Healing Low Back Pain through Core-Focused Physiotherapy

Dr. Baisalee Saharia PT

Abstract:

Low back pain (LBP) affects 60-80% of individuals globally, representing a leading cause of musculoskeletal disability and work absenteeism. Classified as acute, subacute, or chronic, LBP stems from mechanical, degenerative, postural, or psychosocial factors. While conventional treatments include medication and surgery, physiotherapy has emerged as a first-line conservative approach, offering non-pharmacological, evidence-based interventions tailored to individual needs. Mechanical causes of LBP include muscle strains, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, while non-mechanical causes involve inflammatory arthritis, infections, or malignancies. Risk factors such as age, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, occupational hazards, psychological stress and smoking further exacerbate susceptibility. Physiotherapy addresses these multifaceted issues through targeted goals: pain relief via manual therapy, electrotherapy and thermal modalities; mobility restoration through stretching and joint mobilization; core strengthening with motor control and stabilization exercises; functional improvement via task-specific training; and recurrence prevention through education and home exercise programs. Key interventions include structured exercise therapy (flexibility, core strengthening, aerobic conditioning), manual techniques (spinal mobilization, trigger point release) and adjunct therapies like TENS and ultrasound. Patient education on ergonomics, posture and behavioural strategies, including Cognitive Functional Therapy (CFT), plays a pivotal role in long-term management. Hydrotherapy and alternative therapies such as yoga and Pilates offer additional benefits, while a multidisciplinary approach integrates psychological and occupational support for complex cases. Physiotherapy’s holistic focus on pain relief, functional restoration and prevention underscores its value in LBP management. Early intervention and expanded access to physiotherapy services can reduce reliance on invasive treatments, improve quality of life and mitigate the socioeconomic burden of LBP. By combining biomechanical and biopsychosocial strategies, physiotherapy empowers patients to achieve sustainable recovery and maintain spinal health.