Services We Offer
Low Back
The low back, or lumbar spine, carries much of your body’s weight and plays a key role in nearly every movement you make. Because it works together with the hips, pelvis, and core muscles, issues in the lumbar spine rarely happen in isolation.
Anatomy of the Low Back
The low back is made up of five lumbar vertebrae (L1–L5) stacked one on top of another. Between these vertebrae sit intervertebral discs that act like cushions, absorbing shock and allowing smooth movement. The lumbar region is also supported by facet joints that guide motion, ligaments that provide stability, and spinal nerves that branch out to supply the lower body. Surrounding all of this are strong muscles such as the multifidus, erector spinae, quadratus lumborum, and the larger glute and core muscles, which work together to help you bend, lift, twist, and stabilize your body.
Balancing Flexibility and Strength
The lumbar spine is designed to balance both movement and stability. While it allows forward bending, backward extension, and rotation, its primary role is stability — protecting the spinal cord and serving as a base for the entire upper body.
Problems arise when this balance is disrupted. Too much mobility without control can cause strain and instability, while excessive stiffness can limit movement and increase stress on other joints like the hips or knees.
Common Causes of Low Back Pain
Low back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, often caused by sudden trauma or long-term stress on the spine.
Typical causes include:
Disc herniation or bulging discs
Lumbar strain or sprain
Degenerative disc disease
Facet joint irritation
Sciatica (nerve root compression)
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
And more
Common symptoms include:
Aching or sharp pain in the lower back
Pain radiating into the buttocks, hips, or legs
Tingling, numbness, or weakness down one leg (sciatica)
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Pain with lifting, bending, or prolonged sitting/standing
Difficulty with daily activities like walking, driving, or sleeping
How Physical Therapy Helps You
Low back pain can make even simple tasks — sitting at a desk, driving, or sleeping — feel overwhelming. A physical therapist can help by first performing a thorough evaluation of your posture, strength, flexibility, and movement patterns. This allows them to identify whether your symptoms are coming from local structures in the low back, referred pain from another area, or nerve involvement.
Once the root cause is clear, your therapist will design a treatment plan that may include hands-on techniques to relieve tension, corrective exercises to strengthen weak muscles, and education on posture and movement to prevent flare-ups. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and build long-term resilience so you can get back to your normal activities with confidence.
Living with low back pain isn’t something you have to accept. Contact us today for a free phone consultation and schedule your initial appointment to get started on the path to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most common cause of low back pain?
Most people experience low back pain from muscle strain, poor posture, or disc-related issues. Inactive lifestyles and prolonged sitting also make the problem worse.
How do I know if my low back pain is serious?
If your pain is constant, radiates into the legs, causes numbness or weakness, or doesn’t improve within a couple of weeks, it’s best to get evaluated by a professional.
Can physical therapy really help with chronic low back pain?
Yes. Physical therapy addresses the underlying cause of pain, not just the symptoms. By strengthening supporting muscles and improving movement, it can reduce flare-ups and restore function.
Should I rest or stay active if I have low back pain?
Complete bed rest is rarely recommended. Gentle movement, stretching, and guided exercises from a physical therapist are typically more effective in promoting healing.
How long does it take to recover from low back pain with therapy?
Recovery time depends on the severity and cause of your pain. Some people feel relief in a few sessions, while others need several weeks to restore full strength and mobility.