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Lower Back Pain

TREATMENT & REHABILITATION

Lower Back Pain

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⬇‍ ‍Understanding Lower Back Pain

⬇ Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

⬇ Our Treatment Approach

⬇ Rehabilitation & Exercise

⬇ Ergonomics & Daily Habits

⬇ Lower Back Pain & Workcover Rehabilitation

⬇ When to seek treatment

⬇ Start Your Recovery

Understanding Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most common and disabling conditions affecting people in Australia. It often presents as pain in the lower back, with symptoms referring into the buttock or side of the hip.

Around 70–90% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives, and many cases are linked to lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting, repetitive strain, or poor movement patterns.

At Sydney Health Physiotherapy, our focus is not just to relieve pain, but to restore function and prevent recurrence through structured rehabilitation.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Prolonged Sitting & Office Work

Many people spend long hours sitting in a slightly forward-bent posture. Over time, this places excessive load on:

  • Spinal discs

  • Facet joints

  • Ligaments and tendons

  • Surrounding muscles

    This can lead to disc irritation and increased sensitivity of spinal structures.

Poor Movement & Lifting Mechanics

Repetitive poor lifting patterns — especially during squatting or bending — can overload the lower back.

Common contributing factors include:

  • muscle tightness

  • weakness or poor control

  • poor habitual movement patterns

Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) Dysfunction

The sacroiliac joint is a common but often overlooked source of lower back pain.

It may be triggered by:

  • missteps or sudden loading

  • repetitive lifting

  • pregnancy-related changes

Symptoms may include:

  • pain around the lower back and buttock

  • discomfort when turning in bed

  • referred pain into the groin or thigh

Our Treatment Approach

At Sydney Health Physiotherapy, we combine hands-on treatment with active rehabilitation to achieve long-term outcomes.

Hands-On Physiotherapy

Treatment may include:

  • joint mobilisation or manipulation

  • massage and soft tissue release

  • dry needling

  • cupping

These techniques help:

  • reduce pain sensitivity

  • improve mobility

  • prepare the body for rehabilitation

It is normal to experience mild soreness for 1–2 days following treatment as your body adapts.

Rehabilitation & Exercise - The Key to Recovery

We strongly advocate an active approach to recovery.

Research shows that structured exercise programs significantly improve long-term outcomes compared to passive treatment alone.

Exercise helps to:

  • restore movement

  • reduce disc loading

  • improve strength and control

  • prevent recurrence

A Focus on Core Stability and Control

Your “core” refers to the muscles that stabilise your spine and pelvis.

The key muscle is the transversus abdominis, which acts like a natural brace to protect your lower back.

When core control is reduced (due to injury, inactivity, or lifestyle), the risk of strain and recurrence increases.

Example of a simple core activation exercise forms the foundation of more advanced rehabilitation. Visit our Exercise Library for examples of rehab progression.

Ergonomics & Daily Habits

One of the biggest contributors to persistent lower back pain is poor sitting posture.

Common problematic positions include:

  • slouched sitting

  • lying on the couch or bed

  • driving with excessive recline

    Key Advice

  • maintain a neutral or slightly extended lower back

  • use lumbar support if needed

  • avoid prolonged sustained positions

Movement & Lifting Technique

Your ability to squat and lift correctly reflects your overall functional capacity.

Poor squat technique can:

  • overload the lower back

  • cause compensatory muscle activation

  • increase injury risk

We will make sure that you have good ankle mobility, hip control, spinal alignment and movement coordination. Improving lifting mechanics is essential for both recovery and long-term prevention.

Lower Back Pain & WorkCover Rehabilitation

For work-related injuries, structured rehabilitation is critical.

Our approach focuses on:

  • restoring functional capacity

  • improving strength and endurance

  • preparing you for work demands

We work closely with:

  • GPs

  • insurers

  • employers

Dedicated to support a safe and timely return to work.

When to Seek Treatment

You should seek professional care if:

  • pain persists or worsens

  • symptoms are recurring

  • movement or work capacity is affected

Early intervention leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.

Why Choose Sydney Health Physiotherapy

  • Experienced in managing lower back and WorkCover injuries

  • Strong focus on hands-on treatment + exercise rehabilitation

  • Structured programs tailored to your condition and goals

  • Clear communication with all parties involved in your care

Start Your Recovery

If you are experiencing lower back pain, early treatment and the right rehabilitation approach can make a significant difference.

Book an appointment today and begin your structured recovery.

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Reference

  1. Babatunde, O. et al. (2017). Effective treatment options for musculoskeletal pain in primary care: A systematic overview of current evidence. PLOS One

  2. Childs, J. et al. (2015). Implications of early and guideline adherent physical therapy for low back pain on utilization and cost. BMC Health Services Research