Lower Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and How Osteopathy Can Help
Everything You Need to Know About Lower Back Pain — and What to Do About It
Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints seen at MSC Osteopathy. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of disability (musculoskeletal or otherwise) worldwide, affecting people of all ages — from desk workers and tradespeople to athletes and new parents. Whether your pain came on suddenly after lifting something heavy, or has been building gradually over months, understanding what is actually going on in your body is the first step toward recovery.
In this blog, we will walk you through the most common causes of lower back pain, the symptoms to look out for, and how osteopathic treatment can help you move and feel better.
What Is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain refers to any discomfort, stiffness, or pain felt in the lumbar region of the spine — the five vertebrae between the ribcage and the pelvis. This area carries a significant amount of the body's weight and is involved in almost every movement we make, which is why it is so vulnerable to injury and strain.
Lower back pain is generally categorised as either acute (sudden onset, lasting less than six weeks) or chronic (persisting for more than three months). Both types can significantly affect your quality of life, sleep, work, and ability to exercise.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain
There is rarely one single cause of lower back pain. Most cases involve a combination of physical, postural, and lifestyle factors. At MSC Osteopathy, some of the most common causes we see include:
Muscle and Ligament Strain
Sudden awkward movements, heavy lifting, or prolonged overuse can strain the muscles and/or ligaments that support the lower back. This is one of the most common presentations we see — often described as a sharp, sudden pain that makes it difficult to stand upright.
Poor Posture and Prolonged Sitting
Spending long hours at a desk, driving, or using a phone places repetitive stress on the lumbar spine. Over time, poor posture compresses the spinal joints and tightens surrounding muscles, leading to chronic aching or stiffness.
Disc Problems (Bulging or Herniated Disc)
The intervertebral discs act as cushions between the vertebrae. When a disc bulges or herniates, it can press on nearby nerves and cause pain that radiates down the leg — a condition commonly known as sciatica.
Facet Joint Irritation
The small joints along the back of the spine can become inflamed or restricted due to poor mechanics, age-related wear, or injury. This often causes localised pain that worsens with extension or rotation/twisting of the spine.
Pelvic and Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
The sacroiliac (SI) joints connect the base of the spine to the pelvis. When these joints are stiff or moving asymmetrically, they can contribute to low back and gluteal pain. This is particularly common in pregnancy, postpartum recovery, and following hip or leg injuries.
Muscle Weakness and Deconditioning
Weakness in the core, glutes, and hip muscles places greater demand on the passive structures of the spine. Without adequate muscular support, the lower back is far more susceptible to injury and recurrent pain.
Symptoms of Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain can present very differently from person to person. Common symptoms include:
• A dull, aching pain across the lower back
• Sharp or stabbing pain with specific movements
• Stiffness in the morning that eases as you warm up
• Pain that radiates into the buttocks, hips, or down one or both legs
• Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet (often associated with nerve involvement)
• Difficulty standing upright, bending, or sitting for extended periods
• Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting, standing, or certain activities
If you are experiencing any of the following in association with acute low back pain, please seek prompt medical attention (especially if associated with a major fall/trauma): loss of bladder or bowel control or significant leg weakness or numbness.
Osteopathic Treatment for Lower Back Pain
Osteopathy takes a whole-body approach to understanding and treating lower back pain. Rather than simply focusing on the site of pain, osteopaths assess how the entire musculoskeletal system — including posture, joint mobility, muscle balance, and movement patterns — is contributing to the problem.
At MSC Osteopathy in Altona North, our osteopaths use a combination of evidence-informed techniques tailored to each individual, which may include:
Soft Tissue Therapy
Hands-on techniques to release tight muscles, reduce tension, and improve circulation to the affected area — helping to decrease pain and restore movement.
Spinal Joint Mobilisation/Articulation
Gentle, targeted movements applied to stiff or restricted spinal and pelvic joints to restore their natural range of motion and reduce pain.
Manipulation (Spinal Adjustment)
When appropriate, high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) techniques can be applied to restore joint function quickly and effectively. This is always performed with patient consent and appropriate clinical reasoning to individual presentations.
Rehabilitation and Exercise Prescription
A personalised exercise program to strengthen the core and supporting muscles, improve movement patterns, and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. This is a key part of our Clinical Strength and Rehabilitation Program at MSC Osteopathy.
Postural and Lifestyle Advice
Practical guidance on workstation setup, sleeping positions, daily movement habits, and activity modification to support recovery and prevent flare-ups.
How Long Does Lower Back Pain Last?
Recovery time varies depending on the underlying cause, how long symptoms have been present, and individual health factors. Many acute episodes improve within a few weeks with appropriate care. Chronic lower back pain may take longer, but with the right management approach — combining hands-on treatment, exercise, and lifestyle changes — significant improvement is achievable.
One of the most important things you can do is avoid prolonged rest. Remaining as active as possible within your pain limits, and seeking early professional assessment, is associated with better long-term outcomes.
Tips to Prevent Lower Back Pain
While not all lower back pain is preventable, there are practical steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk:
• Stay active — regular movement is one of the best protective factors for spinal health
• Strengthen your core and glutes — these muscles are the primary support system for your lower back
• Vary your posture and avoid sustained positions for long periods
• Lift carefully — bend at the hips and knees, keep the load close to your body
• Maintain a healthy weight — excess load increases stress on the lumbar spine
• Manage stress — psychological stress is a well-recognised contributor to chronic pain
• Get adequate sleep — the spine recovers and rehydrates during rest
Conclusion
Lower back pain is extremely common, but it does not have to be something you simply push through or manage on your own. Understanding the causes and seeking the right treatment early can make a significant difference to your recovery and long-term spinal health.
At MSC Osteopathy, we provide individualised assessment and treatment for lower back pain at our clinic in Altona North. Whether your pain is brand new or something you have been dealing with for years, we are here to help.
If you have questions about how osteopathy can help your lower back pain, or if you would like to book an appointment, contact MSC Osteopathy in Altona North today.
