What is Lower Back Pain?
Lower back pain is the single most common musculoskeletal complaint worldwide, and one of the leading reasons patients seek private physiotherapy. Whether your pain started suddenly after lifting, has built up gradually over months, or radiates down into your leg, the cause can usually be identified and treated effectively without surgery.
At Lower Limb Clinic, our approach goes beyond the spine. Because the lower back, pelvis, hips, and lower limbs work as a connected system, problems at one level frequently contribute to pain at another. Our MSK team assesses the full picture, combining clinical expertise with biomechanical analysis, gait assessment, and diagnostic ultrasound when needed.
Full-body physiotherapy is now available at Lower Limb Clinic in Belfast. Book online to see our physiotherapist. If your back pain is linked to hip, knee, or foot problems, our biomechanical assessment service is also available.
Common Symptoms
- Aching or stiffness across the lower back
- Sharp pain on bending, lifting, or twisting
- Pain radiating into the buttock, thigh, or leg (sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
- Stiffness that is worst first thing in the morning
- Pain that worsens after prolonged sitting or standing
- Muscle spasm or guarding around the lower back
Common Causes
- Lumbar disc herniation or bulge
- Facet joint irritation or degeneration
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Sciatica and nerve root compression
- Muscle strain or ligament sprain
- Degenerative disc disease
- Poor posture and sedentary lifestyle
- Hip or pelvic biomechanical dysfunction
- Spinal stenosis
How We Treat Lower Back Pain
Our treatment approach combines hands-on therapy with structured rehabilitation. We use manual therapy to reduce pain and restore movement, then build a progressive exercise programme to strengthen the muscles that support your spine. For patients with lower limb involvement, we integrate gait analysis, orthotic prescription, and shockwave therapy as part of a coordinated care pathway.
MSK Assessment
Manual Therapy
Exercise Rehabilitation
Biomechanical Assessment
Ready to get lower back pain treated?
When to Seek Professional Help
- Back pain persists for more than a few days without improvement
- Pain radiates down your leg below the knee
- You experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs
- Pain is affecting your ability to work or sleep
- You have recurring episodes of back pain
- Morning stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes daily
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Lower Back Pain at Lower Limb Clinic.
Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan
MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · HCPC Registered
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast