Understanding Low Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
- mafarza
- Aug 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 12
Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common health challenges worldwide. It is estimated that 50% of all adults in industrialized countries will experience it at some point. In the UK, nearly one million people consult their GP annually for back pain, and in the U.S., back pain is among the leading causes of missed workdays. If you are living with this discomfort, you are far from alone — and most importantly, there are effective ways to find relief with low back pain treatment in NYC.
What Exactly is Low Back Pain?
Low back pain refers to discomfort anywhere between the bottom of the ribcage and the buttocks. It may feel dull and achy, sharp and stabbing, or radiating down the legs (sciatica). Because many structures in the lower back can be involved, the causes are wide-ranging — and that’s why no two cases look exactly the same.
Common Reasons for Low Back Pain
Muscle or Ligament Strain:
One of the most frequent causes, often triggered by lifting, sudden movements, poor posture, or overuse. Pain is usually worse with activity and improves with rest. Muscles may feel tight or in spasm.
Herniated or Prolapsed Disc:
Occurs when the cushion between spinal bones bulges or ruptures, irritating nearby nerves. This often causes sharp, shooting pain into the leg, numbness, or tingling — what many people describe as “sciatica.”
Degenerative Disc Disease:
Over time, discs naturally lose hydration and elasticity. This can lead to stiffness, aching, and reduced mobility. The pain may fluctuate with activity levels or worsen after prolonged sitting.
Spinal Osteoarthritis (Spondyloarthritis):
When the joints of the spine break down, they can become stiff, inflamed, and painful. Symptoms are often worse in the morning and improve with gentle activity, though fatigue and flare-ups are common.
Facet Joint Dysfunction:
The small joints that connect vertebrae can become irritated or locked, causing localized pain often described as sharp and catching. Pain may worsen with twisting or leaning backward.
Spinal Stenosis:
A narrowing of the spinal canal that compresses nerves, often in older adults. This may cause back and leg pain, weakness, or numbness, especially when standing or walking for long periods.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction:
Where the spine meets the pelvis, this joint can become irritated, leading to pain that mimics other conditions. Pain is often one-sided and can radiate into the buttock or thigh.
Other Contributors:
Even factors beyond the spine can play a role: stress, anxiety, and depression often amplify pain perception; weak core muscles can predispose the back to strain; and even cold, damp weather can make stiffness worse.
👉 Because symptoms can overlap, it is often impossible to know the exact cause without a professional assessment.
Did You Know? 🧐
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has described patterns of low back pain for centuries. Instead of focusing on discs or joints, TCM explains pain through concepts like:
Cold and Damp invasion (pain worse in the morning or during damp weather).
Qi and Blood stagnation (stabbing, immobile pain).
Kidney weakness (dull, chronic, fatigue-related pain).
Interestingly, modern patients often notice similar patterns — like stiffness on rainy days or stress-related flare-ups — which makes this perspective a fascinating complement to Western medicine.
How Physical Therapy Helps
At Hands On Physical Therapy in NYC, every PT session begins with a comprehensive evaluation — your history, posture, movement, flexibility, strength, and even lifestyle factors. Once the root contributors are identified, we design a personalized treatment plan.
Treatment may include:
Manual therapy → hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and restore mobility.
Therapeutic exercise → targeted core strengthening and stretching to stabilize the spine.
Postural retraining & ergonomic guidance → to reduce strain at work or home.
Heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation (TENS) → for symptom relief.
Patient education → empowering you with self-care strategies to prevent flare-ups.
Looking for physical therapy for back pain in NYC? Book a consultation with Hands On today and let us design a recovery plan tailored just for you.
How Acupuncture Helps
Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy backed by modern research. Clinical studies show that acupuncture is effective for both acute and chronic low back pain, with benefits that last well beyond treatment sessions.
How acupuncture works for back pain:
Improves circulation to injured tissues.
Calms irritated nerves and reduces inflammation.
Relaxes tight muscles and alleviates spasm.
Supports long-term healing by addressing imbalances (like stress, poor sleep, or fatigue).
Curious about the scientific evidence? Read the full articles here:
Why an Integrated Approach Works Best
Because the causes of LBP overlap so much, the best treatment often combines multiple strategies. At Hands On Therapy Group, we use both Physical Therapy and Acupuncture to address:
Short-term relief (pain reduction, muscle relaxation).
Long-term stability (strengthening, posture training, lifestyle support).
Mind-body connection (reducing stress and emotional triggers that worsen pain).
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
Living with low back pain doesn’t have to be your “new normal.” With the right treatment, even chronic or complex cases can improve significantly.
At Hands On, our integrative approach means you don’t have to choose between Physical Therapy and Acupuncture — you get the best of both, tailored to your unique condition.
👉 Ready to move without pain?
📲 Book your consultation today; Because every step forward matters.
📍 Clinic address: 350 7th Ave Suite 500, New York, NY 10001
🏠 Rather the comfort of your home? We are pleased to offer home visits in the Upper West Side and Morningside Heights
❓ If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to reach out. We are more than happy to help you. Additionally, online consultations are available for your convenience.
📧 Email: info@handsontg.com
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