Top 7 Causes of Lower Back Pain – And When to See an Osteopath

7 causes of back pain that can be helped by osteopathy

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek help from an osteopath. According to NHS, “back pain affects most people at some point in their lives”, and for many, it can become persistent or interfere with daily life.

At Body Balance, we see thousands of patients each year with back pain caused by a wide range of issues. Here’s an easy-to-understand guide to the 7 most common causes, plus clear advice on when to get professional help.

1. Muscle Strain or Tension

This is the most common cause of lower-back pain. It can come from lifting awkwardly, sitting too long, a sudden movement, or even stress.

How it feels:

• Tight, achy, stiff

• Worse after activity or long sitting

• Eases with gentle movement

  
  

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence notes that most non-specific back pain is mechanical in nature and responds well to “exercise, manual therapy, and advice that encourages normal activity.”

When to see an osteopath:If it’s been more than a week and isn’t improving, or it’s interfering with sleep or work.

2. Joint Stiffness or Facet Joint Irritation

Small spinal joints (facet joints) can become irritated or stiff.

Typical symptoms:

• One-sided pain

• Pain when leaning backwards

• Sharp or catching sensations

At Body Balance, we commonly treat this with gentle mobilisation and soft-tissue techniques.Link suggestion: /treatments/osteopathy

3. Sciatica and Nerve Irritation

Sciatica happens when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated — often from inflammation, pressure or swelling around the lower back.

Symptoms:

• Pain travelling into the leg

• Numbness or tingling

• Sharp or electric-type pain

According to Versus Arthritis, sciatica often improves with manual therapy and targeted movement advice.

When to see an osteopath:If the pain goes below the knee, or if you’re struggling to sleep or sit comfortably.

4. Age-related Spinal Changes (e.g., wear and tear)

As we age, the discs and joints naturally change. These changes are very common and don’t always cause pain — but when they do, osteopathy can often help with movement, stiffness and comfort.

• Morning stiffness

• Reduced mobility

• Pain that comes and goes

5. Poor Posture and Desk-Based Strain

Modern life is not kind to our backs. Long periods sitting at a desk, driving, or using phones can overload the lower spine.

Common signs:

• Ache across the lower back

• Tight hip flexors

• Feeling “compressed” after sitting

The Health and Safety Executive highlights ergonomics as key to preventing work-related MSK issues.

Body Balance tip:Small posture changes + regular movement breaks = big improvements.

6. Weak Core or Gluteal Muscles

When certain muscles aren’t doing their share of the work, others overcompensate — causing pain and fatigue.

Features:

• Ache after exercise

• Pain after walking or standing

• Feeling “unstable” at the lower back

Osteopathy and tailored exercise programmes work well together here.

7. Stress and Muscle Guarding

Stress has a well-documented effect on pain. The NHS Inform explains that stress can make muscles tighten and make pain feel worse.

Signs:

• Pain worse at the end of the day

• Shoulder and back tightness

• Broken sleep

Body Balance osteopaths often combine hands-on treatment with simple movement and breathing strategies.

⭐ When should I see an osteopath?

You should seek help if your back pain:

• has lasted more than a week

• keeps returning

• is affecting sleep, work, or daily activities

• spreads into the leg

• makes you feel worried or unsure what’s causing it

Your first appointment includes assessment, diagnosis, treatment and a personalised plan.Suggested internal link: 

What happens during my first osteopathy appointment?

If any red flag symptoms appear — such as loss of bladder/bowel control, numbness around the genitals, or sudden severe weakness — seek urgent medical attention.

⭐ How an osteopath at Body Balance can help

• A full assessment to identify the root cause

• Hands-on treatment to ease pain and restore movement

• Tailored exercises

• Advice on posture, sleep, and daily habits

• Guidance on whether imaging or GP referral is needed