Why your lower back hurts and what to actually do about it
Why Your Lower Back Hurts and What to Actually Do About It
Lower back pain stopping you from working, training or sleeping properly? PHYZFIT in Bexley North and Marrickville provides expert assessment and treatment for lower back pain so you can get moving again.
Same day appointments available · No referral needed
Why Lower Back Pain Is So Common
Around 4 million Australians are currently living with back pain, and lower back pain accounts for roughly 34 percent of the country's musculoskeletal disease burden. It is the single most googled physio topic in Australia, and most of what people read online is either wrong, scary or both.
The good news is that the vast majority of lower back pain responds beautifully to the right physiotherapy plan. The first step is an accurate diagnosis.
Common Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following, our physios at PHYZFIT can help:
- Aching, stiffness or sharp pain across the lower back
- Pain that worsens with sitting, standing or bending
- Pain that wraps around to the hip or buttock
- Tingling, numbness or weakness travelling down the leg
- Pain when lifting, twisting or getting out of bed
- Stiffness first thing in the morning that eases as you move
- A sense of weakness or instability in the trunk
Common Causes
- Disc bulges or disc related pain
- Facet joint irritation
- Sciatica and nerve root compression
- Muscle spasm and protective guarding
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Postural overload from prolonged sitting or driving
- Sudden load changes from lifting, sport or a new gym program
- Weak glutes, deep core and hip stabilisers
- Stress, poor sleep and a sensitised nervous system
Sore now? Do not wait it out.
Book a thorough assessment with a PHYZFIT physiotherapist and walk out with a clear plan, not guesswork.
Book Now Call (02) 8021 0969Same day appointments available · No referral needed
How We Treat Lower Back Pain
At PHYZFIT our physiotherapists take a thorough evidence based approach. Every treatment plan is built around your goals, your lifestyle and your body.
Accurate Diagnosis
We identify which structures are irritated, which movements are loading them and why, so you understand exactly what is going on and what to do about it.
Hands On Relief
Where appropriate we use joint mobilisation, soft tissue release and dry needling to settle pain quickly so you can start moving normally.
Core, Glute and Hip Strengthening
Rebuilding the muscles that support and protect the spine is the foundation of every recovery plan. Strong, well coordinated muscles take load off your back.
Movement Retraining
We coach you on how to lift, sit, sleep, drive and train without flaring up. This is the part that makes recovery actually stick.
Return to Sport and Life
A structured progressive plan to get you back to running, lifting, gardening, parenting and everything you have been missing out on.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
From the moment you book to the moment you walk out pain free, here is exactly how it goes.
Book in 60 Seconds
Book online or over the phone. Same day appointments available at Bexley North and Marrickville. No referral needed.
Your Initial Assessment
Your physio conducts a thorough assessment of your back pain and works with you to understand your goals.
Your Treatment Plan
You leave with a clear treatment plan and timeline so you always know what to expect from each session.
Ongoing Support
We monitor your progress and adjust your plan every step of the way to keep you on track toward your goals.
What You Should Not Do
Most of the advice friends and family give you about back pain is, frankly, terrible. Here is what to avoid:
- Going to bed for three days. Prolonged rest makes acute back pain worse, not better.
- Rushing into an MRI as your first step. Imaging shows abnormalities in 60 percent of pain free adults over 40. A scan without context creates fear, not answers.
- Endlessly stretching the painful spot hoping it will release. Most lower backs need more control, not more flexibility.
- Ignoring it. Untreated back pain has more than a 50 percent chance of becoming chronic within 12 months.
Do not leave this untreated. Many of our patients tell us they wished they had come in sooner. The longer back pain hangs around, the harder it can be to treat. Pain that lasts more than 12 weeks is significantly more likely to become a long term problem affecting your work, sleep, mood and the activities you love. People who tolerate "manageable" back pain for years often end up compensating with their hips, knees and shoulders, turning one problem into three.
Stop scrolling. Start moving.
Whether your back has been sore for two days or two years, our team at PHYZFIT will build you a plan that actually works.
Book Now Call (02) 8021 0969 Email UsSame day appointments available · No referral needed
When to Book In Immediately
See a physiotherapist or your GP sooner rather than later if you have any of these:
- Pain radiating down your leg, especially below the knee
- Numbness, pins and needles or weakness in your legs
- Pain that wakes you at night and will not settle
- Pain after a fall, accident or lifting incident that has not improved in a few days
- Loss of bladder or bowel control. This needs urgent medical attention. Go to your GP or emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scan or an MRI for my back pain?
The majority of lower back pain does not require imaging. Your physio will assess you thoroughly and advise if a scan or specialist review is genuinely warranted.
Can I keep training with back pain?
In most cases yes, with modifications. We will guide you on what is safe and how to keep your fitness while your back recovers.
How long does back pain take to recover?
Most acute episodes settle within 2 to 6 weeks with the right plan. Chronic back pain takes longer but absolutely improves. We see it every week.
Do I need a referral to see a physio at PHYZFIT?
No referral is needed. You can book online or over the phone and we will take care of the rest. We are registered with Medicare, all major Private Health funds, NDIS, SIRA, WorkCover and DVA.
Ready to Get Out of Pain?
Same day appointments available at Bexley North and Marrickville. No referral needed. Book in today and let us help you get back to doing what you love.
Book NowOr call us on (02) 8021 0969
Written by the PHYZFIT Physiotherapy team. Helping you rebuild trust in your body and live a life without limits. Bexley North · Marrickville. This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your individual circumstances.