Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a physiotherapist. Whether it’s a dull ache or sharp discomfort that limits your movement, back pain can affect your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy life.
At Airport Physio & Rehab, we help patients uncover the root cause of their pain—not just mask the symptoms—through customized physiotherapy and holistic care.
Let’s look at the 10 most common causes of lower back pain and how physiotherapy can help you recover and prevent it from returning.
1. Poor Posture
Sitting for long hours, slouching at your desk, or using the wrong chair can strain the muscles and ligaments of your lower back. Over time, this causes stiffness and chronic discomfort.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Postural correction exercises, ergonomic education, and core strengthening help improve alignment and reduce muscle fatigue.
2. Muscle Strain or Sprain
Lifting heavy objects incorrectly or sudden twisting movements can overstretch your back muscles and ligaments.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Manual therapy, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises speed up recovery and restore flexibility.
3. Herniated or Bulging Disc
When the soft discs between spinal bones slip or bulge, they can compress nerves and cause sharp pain or numbness.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Targeted exercises improve spinal stability, while traction and posture training reduce nerve pressure and pain.
4. Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, spinal discs lose hydration and elasticity, which can cause chronic back pain.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Controlled movement, core stabilization, and low-impact strengthening help maintain spine mobility and reduce discomfort.
5. Sciatica
Compression of the sciatic nerve can cause pain that radiates from the lower back down to the legs.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Nerve-gliding exercises, spinal decompression, and stretching routines relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve.
6. Sedentary Lifestyle
Lack of movement weakens core muscles, which support your spine. A weak core often leads to poor posture and recurring back pain.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Personalized strengthening programs help reactivate weak muscles and build endurance safely.
7. Arthritis or Joint Inflammation
Osteoarthritis or inflammation in the lower spine can cause stiffness and limited range of motion.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Gentle mobilization, hydrotherapy, and strengthening around affected joints can ease pain and improve flexibility.
8. Stress and Muscle Tension
Emotional stress can cause tightness in the lower back muscles, leading to pain even without physical injury.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Massage therapy, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques help release tension and improve circulation.
9. Poor Lifting Technique
Bending or twisting your back instead of your knees when lifting heavy objects can cause microtears in your lower back muscles.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Education on safe lifting, body mechanics training, and flexibility exercises help prevent future injuries.
10. Pregnancy and Postpartum Changes
Hormonal and postural changes during pregnancy can strain the lower back.
✅ Physiotherapy Solution: Prenatal and postpartum physiotherapy focuses on pelvic alignment, stability, and gentle exercises to relieve pressure and support recovery.
How Physiotherapy at Airport Physio & Rehab Can Help
At Airport Physio & Rehab, our experienced physiotherapists use evidence-based techniques to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore strength.
Our approach includes:
- Comprehensive assessment to identify the cause of pain
- Manual therapy and spinal mobilization
- Personalized exercise programs
- Posture correction and ergonomic training
- Massage and acupuncture (as complementary therapies)
We don’t just treat your symptoms—we help you understand your body and prevent future pain.
When to See a Physiotherapist
If your back pain lasts more than a few days, radiates to your legs, or makes it difficult to sit or sleep, it’s time to get professional help. Early intervention prevents chronic pain and promotes faster recovery.
Book Your Appointment Today
Don’t let lower back pain hold you back from living life to the fullest.
📞 Call: 905-794-4200
📍 Visit: 6231 Mayfield Rd, Unit 125
🌐 Book Online: airportphysio.ca
At Airport Physio & Rehab, we’re here to help you move better, live better.