift, an awkward twist, or a sudden movement can strain the muscles, ligaments, or discs of the lower back, even when the load itself wasn’t excessive.
- Lack of movement and deconditioning. A sedentary lifestyle weakens the muscles that support the spine, leaving it more vulnerable to strain from everyday activities.
- Sport and exercise. Training errors, poor lifting technique, or a rapid increase in load can all contribute to lower back strain in active patients.
- Stress and sleep. Poor sleep quality and high stress levels are consistently linked with more persistent back pain: the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system are more connected than most people realise.
- Pregnancy. Postural changes and ligament laxity during pregnancy commonly bring on lower back and pelvic pain, which is why we have a dedicated Women’s Health Physiotherapy team.
Common Patterns We See in Clinic
You can’t eliminate every risk of injury, but you can stack the odds heavily in your favour:
- Acute muscular strain. A sudden onset of pain after lifting or twisting, often with muscle spasm and stiffness. This usually settles well with manual therapy, gentle movement, and graded return to activity.
- Disc-related pain. Pain that may radiate into the buttock or leg, sometimes with pins and needles or numbness, a pattern that overlaps with Sciatica, which affects somewhere between 5 and 10% of the population at some point in their life.
- Postural and desk-related pain. A dull, aching pain that builds through the day and eases with movement, common in patients who sit for long stretches at work.
- Sport-related strain. Often seen alongside hamstring tightness or hip restriction, particularly in runners, golfers, and field-sport players.
- For the full breakdown of how we assess and treat lower back pain by region, see our Upper, Middle and Lower Back Pain condition page.
Physio or Chiro for Lower Back Pain?
This is one of the most common questions we get, and the honest answer is: both can help, and you don’t have to choose. Physiotherapy focuses on movement, strength, and rehabilitation; Chiropractic care uses spinal manipulation and joint-focused techniques to restore mobility and reduce pain.
Many of our patients see benefit from a combination of both, which is exactly why PEAK brings both disciplines under one roof, where your practitioners can collaborate on your plan rather than you having to coordinate between separate clinics.
When Lower Back Pain Needs Urgent Attention
Most lower back pain is mechanical and not a sign of anything serious. But a small number of symptoms (sometimes called red flags) warrant prompt medical attention:
- New bladder or bowel changes
- Numbness in the saddle area
- Significant, unexplained weakness in the legs
- Severe pain following major trauma
- Unexplained weight loss alongside back pain
If you notice any of these, seek medical care promptly rather than waiting for a routine appointment.
How We Help Patients Get on Top of Lower Back Pain
At your first visit, your PEAK Practitioner will take a full history and conduct a physical assessment, then build a plan that may include manual therapy, targeted exercise, postural correction, and education on managing flare-ups, all guided by PEAK’s pain, prevention, and performance approach: ease what hurts now, build the strength and habits that stop it returning, then help you get back to full performance. For patients with chronic back pain who have a GP-issued Enhanced Primary Care (EPC) referral, Medicare rebates may also apply.
Beyond hands-on treatment, our Exercise Led Prevention Classes help build the strength and control that keeps lower back pain from becoming a recurring pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it normal to have lower back pain?
It’s extremely common (most people experience it at some point in their life), but common doesn’t mean it should be ignored, especially if it’s persistent or recurring.
Should I see a physio or chiro for lower back pain?
Both can help, and many patients benefit from a combined approach. At PEAK, our physiotherapy and chiropractic teams work together under one roof, so you don’t have to choose.
How long does lower back pain usually last?
Acute episodes often improve within a few weeks with the right management. Pain lasting longer than this, or recurring frequently, is worth having properly assessed.
Can I keep exercising with lower back pain?
Often yes, with some modification. Movement is generally helpful for recovery. A practitioner can guide you on what to adjust and what’s safe to continue.
When should I worry about lower back pain?
Seek prompt medical attention for new bladder or bowel changes, numbness in the saddle area, significant leg weakness, or back pain following major trauma.
Ready to Get on Top of Your Back Pain?
Don’t wait for lower back pain to become a bigger problem. Book an appointment with our Hawthorne or New Farm team, or give us a call:
- Hawthorne: (07) 3399 3318
- New Farm: (07) 3399 4668
Find Relief from Lower Back Pain: Book Your Appointment Today.