Back pain: causes, treatments, consultation

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting up to 80% of adults at some point in their lives (Statistics Canada). Whether related to poor posture, a wrong movement, or a degenerative condition, this pain can greatly impact quality of life. Discover the different types of back pain, their possible causes, and how to relieve them.

Definition and symptoms

Back pain can occur at different levels of the spine — thoracic (mid-back) or lumbar (lower back). It can be acute (less than 6 weeks), subacute (6 to 12 weeks), or chronic (more than 3 months).

Common symptoms include:

Stiffness and muscle tension
Dull or sharp pain
Pain radiating to the legs
Numbness or tingling
Difficulty moving or performing certain tasks

Primary causes of back pain

Back pain can have multiple, sometimes combined, origins. The most common include:

Prolonged or improper posture (at work or at home)
Repetitive or poorly executed physical efforts
Sedentary lifestyle, muscle weakness
Sports or traumatic injuries (falls, accidents)
Stress and associated muscle tension
Aging and degenerative conditions

Certain specific conditions can also cause or worsen back pain:

Herniated disc

A herniated disc is not always painful. Many people live with bulging or herniated discs without knowing it and without any symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they vary: pain or numbness in the back, in one or both legs, often worsened when sitting, bending forward, coughing, or sneezing. The cause is rarely a single event. It is more often the result of an accumulation of stressful movements (prolonged sitting posture, improper lifting, repeated twisting). An accident or awkward movement often triggers the first episode of pain.

Learn more about herniated disc

Lumbar osteoarthritis

Lumbar osteoarthritis is the natural wear of the cartilage in the vertebrae of the lower back, often without symptoms. When it does occur, it can cause stiffness, pain, or numbness, more often when standing, bending backward, or in the morning. Exercise generally helps relieve symptoms, as long as it is well balanced. A physiotherapist can guide you effectively.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal, often caused by age-related degenerative changes, such as osteoarthritis or the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes). It sometimes remains silent but can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs if the spinal cord or nerves are compressed. Symptoms usually worsen when walking and improve when sitting or with the knees bent. They can resemble those of sciatica.

Scoliosis or postural deviations

Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine, often S-shaped, visible to the naked eye or on X-ray. It can cause asymmetry of the shoulders, hips, or back, as well as muscle tension, although it is often painless. The cause is generally unknown, but it can sometimes be related to postural, congenital, or neurological factors.

Sciatica (sciatic nerve pain)

Sciatica is irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing tingling, numbness, or electric shock-like sensations in the leg, sometimes accompanied by lower back pain. Symptoms often worsen when sitting with legs extended or in a bent position but can vary depending on the cause of the sciatica. The causes are multiple, as the nerve can be irritated at various points along its path, such as compression in the spine (hernia, osteoarthritis, degeneration) or in the buttock. Thigh or calf muscles can also contribute to the irritation.

Lumbar sprain

The word “sprain” means ligament stretching. A lumbar sprain usually occurs following a series of stressful movements for the back, a fall, or an accident. This term is also often used to describe local back pain in the acute phase.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Should I stop all activity if I have back pain?

No. Complete rest is rarely recommended. Instead, we refer to relative rest, meaning light activity, as tolerated. Gradually resuming activities is beneficial for recovery.

Which is better: heat or cold?

Both can be helpful. Ice is often recommended in the acute phase to reduce inflammation. Heat can help relax the muscles. Apply for 15–20 minutes at a time.

Is an X-ray or MRI necessary?

Not in most cases. Imaging tests are only indicated if symptoms persist or worsen after several weeks.

When should surgery be considered?

Only in cases of persistent severe pain or neurological complications. Physiotherapy is generally sufficient for the majority of cases.

How is low back pain treated?

Expert advice: Keep moving

Even if the pain makes you want to rest, physical activity (light to moderate and adapted) is one of the best remedies. Moving helps maintain mobility, improve circulation, and strengthen stabilizing muscles. Prolonged complete rest should be avoided.

Which professional should you consult?

Different professionals often work together to maximize results. When in doubt, we recommend consulting a physiotherapist first so they can assess your needs and determine the appropriate treatments for your specific back condition. If necessary, they will recommend one or more other professionals to consult in order to optimize your rehabilitation.

Why consult a physiotherapist?

After a thorough assessment of your back, the physiotherapist will explain which structures are affected and propose a treatment plan focused on your goals. Different interventions may be considered, such as exercises specific to your condition, joint mobilizations, muscle release techniques, and more. Your physiotherapist will also provide advice to help relieve pain and return to your activities.

Learn more about physiotherapy

Why consult an occupational therapist?

The occupational therapist will assess the impact of your back condition on your usual abilities, such as work, household tasks, and leisure activities. Their interventions, which may include strengthening exercises or simulations of work tasks, for example, will help you maximize your independence at every stage of your recovery.

Learn more about occupational therapy

Why consult an osteopath?

Through various manual techniques, the osteopath will treat mobility restrictions that may affect all the structures of your body (bones, muscles, ligaments, internal organs, etc.) related to your back. Improved mobility allows the body to recover more effectively and reduces pain.

Learn more about osteopathy

Why consult a massage therapist?

The massage therapist will work primarily to release tension in the superficial and deep tissues affecting your back, helping you reduce pain and move more freely. Their treatments will also help increase blood circulation to promote better recovery.

Learn more about massage therapy

Why consult an acupuncturist?

Through various techniques and using therapeutic tools such as needles and cupping, the acupuncturist will work to reduce pain, stress, muscle tension, and inflammation that may occur following a back injury.

Learn more about acupuncture

Why consult a kinesiologist?

The kinesiologist will teach you adapted exercises, based on their assessment of your back’s range of motion and your physical condition, so that you can resume your activities.

Learn more about kinesiology

Have questions? Call us at 1 855 743-9872 or write to us at informationsweb@physioextra.ca. Our team will guide you to the right professional.

Back pain