Lower Back Pain: Causes, Treatment & Physiotherapy in Auckland

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people see a physiotherapist. It can make everyday activities like sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting, working, exercising and sleeping harder.

The good news: most lower back pain is not caused by serious damage, and many people improve with the right mix of movement, strengthening and advice. This guide covers the common lower back pain causes, symptoms and warning signs, and how physiotherapy helps. At AZ Physiotherapy Limited, we assess and treat lower back pain across Auckland and East Auckland, helping you understand your symptoms, move with more confidence and get back to your normal activities.

What causes lower back pain?

Lower back pain can start suddenly after lifting, twisting, exercising or playing sport. It can also build up gradually from repetitive activities, long periods of sitting, reduced strength or changes in how you move.

Common causes and contributing factors include:

• Muscle or ligament strain
• Lifting or moving something awkwardly
• Sudden twisting or bending
• Sports injuries
• Repetitive work tasks
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• A sudden increase in exercise or training
• Reduced core, hip or leg strength
• Joint irritation
• Previous back injuries
• Disc-related conditions

Often there is no single obvious cause. Back pain usually comes from a combination of activity, workload, movement, strength, sleep, stress and general health. A physiotherapy assessment helps identify the movements and activities that are contributing to your symptoms.

Common symptoms of lower back pain

Lower back pain feels different from person to person. Common symptoms include:

• Aching or stiffness in the lower back
• Sharp pain with certain movements
• Pain when bending forwards or backwards
• Difficulty getting out of bed or a chair
• Pain after sitting for long periods
• Pain when standing, walking or lifting
• Muscle tightness or spasm
• Pain during exercise
• Pain spreading into the buttock or leg

Some people also get tingling, numbness or weakness in the leg. Pain that travels below the knee may be sciatica, which is worth having assessed. Read more about sciatica.

When to seek urgent medical help

Most back pain is not serious, but some symptoms need urgent medical attention. Go to your nearest emergency department or call 111 if you have back pain with:

• Numbness around your bottom, genitals or inner thighs ("saddle" numbness)
• New difficulty passing urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control
• Weakness in one or both legs that is getting worse
• Numbness or pins and needles in both legs

See your GP promptly, or call Healthline on 0800 611 116, if your back pain comes with a fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or follows a significant fall or accident.

How can physiotherapy help lower back pain?

Physiotherapy helps many people with musculoskeletal lower back pain. Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms, movement, strength and day-to-day limitations, then build a treatment plan around your goals.

At AZ Physiotherapy Limited, treatment may include:

• Manual therapy and soft tissue techniques
• Therapeutic exercise and mobility work
• Core, hip and lower-limb strengthening
• A home exercise programme
• Education on understanding and managing your symptoms
• Advice on work, lifting and daily activities
• A gradual return to sport and exercise

Treatment focuses on helping you become stronger and more confident with movement, not just on easing pain in the short term. Learn more about our physiotherapy services and lower back pain treatment.

Lower back pain and exercise

Many people worry that exercising will make their back pain worse. For most people with lower back pain, staying appropriately active is one of the most helpful things you can do, and long periods of bed rest tend to slow recovery.

The right type and amount of exercise depends on your symptoms and current capacity. Your physiotherapist can help you choose suitable exercises and increase the difficulty gradually as your strength and tolerance improve.

If you enjoy running, gym training, football, netball or other sports, rehabilitation can also focus on getting you back to those activities safely.

When should you see a physiotherapist?

Consider seeing a physiotherapist if lower back pain is affecting your:

• Work
• Sleep
• Walking
• Exercise or sport
• Lifting
• Household activities
• General quality of life

It is also worth getting assessed if your symptoms are lasting longer than a few weeks, keep coming back, or are stopping you from doing things you normally enjoy.

You don't need a GP referral to see a physiotherapist in New Zealand. If your pain started after an accident or injury, such as a lift, twist or fall, you may be able to make an ACC claim, and we can lodge it for you at your first appointment. Read lower back pain: will ACC cover it? for how ACC decides, or find out more about ACC physiotherapy.

Lower back pain physiotherapy in East Auckland

AZ Physiotherapy Limited provides assessment and rehabilitation for lower back pain and other musculoskeletal conditions, at our clinic in Pakuranga, East Auckland.

Physiotherapist Abdullah Abdullah works with patients to improve movement, strength and physical function, and to support a gradual return to work, sport, exercise and everyday activities. Our approach suits both recent injuries and recurring or longer-term back pain.

Contact us to discuss your symptoms, or book an assessment online.

Sources

• Healthify (NZ): Back pain
• ACC: What we cover
• NHS: Back pain