Low Back

A disc herniation occurs when the soft inner core of a spinal disc pushes through a crack in the tougher outer layer. This can irritate nearby nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or feet. Disc herniations are commonly associated with repetitive stress, improper lifting, or natural aging. Without proper care, symptoms may worsen and limit daily activities like bending, sitting, or walking.

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp pain radiating into the leg
• Numbness or tingling in the foot
• Weakness in the leg muscles
• Increased pain with bending or lifting
• Pain that improves when lying flat

A lumbar sprain or strain happens when the muscles or ligaments of the lower back are overstretched or torn. This often results from sudden movements, heavy lifting, or falls, leading to pain and stiffness. Although common, if left untreated, a lumbar strain can cause compensations in how you move, potentially leading to additional problems elsewhere in the body. Early therapy can help accelerate healing and prevent chronic issues.

Symptoms may include:

• Sudden low back pain after movement
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Pain with bending or twisting
• Difficulty maintaining good posture
• Localized tenderness in the lower back

Sciatica describes irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the back of each leg. It is not a diagnosis itself, but a symptom of an underlying issue such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or muscle entrapment. Left unmanaged, sciatica can significantly impact walking, sleeping, and everyday comfort. Physical therapy focuses on treating both the symptoms and the root cause.

Symptoms may include:

• Shooting pain down the back of the leg
• Tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
• Burning sensation along the nerve path
• Weakness in the affected leg
• Worsened pain with sitting

Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces in the spine become narrower, putting pressure on the spinal cord or nerves. It most commonly affects the neck and lower back and is typically caused by age-related changes like arthritis. Many people with spinal stenosis notice their symptoms get worse with walking or standing for long periods. Early intervention can help improve mobility and prevent worsening nerve compression.

Symptoms may include:

• Cramping or pain in the legs when standing
• Relief with bending forward or sitting
• Tingling or numbness in the legs
• Weakness or balance issues
• Low back stiffness

Facet joints are small joints at the back of the spine that provide stability and control movement. Over time, these joints can become irritated, inflamed, or arthritic, leading to pain with certain movements. Facet joint dysfunction often feels like a deep ache that worsens with bending or twisting, and it may contribute to stiffness or muscle spasms. Treatment focuses on improving spinal mobility and unloading the irritated joints.

Symptoms may include:

• Localized back pain near the spine
• Pain that worsens with twisting or bending
• Muscle spasms around the joint
• Stiffness after resting
• Pain radiating into the buttock

The sacroiliac joints are located where the spine meets the pelvis and are critical for transferring forces between your upper and lower body. It is the longest joint in the body, which means it is home to some of the strongest ligaments in the body. It's a joint that doesn't move more than a few millimeters in a young, healthy joint. Mobility of the joint decreases with age. Dysfunction in this joint can cause sharp or aching pain, often mistaken for a lumbar disc problem or sciatica. SI joint dysfunctions are generally rare and typically develop in people who are pregnant or were recently pregnancy, traumatic or repetitive stress injury to the pelvis, people who are hypermobile, or people with an autoimmune or rheumatic condition that affects the SI joint. Therapy focuses on stabilizing the joint, reducing inflammation, and improving alignment.

Symptoms may include:

• Sharp pain in the lower back or buttock
• Pain worsened by standing or stair climbing
• Stiffness in the hips
• Tenderness over the SI joint
• Pain that improves when lying down

Degenerative disc disease refers to the gradual breakdown of the spinal discs that act as cushions between your vertebrae. Although it's a normal part of aging, it can sometimes cause chronic pain, stiffness, or instability in the low back. This condition may develop earlier due to genetics, lifestyle factors, or repetitive strain. Fortunately, physical therapy can help reduce symptoms and improve your spine’s ability to absorb stress.

Symptoms may include:

• Persistent low back pain that comes and goes
• Pain that worsens with sitting or bending
• Stiffness, especially after prolonged rest
• Radiating pain into the hips or thighs
• Occasional numbness or weakness in the legs

Spondylolisthesis occurs when one vertebra slips forward over the one below it, often as a result of a stress fracture, arthritis, or congenital defect. Depending on the severity, it can cause mild backache or significant nerve compression leading to radiating pain. If left untreated, it can lead to changes in posture and mobility. Physical therapy focuses on stabilizing the spine and improving core strength to relieve symptoms.

Symptoms may include:

• Low back pain that worsens with activity
• Tightness in the hamstring muscles
• Pain radiating into the buttocks or legs
• Difficulty standing or walking for long periods
• A feeling of instability in the lower back

According to newer evidence, postures don't cause pain. Not everyone with poor posture is in pain, and not everyone who has great posture isn't experiencing pain. As the body starts to experience pain in certain postures or prolonged positions, the brain instructs the body to move to get out of discomfort. If that awareness is distracted, the body will remain in a prolonged position, which can cause pain and stiffness in areas. Over time, poor posture can cause strain on the muscles, joints, and discs of the lower back. This can contribute to chronic pain, limited mobility, and higher risk of injury. Physical therapy and chiropractic care focuses on correcting muscle activity, retraining posture, and restoring healthy movement patterns.

Symptoms may include:

• Dull, aching pain in the lower back
• Difficulty standing upright for long periods
• Fatigue or tension across the back
• Noticeable unevenness in shoulder or hip height
• Increased pain at the end of the workday