Physiotherapy
Lower back pain
Why rest is no longer the advice, and what actually helps recovery.
5 min read
What it is
Most lower back pain is mechanical: muscles, joints and discs behaving badly rather than anything structurally damaged. Scans often show changes that are equally common in people with no pain at all, which is why imaging is not routinely useful early on. The evidence consistently favours staying active over bed rest, which slows recovery.
What to look for
Pain across the lower back, sometimes into the buttock, worse with certain movements
Stiffness in the morning or after sitting for long periods
Pain that eases as you move about during the day
Sensible things to do at home
- Keep moving — walking is the single most useful thing in the first week
- Change position often; avoid sitting for more than 30 minutes at a stretch
- Heat for muscle spasm, and simple pain relief so you can stay active
- Return to normal activity gradually rather than waiting for zero pain
When to see us
- Pain has not improved after two weeks, or keeps recurring
- Pain travelling down the leg below the knee, or numbness and weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness between the legs — go to an emergency department immediately
- Back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, or after a significant fall
To book, phone the practice on 058 813 2777 or send us a message. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 10177.