Lower Back Pain
What is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain (lumbar pain) is pain or discomfort in the area between the bottom of the ribcage and the top of the legs. It can range from a dull, constant ache to sudden, sharp pain that makes movement difficult. Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek treatment — and one of the conditions we treat most frequently at our clinic.
Symptoms
- Persistent aching or stiffness along the spine
- Sharp, localised pain in the lower back
- Pain that radiates from the back into the buttock or legs
- Difficulty standing up straight or walking
- Increased pain after prolonged sitting or standing
- Morning stiffness that improves with movement
- Muscle spasms in the lower back
Common Causes
- Poor posture or prolonged sitting (desk work, driving)
- Muscle strain from overexertion or improper lifting
- Herniated or bulging discs pressing on nerves
- Degenerative disc disease (age-related wear)
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
- Sedentary lifestyle with weak core muscles
- Previous injury or trauma
When to Seek Help
You should seek professional help if your back pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks, radiates into your legs, is accompanied by numbness or tingling, disrupts your sleep, or limits your daily activities. If you experience sudden severe pain after an injury, or pain combined with fever or unexplained weight loss, seek medical attention promptly.
Understanding Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain affects people of all ages and activity levels, but it’s particularly common among expats on the Costa Blanca who may have:
- Changed their activity patterns after relocating
- Taken up new sports like golf, cycling, or hiking
- Spent long periods sitting during remote work
- Delayed seeking treatment due to unfamiliarity with local healthcare
The good news: most lower back pain responds well to non-surgical treatment. Our clinic specialises in identifying the root cause and applying targeted therapy to get you moving comfortably again.
Our Approach to Treating Lower Back Pain
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Your treatment plan begins with a thorough assessment:
- Detailed history — understanding when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and how it affects your daily life
- Physical examination — testing range of motion, muscle strength, posture, and nerve function
- Diagnosis — identifying the specific structure causing your pain (disc, joint, muscle, or nerve)
- Personalised treatment plan — combining the most effective therapies for your condition
Treatment Options
Based on your assessment, we may recommend:
- Spinal Decompression — for disc-related pain, creating space for compressed nerves to heal
- Sports Massage — to release muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area
- Postural correction — addressing the underlying alignment issues that contribute to recurring pain
- Exercise prescription — targeted strengthening exercises to support your spine long-term
Prevention: Keeping Your Back Healthy
After treatment, we’ll work with you to prevent recurrence:
- Core strengthening exercises tailored to your fitness level
- Ergonomic advice for your home or office setup
- Stretching routines for daily maintenance
- Activity modifications for sports and hobbies