Top Causes of Lower Back Pain and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Lower back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. It can range from a mild ache to sharp, debilitating pain that disrupts your daily life. If you've searched for solutions because your back pain is holding you back, you’re not alone. Understanding the causes of lower back pain is crucial to getting the right treatment and reclaiming your quality of life.

Whether it’s from sitting too long, lifting heavy objects, or the aftermath of an accident, lower back pain is almost always treatable. One of the best ways to find relief? Physical therapy. If you’re considering physical therapy in Winter Springs, FL, this guide will walk you through the top causes of lower back pain and how skilled physical therapists can help you.
 

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

1. Poor Posture

Sitting or standing with improper alignment is one of the most common reasons people develop lower back pain. Everyday activities like hunching over a desk, leaning forward while using your phone, or slouching in your seat all put extra strain on the muscles and ligaments in your lower back. Over time, poor posture can cause imbalances in your spine, leading to discomfort and chronic pain.

2. Herniated Discs

A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through the harder exterior, often pressing on a nearby nerve. This is a frequent cause of lower back pain and can result in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs. Activities involving heavy lifting or twisting motions can sometimes lead to this condition.

3. Muscle or Ligament Strain

Lifting something too heavy or making a sudden awkward movement can strain your back muscles or ligaments. This type of injury might not seem severe at first but can cause long-lasting pain without proper care. Muscles supports your spine, so any strain could result in additional stress to the lower back.

4. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage around your joints wears down over time, is also a common culprit of lower back pain. It can cause stiffness and inflammation in the lumbar spine, and as it progresses, it may contribute to a narrowing of the space around your spine (spinal stenosis), causing even more discomfort.

5. Sciatica

Sciatica is caused by compression of the sciatic nerve—which runs from your lower back through your hips and down the back of each leg. Sciatica often stems from a herniated disc and can cause sharp, shooting pain, weakness, or even a burning sensation in the lower back, buttocks, or legs.

6. Sedentary Lifestyle

Working long hours in a chair or lounging for prolonged periods without moving can cause your muscles to weaken over time, including those crucial to supporting your spine. Weak back or abdominal muscles often lead to chronic back pain and reduced flexibility.

7. Trauma or Injury

Accidents like falls, car crashes, or sports injuries can lead to fractures, muscle tears, and other spine-related issues. If severe trauma isn’t addressed properly, it can result in lingering back pain or complications down the road.

8. Obesity

Carrying extra weight places additional strain on your lower back, especially if you have poor posture or a sedentary lifestyle. Over time, this can lead to pain and increase the risk of conditions like herniated discs or degenerative joint disease.
 

How Physical Therapy Can Help with Lower Back Pain

Physical therapy is often one of the first—and most effective—treatments recommended for lower back pain. It’s non-invasive, targets the root cause of the issue, and can help you avoid surgery or long-term reliance on pain medication. At B Physical Therapy in Winter Springs, FL, our highly trained therapists focus on providing personalized care to improve mobility, build strength, and relieve pain.

Here’s how physical therapy addresses lower back pain:

1. Core Strengthening

Weak core muscles often exacerbate back pain. Physical therapy uses exercises to target core muscle groups, which serve as a support system for your spine. When your core is strong, it helps to relieve stress on your lower back and reduce pain.

2. Posture Correction

Your therapist will evaluate how you sit, stand, and move, offering guidance to improve your posture and prevent further strain on your back. They’ll teach you how to adopt and maintain neutral spine alignment during daily activities.

3. Stretching and Flexibility Exercises

Stiff muscles and ligaments in the lower back can limit your range of motion, leading to pain and discomfort. Stretching routines designed by a physical therapist will help improve your mobility and release tension that contributes to discomfort.

4. Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques like massage, myofascial release, and joint mobilization can alleviate muscle tightness, decrease inflammation, and improve circulation—all of which help your back heal faster.

5. Education on Body Mechanics

Physical therapy isn’t just about treatment—it’s also about prevention. Your therapist will educate you on proper lifting techniques and ways to modify your daily activities to avoid future injuries.

6. Ergonomic Advice

Whether it’s adjusting your workstation, optimizing your sleep setup, or recommending supportive footwear, a physical therapist can provide practical advice to improve your environment and further protect your back.
 

Why Choose Physical Therapy in Winter Springs, FL?

At B Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating patients with lower back pain right here in Winter Springs, FL. But what sets us apart?

• Tailored Treatment Plans: Your recovery plan is as unique as the cause of your pain. We focus on individualized care that addresses your specific needs.
• Experienced Therapists: Our team is skilled in advanced techniques that promote healing and long-term health.
• Community-Focused: We love helping our local Winter Springs community move beyond pain and live life to the fullest.

Lower back pain can hold you back—but it doesn’t have to. With the right physical therapy program, you can rediscover a life free from discomfort.
 

Start Your Journey to Pain Relief

If you’re experiencing persistent lower back pain, don’t wait to seek help. At B Physical Therapy, we’re here to help you regain your strength, mobility, and confidence.

Scheduling your first appointment is easy—just click the link below to get started. It’s time to take the first step toward a healthier, pain-free life!

If you're searching for expert, personalized physical therapy in Winter Springs, FL, look no further than B Physical Therapy. Contact us today!