Lower Back Pain: What's Normal, What's Not, and When to Get Help

Most people will deal with lower back pain at some point, and the good news is that the majority of cases settle within a few weeks with the right approach. It's usually brought on by things like poor posture, prolonged sitting, an awkward lift, or general muscle strain rather than anything serious.

Ordinary back pain tends to be limited to the lower back and buttock area, sometimes spreading down one leg, and it generally improves gradually from day to day, even if certain movements still catch it.

There are a small number of signs that mean you should get checked out urgently rather than waiting for physio: numbness around the saddle area, sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, new and worsening weakness in one or both legs, severe pain after a significant fall or injury, or back pain alongside unexplained weight loss. If any of those apply, seek urgent medical attention rather than booking a physio appointment.

For everyday back pain, current thinking has moved firmly away from bed rest. Staying as active as you comfortably can, gradually returning to normal movement, and using hands on treatment and targeted exercise as part of a plan all tend to work better than rest or medication alone.

A first session with us usually means a full assessment, some hands on treatment to ease things in the short term, and a home exercise plan we adjust as you improve. If your back's been bothering you for more than a couple of weeks, or keeps coming back, get in touch and we'll take a proper look.