Lower back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions affecting adults in the United Kingdom. It can arise from poor posture, prolonged desk work, sports injuries, spinal degeneration, muscle strain, or nerve compression. At YOS Health London Bridge, our physiotherapists provide comprehensive assessment, evidence-based rehabilitation, and personalised treatment programmes to restore movement and reduce pain.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain may originate from muscles, ligaments, joints, discs, nerves or surrounding soft tissues. Common causes include muscle strain, lumbar disc prolapse, sciatica, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, facet joint dysfunction, osteoporosis-related fractures and poor workplace ergonomics.
Symptoms
- Persistent aching or stiffness in the lower back
- Sharp pain after lifting or twisting
- Pain radiating into the buttock or leg (sciatica)
- Numbness, tingling or weakness
- Difficulty walking, bending or prolonged sitting
- Reduced flexibility and muscle spasms
Diagnosis
Assessment includes medical history, movement analysis, neurological examination, posture assessment and functional testing. Imaging such as MRI or X-ray may be recommended when clinically indicated.
Treatment Options
Physiotherapy
Manual therapy, exercise therapy, movement retraining, core strengthening, flexibility programmes and progressive rehabilitation are the foundation of long-term recovery.
Pain Management
Where appropriate, pain-relieving modalities and coordinated medical management help patients engage comfortably in rehabilitation.
Lifestyle Modification
Weight management, ergonomic advice, lifting techniques, activity modification and regular exercise reduce recurrence.
Exercises That May Help
Pelvic tilts, bridges, bird-dog exercises, gentle lumbar mobility exercises, hamstring stretches and core stabilisation exercises are commonly prescribed after individual assessment.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
Seek assessment if pain persists for more than two weeks, repeatedly returns, limits work or sport, radiates into the leg, or is associated with weakness.
Why Choose YOS Health London Bridge?
Our clinicians specialise in musculoskeletal medicine, sports injuries and rehabilitation using personalised evidence-based treatment plans. We focus on identifying the underlying cause rather than only treating symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can physiotherapy cure lower back pain?
Many mechanical causes improve significantly with an individualised rehabilitation programme.
Should I rest completely?
Extended bed rest is generally discouraged. Staying active within comfort usually improves recovery.
Can exercise make back pain worse?
Incorrect exercises may aggravate symptoms, but professionally prescribed exercises usually improve function.