Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical and physiotherapy care. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 80% of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lives. One of the most frequent types is non-specific or mechanical low back pain – pain that isn’t caused by a serious underlying condition such as infection, fracture, cancer, or inflammatory disease.
This guide will help you understand what non-specific low back pain is, the different types based on duration, common causes, and how a structured physiotherapy-based diagnosis and treatment approach can help reduce pain and restore mobility.
What is Non-Specific Low Back Pain?
Non-specific low back pain refers to pain that doesn’t stem from a clearly identifiable cause. Unlike pain caused by a spinal tumour or infection, non-specific pain arises from issues like muscular strain, ligament sprain, disc irritation, or joint dysfunction. This type of pain is extremely common and can affect anyone regardless of age or activity level.
Classifying Low Back Pain by Duration
Non-specific low back pain is categorised into three main subtypes based on how long the symptoms last:
- Acute low back pain – Lasts less than 6 weeks
- Sub-acute low back pain – Lasts between 6 and 12 weeks
- Chronic low back pain – Persists for 12 weeks or more
Understanding the duration of your symptoms helps physiotherapists create the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to your stage of recovery.
Common Causes of Low Back Pain
Even when a specific medical diagnosis isn’t possible, low back pain usually stems from one or more musculoskeletal sources. These may include:
- Muscle strains or ligament sprains
- Intervertebral disc injuries (e.g., bulging or degenerated discs)
- Facet joint dysfunction
- Arthritis or early degenerative changes
- Spondylitis or other postural/movement-related issues
Because the spine is a complex structure composed of bones, muscles, discs, nerves, and ligaments, identifying the exact pain source is not always necessary for effective treatment.
The Importance of Accurate Assessment
At the heart of successful treatment is a comprehensive physiotherapy assessment. This process includes:
1. Subjective Assessment
Your physiotherapist will first ask about your symptoms, pain history, lifestyle, work habits, and physical activity. Understanding your day-to-day movements and activities helps identify what may be contributing to your condition.
2. Objective Assessment
This hands-on portion involves observing your posture, spinal movement, joint mobility, muscular control, strength, and neurological signs if needed. These findings guide the diagnosis and tailor your personal rehabilitation plan.
Why Focus on Function, Not Just the Diagnosis
In many cases, people become fixated on finding a “label” or structural diagnosis for their back pain. However, with non-specific low back pain, the goal is not just identifying the exact cause, but understanding how to reduce pain and restore function.
Physiotherapy takes a holistic, movement-based approach. By learning how your body moves and understanding your limitations, we can help you:
- Reduce pain
- Improve mobility
- Protect the affected area from further injury
- Build strength and stability
Your Personalised Physiotherapy Treatment Plan
After identifying your pain source or the area needing support, your physiotherapist will develop a customised rehabilitation program. This typically includes:
- Targeted strengthening exercises
- Postural retraining
- Manual therapy and mobilisation
- Movement correction strategies
- Education and self-management tips
Your active participation is essential. As you go through the program, you’ll provide feedback about which exercises are helping and where adjustments are needed. Your physio will then fine-tune the treatment plan based on your progress.
This ongoing collaboration ensures that you’re not only treating your current pain but also building long-term resilience and reducing the risk of recurrence.
Why Choose Physiotherapy for Low Back Pain?
Physiotherapy offers a safe, effective, and evidence-based approach to managing non-specific low back pain. It empowers you to:
- Understand your body
- Move with confidence
- Regain strength
- Prevent future flare-ups
Whether you’re dealing with acute pain from a recent strain or managing chronic symptoms, early physiotherapy intervention leads to faster recovery and better long-term outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Diagnosing low back pain isn’t always about identifying one specific structure—it’s about understanding how your body moves and how pain is affecting your function. Through expert assessment, targeted exercise, and guided rehabilitation, physiotherapy provides a clear path toward pain relief and improved quality of life.
If you’re experiencing low back pain, don’t wait. Book an appointment with your physiotherapist to start your journey to recovery today.
