Conditions we treat
Lower Back Pain Physio in Brookvale
Most lower back pain is not caused by serious damage. We find what is driving your pain and build a plan to keep you moving.
- Brookvale4/42-46 Wattle Road, Brookvale NSW 2100
- Terrey Hills · Wednesdays17 Yulong Avenue, Terrey Hills NSW 2084
- No referral required
- One to one with a physiotherapist
- Assessment before any exercise plan
Understanding it
What is lower back pain?
Lower back pain refers to pain, stiffness or tightness between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your pelvis. It’s one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy and can affect anyone, from desk workers and parents to tradies and athletes.
In many cases, there isn’t one specific structure responsible for the pain. Symptoms can be influenced by a combination of factors, including tissue sensitivity, strength, physical activity levels, changes in workload, sleep and stress. That’s why a thorough assessment looks beyond the spine to understand your symptoms, movement and overall physical health.
Common symptoms of lower back pain
- Aching, stiffness or sharp pain in the lower back
- Pain that changes with sitting, bending, lifting or standing
- Stiffness first thing in the morning that eases as you move
- Muscle spasm or a feeling that the back has “locked”
- Pain spreading into the buttock or thigh
Why it happens
What causes lower back pain?
Sudden or unfamiliar load
Lifting, gardening, moving house or a jump in training can overload tissues that are not used to it, which can lead to a lower back strain or sprain.
Long periods in one position
Sitting or standing for hours without a break often leaves the back stiff and sore.
Reduced strength and endurance
Hips, trunk and legs that tire quickly can leave the lower back doing more of the work.
Disc and joint irritation
Discs and small spinal joints can become sensitive. This is common and often settles with the right loading.
Sleep, stress and general health
Poor sleep, stress and low activity levels can all make back pain more sensitive and slower to settle.
Pregnancy and life changes
Pregnancy, a new baby or getting older change how the back is loaded day to day.
How physiotherapy can help
How we assess and treat lower back pain
Treatment is matched to what we find, and the aim is always to get you doing more, not less.
- AssessmentWe ask about your pain, work, sleep and goals, check for warning signs, then test how you move, bend and lift and how strong your hips and trunk are.
- Settle the painHands on treatment, short term changes to aggravating activities and simple exercises to calm things down and keep you moving.
- Build strength and confidenceA progressive strength program, in our rehab gym or at home, so your back copes with the things you need to do. Many people continue in Clinical Pilates.
What to expect from back pain physio
Scans
Most people do not need an X-ray or MRI. We will tell you if your symptoms suggest a scan or a GP review is needed.
Rest or move?
Staying gently active usually helps more than bed rest. We will show you what is safe to keep doing.
How long
Many episodes improve within weeks. Pain that keeps coming back usually needs a longer strength plan.
At home
You leave with a short, clear exercise plan and advice on sitting, lifting and sleep.
Care at Solevo
Physio services for back pain
Safety first
When to see a GP or get urgent care first for back pain
- Numbness or tingling around the groin, inner thighs or buttocks (saddle area)
- New difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control
- Weakness in a leg or foot that is getting worse
- Back pain with fever, feeling very unwell or unexplained weight loss
- A history of cancer, or pain after a significant fall or accident
- Severe pain at night that does not ease with any position
Numbness in the saddle area or changes to bladder or bowel control need same-day medical care: go to an emergency department or call 000. For the other signs, see your GP before booking.
Meet your back pain physio in Brookvale
Emma Docker
Bachelor of Sport & Exercise Science | Master of Physiotherapy
Emma has a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and a Master of Physiotherapy, and sees clients at Brookvale and Terrey Hills.
FAQs
Lower back pain FAQs
Do I need a scan before I see a physio?
Usually not. Most lower back pain can be assessed and treated without imaging, and scans often show changes that are normal for your age. If anything in your assessment suggests a scan or a GP review, we will tell you.
Should I rest or keep moving?
For most people, gentle movement and staying at work or normal activities, with some changes, helps more than bed rest. Your physio will show you which movements are safe and how to build back up.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on how long you have had pain, how much it affects you and your goals. Your physio will explain the likely plan at your first appointment and review it as you progress.
Can Clinical Pilates help with back pain?
Clinical Pilates is exercise on the reformer run by our physiotherapist. It is one way to build trunk, hip and leg strength once your pain has settled, and is based on your assessment.
Do I need a referral?
Not for a private appointment. You only need one to claim a Medicare rebate.
What if my pain goes down my leg?
Pain that spreads into the buttock or down the back of the leg can be related to the lower back and sometimes to a nerve. Your physiotherapist will assess where it comes from and explain your options. You can read more in our Sciatica guide.
Could a herniated disc be causing my back pain?
A disc can be one source of back pain, but most back pain has no single cause. Your physiotherapist will assess your symptoms and movement and explain whether a disc may be involved.
Is back and rib pain the same as lower back pain?
Lower back pain sits between the bottom of your ribs and the top of your legs. Pain around the ribs or the middle of your back is a different area, so your physiotherapist will assess where your pain comes from. If you have chest pain or trouble breathing, get urgent medical help.
How much does a physio appointment cost?
You’ll see the price for each appointment type when you book online.