Dr. Vaishali Suri (P.T.)
Why Does My Back Hurt? A Physiotherapy Guide
Yet despite its prevalence, back pain is widely misunderstood. Most people think they have a 'bad back' or a structural problem that will never improve.
The reality, backed by decades of research, is that the vast majority of back pain is manageable — and often fully reversible — with the right physiotherapy.
At Realign Rehab Clinic , NIT-5, Faridabad, our team of expert physiotherapists provides evidence-based, personalised rehabilitation. We serve patients from NIT, Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh, Sector 21–82, and surrounding areas.
Call +91 9818185589 to book your assessment.
Causes and Risk Factors
- Poor sitting posture and prolonged static positions (desk work, driving)
- Weak core and gluteal muscles failing to support the lumbar spine
- Lumbar disc bulge or herniation pressing on a spinal nerve
- Lumbar facet joint dysfunction or osteoarthritis
- Muscle strain from lifting, twisting, or sudden movements
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction (common during and after pregnancy)
- Lumbar stenosis causing leg pain and claudication on walking
- Stress, anxiety, and poor sleep amplifying pain sensitivity
- Sedentary lifestyle reducing spinal nutrition and resilience
Signs and Symptoms
- Dull aching or sharp pain in the lower back, with or without leg radiation
- Stiffness worst in the morning, easing with gentle movement
- Pain worsened by sitting, standing, bending, or lifting
- Sciatica: shooting pain, numbness, or tingling down one or both legs
- Difficulty standing upright after prolonged sitting
- In serious cases: bladder/bowel dysfunction (seek urgent medical review)
Physiotherapy Treatment at Realign Rehab, Faridabad
- Spinal manual therapy and joint mobilisation to restore movement
- Core stabilisation: transversus abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor activation
- Nerve mobilisation (neural flossing) for disc-related sciatica
- Postural correction for desk workers and drivers
- McKenzie Method or directional preference exercises
- Dry needling and trigger point release for paraspinal muscles
- TENS and interferential therapy for acute pain management
- Ergonomic assessment and return-to-work planning
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I rest or move when my back hurts?
Move — gently. Bed rest is one of the worst things for most back pain.
Short-term rest (24–48 hours) for acute severe pain is fine, but prolonged rest weakens the back further. Our physiotherapist will guide you on safe movement and specific exercises from day one.
Do I need an MRI for back pain?
Usually no. Research shows MRI findings rarely change treatment for common back pain and can actually cause unnecessary anxiety. A thorough clinical assessment by an experienced physiotherapist is more useful than imaging in most cases.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need for back pain?
Most patients with acute back pain see real improvement in 6–10 sessions over 4–8 weeks. Chronic back pain may require 12–20 sessions, plus a personalised home exercise programme to maintain gains.
Can physiotherapy fix a herniated disc?
Yes — most disc herniations improve noticeably with physiotherapy. The disc often reabsorbs over 6–12 weeks, and targeted nerve mobilisation and core strengthening can fully restore function.
Surgery is rarely needed.
What exercises help lower back pain?
The best exercises depend on your specific diagnosis. In general, core stabilisation, glute strengthening, and gentle spinal mobility work are beneficial.
Avoid generic 'back exercises' from the internet until you have been assessed — the wrong exercises can worsen some conditions.
Book Your Consultation
Ready to recover? Contact Realign Rehab Clinic today:
- 📍 NIT-5, Faridabad (near Green Field Colony, Ballabhgarh Road)
- 📞 +91 9818185589
- 🕑 Mon–Sat: 8 AM–8 PM