Acute lower back pain is most frequently caused by a torn muscle or ligament or by a major injury to these tissues. These strains and sprains can occur from improper body mechanics, traumatic injuries and sports or fitness.

Chronic lower back pain causes may include the following:

• Degenerative disc disease
• Herniated discs in the lumbar spine
• Spinal stenosis
• Osteoarthritis

Low back pain can be difficult to diagnose because the cause of the pain could be due to the way a person’s back is positioned while sitting or standing. It could also be due to a lack of stability of the back due to muscle weakness in the abdomen and lower back.

Treating Lower Back Pain with Physical Therapy

When working to treat your back pain, your physical therapist may opt for a variety of treatment techniques including:

• Heat and cold packs for inflammation
• Stretching and light aerobic exercise for improving mobility
• Proper form and lifting techniques to prevent future injuries

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