low back pain

Low Back Pain: Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Low back pain is a common yet complex condition that can stem from injuries, nerve compression, muscle strain, or degenerative changes. At Al Resalah Specialty Clinic, we provide holistic care, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, ensuring long-term relief and prevention.

Common Causes of Low Back Pain

The lower back is a delicate structure of muscles, nerves, bones, discs, and tendons. Pain occurs when any of these are irritated or damaged, including:
✔ Nerve compression (sciatica, herniated discs)
✔ Muscle or ligament strain (overuse, poor posture)
✔ Bone/joint issues (arthritis, spinal stenosis, fractures)
✔ Degenerative disc disease (wear and tear over time)

Age-Related Risks (60+):

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)

  • Compression fractures (often due to osteoporosis)

back pain treatment at al resalah physiotherapy

RISK OF INJURY

  • Back pain and lower back pain is something most of us will experience at some time in our lives
  • Clients suffering from most types of low back pain are usually referred for Physiotherapy for a number of sessions
  • Initially the therapy will be Conservative (Non-Surgical). This will always be considered first before any more aggressive therapies that might include back surgery.

Comprehensive Treatment at Al Resalah Specialty Clinic

We offer non-surgical (conservative) and advanced therapies, tailored to each patient’s needs.

1. Orthopedic Consultation & Diagnosis

Before treatment begins, our specialized orthopedic doctors assess:

  • Medical history & symptoms

  • Physical examination

  • Diagnostic imaging (if needed) – X-rays, MRI, or CT scans

  • Personalized treatment plan

Why consult an orthopedic specialist first?

  • Accurate diagnosis (ruling out fractures, tumors, infections)

  • Customized care (surgical vs. non-surgical options)

  • Prevention of further injury

2. Physiotherapy Treatments

A. Passive Therapies (Pain Relief & Healing)

  • Heat/Cold therapy – Reduces inflammation & muscle spasms

  • Electrical stimulation (TENS, IFT) – Blocks pain signals

  • Ultrasound therapy – Promotes tissue healing

  • Traction/Spinal decompression – Relieves nerve pressure

  • Laser Therapy, Shockwave Therapy

B. Active Therapies (Restoring Strength & Mobility)

  • McKenzie Method – Centralizes pain through targeted exercises

  • Core stabilization – Strengthens abdominal & back muscles

  • Flexibility & posture training – Prevents future injuries

  • Therapeutic exercises – Customized for recovery

C. Advanced Techniques

  • Dry needling – Releases muscle knots & tension

  • Cupping therapy – Improves blood flow & reduces stiffness

  • Manual therapy – Joint mobilization & soft tissue release

3. Pre- & Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

  • Pre-surgery PT → Strengthens muscles for faster recovery

  • Post-surgery PT → Restores movement & prevents complications

4. Lifestyle & Prevention Strategies

  • Ergonomic advice (workstation setup, lifting techniques)

  • Home exercise programs

  • Weight management guidance

Symptoms can include:

  • Pain that is usually related to activity and will flare up at times but then return to low grade pain or pain will go away entirely
  • The amount of chronic pain – referred to as patient’s baseline level of pain- this is quite variable between individuals and can range from almost no pain OR just a nagging level of irritation to severe pain.
  • Severe episodes of back or neck pain that w ill generally last from a few days to a few months before returning to a more constant chronic pain level
  • Chronic pain that is completely disabling from degenerative disc disease

Before Treatment Activities or Positions that may reduce or help the back pain

  • Activities that involve bending , lifting or twisting will usually make a patient’s pain worse
  • Certain positions will usually make the pain worse, for example lumbar degenerative disc pain. Here the pain is usually made worse with sitting, since this position puts extra pressure (3 times more pressure) on the lumbosacral disc.
  • Walking and even running may actually feel better than prolonged sitting or standing.
  • People will often feel better if they can change positions frequently .
  • People suffering lumbar Degenerative Disc Disease (ODD) will generally feel better  in a lying, reclined position (for example with legs propped up in a recliner ) or lying down with a pillow under the knees , as these positions relieve stress on the lumbar disc space.

EXERCISE BENEFITS FOR LOW BACK PAIN

Better understanding of the back and abdominal muscles and their roles and then strengthening these areas through exercises can help reduce or prevent low back pain reoccurring.

Lumbar Spine (low back) and its stability is largely dependent on the supporting abdominal (stomach) and low back musculature.

The abdominal muscles playing a role in stabilising support through their ability to absorb pressures from the abdomen which is then exerted to the spine.

In turn the low back muscles stabilize the spine and provide posterior support.

PHYSICAL THERAPY BEFORE AND AFTER BACK SURGERY

There is evidence that now supports the benefits of Physiotherapy BOTH before and after back surgery.

The strength and stability that a course of Physiotherapy can provide here can signifi­cantly reduce a client’s recovery time.

For anyone with low back pain it is usually advisable to consult a physician first to provide diagnosis and rule out any serious contraindications for Physiotherapy for example fracture or tumour.