Understanding and Managing Lower Back Discomfort

Back pain is incredibly common, with 3.7 million Australians (16% of the population) reporting back problems in the 2014–2015 National Health Survey. It’s estimated that 70–90% of people will experience some form of lower back pain at some point in their lives.

At ATUNE Health Centres, lower back pain is one of the most frequent reasons people come to see our osteopaths. In most cases, lower back pain is mechanical in nature, meaning it’s not necessarily related to any specific structural damage or disease process. The good news is, there’s often a clear and logical explanation for the pain, and we’re here to help you understand and manage it.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

For many patients, the cause of lower back pain is easy to pinpoint. It might follow activities like:

• Moving heavy furniture

• Performing intense exercises (like burpees or squats)

• Spending extended periods vacuuming or gardening

Even if the exact source of pain isn’t immediately clear, our osteopaths use their clinical knowledge, alongside a thorough history and examination, to identify the problem area and provide effective treatment.

For those who experience recurrent lower back pain, there is often an underlying cause, such as:

• Muscular imbalance or weakness

• Repetitive strain in certain occupations (e.g., lifting, bending, or poor posture)

• Lack of flexibility, poor strength, or improper technique when starting an exercise program

Managing Lower Back Pain

When it comes to managing lower back pain, the history of your condition is essential. Key questions to consider include:

• What aggravates or relieves the pain? (This can help pinpoint the source of discomfort.)

• Where is the pain located? (Understanding the location helps us identify which muscles or structures are affected.)

• Do you have associated symptoms? (For example, numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in the legs could indicate nerve involvement or a more serious condition.)

Once we have this information, we proceed with a physical examination, which may include:

• Assessing joint and muscle range of motion

• Strength testing

• Reflex testing

• Nerve provocation tests

During the exam, we will also palpate (feel) the muscles, joints, and ligaments in your lower back and surrounding areas, including the thoracic spine, hips, and pelvis, to locate areas of dysfunction or discomfort.

Osteopathic Treatment for Lower Back Pain

Once we’ve identified the cause of your pain, hands-on treatment can begin. For most patients, this may involve:

• Soft tissue massage to relax tight muscles

• Stretching to improve flexibility

• Joint range of motion techniques to restore movement

• Balanced ligamentous tension techniques to improve structural balance

We may also recommend home management strategies to support your recovery, such as:

• Applying ice or heat for pain relief

• Improving posture and ergonomics at work or home

• Stretches and strengthening exercises (if appropriate)

Recovery and Prognosis

The recovery process varies depending on the nature of the injury. Here’s a general guide:

• Acute lower back pain (recent onset) often requires fewer treatments over a shorter period.

• Chronic lower back pain or more serious injuries (e.g., disc bulges) usually need more visits over a longer timeframe for optimal recovery.

Other factors influencing recovery include:

• Age

• General health status

• Lifestyle and work-related aggravating factors

We will work with you to determine a realistic recovery timeframe and guide you on when additional treatments may be necessary.