Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems affecting adults today. Many people in Brisbane experience lower back pain due to long hours sitting at work, reduced physical activity, or poor posture.

Whether your back pain developed suddenly or gradually over time, understanding the cause of your back pain is the first step toward long-term relief.

At our South Brisbane physiotherapy clinic, we regularly see patients who have tried stretching, massage, or resting their back, only to find the pain keeps returning.

This usually happens because the underlying cause of the pain has not been properly assessed or treated.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Back pain can develop for many different reasons, including:

• Prolonged sitting at a desk
• Working from home with poor workstation setup
• Muscle weakness around the spine
• Tight hip muscles
• Spinal joint stiffness
• Reduced physical activity

Over time these issues can place increased stress on the muscles and joints of the lower back.

Without proper treatment, this can lead to persistent lower back pain and stiffness.

Common Symptoms of Back Pain

Patients experiencing lower back pain often report:

• Stiffness when getting out of bed
• Pain after sitting for long periods
• Tightness across the lower back muscles
• Pain when bending or lifting
• Pain radiating into the glutes or legs

These symptoms may indicate joint stiffness or muscle imbalance in the spine, which often benefits from physiotherapy treatment.

How Physiotherapy Helps Treat Back Pain

Physiotherapy focuses on identifying and treating the root cause of your back pain rather than simply masking the symptoms.

A physiotherapy assessment may include:

• Spinal mobility testing
• Muscle strength assessment
• Movement pattern analysis
• Postural evaluation

Based on this assessment, a personalised treatment plan can be created to improve mobility, strengthen weak muscles and reduce pain.

When to See a Physiotherapist for Back Pain

You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if:

• Your back pain lasts longer than two weeks
• The pain keeps returning
• The pain interferes with work or exercise
• You experience numbness or tingling in the legs

If you are experiencing ongoing back pain, our South Brisbane physiotherapists can assess the cause and create a personalised recovery plan.

👉 You can also read our guide on lower back pain from sitting too long?

👉 check out our IG on When to seek help?