Understanding Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is the world's leading cause of disability. In India, over 60% of adults experience significant back pain at some point. Understanding the cause — not just treating the symptom — is the foundation of effective physiotherapy.
Common Causes
Muscle or ligament strain (most common), disc herniation, facet joint dysfunction, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and central sensitisation are the main clinical categories. Each requires different treatment approaches.
The Clinical Assessment
A comprehensive physiotherapy assessment includes postural analysis, range of motion testing, neurological screening, palpation, and provocative special tests. Only after accurate diagnosis can effective treatment be designed.
Red Flags vs. Yellow Flags
Red flags (sinister pathology) require urgent medical referral. Yellow flags (psychosocial risk factors like fear-avoidance beliefs, anxiety, poor work satisfaction) predict chronicity and need to be addressed as part of comprehensive rehabilitation.