Does exercise therapy treat non-specific low back pain?

Non-specific low back pain does not point to one identifiable injury or disease on examination. Symptoms may come from several interacting factors, including reduced activity, muscle sensitivity, stiff movement and worry about loading the back. Exercise is intended to restore useful movement and tolerance rather than to force the spine into a particular position.

A physiotherapist may combine walking, mobility work, trunk and hip strengthening, balance exercises, and graded practice of tasks such as bending or lifting. Improvement is usually built gradually. Temporary muscle effort or a mild increase in familiar discomfort can occur, but sharp, spreading or progressively worsening symptoms need reassessment.

Begin with movements that feel manageable and repeat them consistently. Short walks, gentle mobility and controlled strengthening can be adjusted to your current ability. Increase one feature at a time, such as repetitions, resistance or walking duration, while keeping recovery in view.

A personalised plan is useful when pain has lasted, keeps returning, or makes work and sleep difficult. Your physiotherapist can check technique, modify exercises during a flare and help you return to lifting, sport or household tasks. See the guide to Exercise Therapy for more detail.

Arrange a clinical assessment if back pain is new and severe, follows a significant injury, or is not settling with sensible activity. Seek urgent care for new loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or marked weakness in both legs. Fever, unexplained weight loss or a history of serious illness also warrants prompt medical review.

Ask which movements are appropriate for your current symptoms, how to adjust the plan on difficult days, and when you can resume lifting or sport. You can also ask how progress will be measured and whether another diagnosis should be considered if symptoms change.