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Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is extremely common and, in the large majority of cases, not caused by anything dangerous. It can come on suddenly after lifting or twisting, or build up gradually over time. The good news is that most back pain settles well with the right advice, movement and a graded return to activity — and physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage it.

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Lower Back Pain

Common symptoms

  • Aching, stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back
  • Pain that worsens with certain positions or movements
  • Difficulty bending, sitting or standing for long periods
  • Muscle tightness or spasm
  • Sometimes pain, pins and needles or numbness into the buttock or leg

Common causes

  • Muscle or joint strain from lifting, twisting or awkward movement
  • Prolonged sitting or sustained postures
  • Deconditioning or a sudden increase in activity
  • Age-related changes in the spine (very common and often painless)
  • Stress, poor sleep and low activity, which influence pain

How physiotherapy helps

We assess your back and how you move to rule out anything that needs further investigation and to understand what's driving your pain. Treatment typically combines hands-on techniques to ease pain and stiffness with a graded exercise programme to restore movement and strength, plus clear advice on staying active. Our goal is not just to settle this episode but to help you move confidently and reduce the chance of it returning.

General self-care tips

  • Try to keep gently moving — prolonged bed rest usually slows recovery
  • Stay active within comfortable limits and pace your activity
  • Use heat or a supported position to ease acute discomfort
  • Avoid the fear that hurting always means harm — most back pain is not dangerous

Lower Back Pain — frequently asked questions

Should I rest or stay active with back pain?
For most back pain, staying gently active leads to a faster recovery than resting in bed. Keep moving within comfortable limits and gradually build back up — we can guide what's safe.
Do I need a scan for my back pain?
Most back pain does not need a scan. Imaging is only helpful in specific situations, and scans often show age-related changes that are normal and not the cause of pain. We can advise whether further investigation is appropriate.
When should I be concerned about back pain?
Seek prompt medical advice if you have severe or worsening leg weakness, numbness around the groin or bladder or bowel changes, unexplained weight loss, fever, or pain following a significant injury. Otherwise, most back pain responds well to physiotherapy.

How we treat it

Physiotherapy

Assessment and treatment for back, neck, shoulder, knee, hip, ankle and other joint or muscle problems.

Dry Needling

Fine-needle therapy used alongside physiotherapy to ease muscle tightness, pain and movement restrictions.

Please note: This information is general in nature and isn’t a substitute for individual assessment or medical advice. Everyone is different — book an assessment so we can tailor advice to you. If you have severe, worsening or concerning symptoms, seek prompt medical attention.

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Lower Back Pain: Causes, Treatment & Physiotherapy in Auckland

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Let’s get you moving again

Book directly — no GP referral needed for most injuries, including ACC claims.

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