Get Your Free Low Back Pain Report!
If you’ve got lower back pain, stiffness, or that persistent ache, it’s very tempting to think it’s nothing serious and that it will just “go away on its own.” Maybe you’ve blamed it on “sleeping awkwardly,” a sudden twist, or just the way “everyone your age” gets stiff sometimes…
But it’s not shifting – and it’s starting to interfere with your day-to-day life.
If this sounds like you, you’re not alone – and we hear this all the time. Lower back pain is one of the most common problems people come to see us about at our physio clinic here in Banstead, Surrey.
Lower back pain is the single most common condition we treat at Body Zest. Because the lower back plays a central role in almost every movement – from bending and lifting to sitting, walking, and standing – it is highly susceptible to irritation and strain. The causes vary widely. Some people have an old disc injury that never fully settled, leaving the area unstable and prone to flare-ups. Others experience episodes where the joints in the lower back become overloaded, triggering protective muscle spasms that feel intensely painful. Lower back pain can also develop gradually due to general stiffness, poor mobility, or reduced blood flow to the tissues. Sometimes, it’s simply muscle tension – either from too much activity or too little. Whether sudden or gradual, lower back pain can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s not just uncomfortable; it often creates fear and uncertainty about what movements are safe, leading people to avoid activities they once enjoyed.
Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, but common signs include:
Lower back pain can significantly disrupt daily life. People may find themselves avoiding lifting suitcases, hesitating to sit through an entire film, or worrying about whether a venue has supportive seating. Standing for long periods becomes uncomfortable, yet sitting too long can also cause pain. This ongoing cycle leads to frustration, restriction, and anxiety around everyday activities.
Many people with lower back pain have tried various lifestyle changes – new mattresses, improved desk set-ups, or adjusting sitting habits. While these things can help marginally, they rarely address the underlying cause. Similarly, self-directed exercises or NHS-issued strengthening routines often fall short because they are introduced at the wrong time.
At Body Zest, our approach begins with calming the irritated structures. Strengthening a painful, inflamed, or tight lower back rarely works; the body simply won’t respond positively. Instead, we first focus on restoring movement through gentle mobilisation or manipulation (if appropriate and the patient is comfortable). This helps unlock stiff joints, improve circulation, and reduce protective guarding.
Next, we release tight muscles and teach you simple home exercises that mirror the hands-on effects of treatment. By repeating these exercises daily, you reinforce the improvements made in the clinic, speeding up recovery and reducing pain far more quickly. Once symptoms have settled, we progress to strengthening, stabilisation, and preventative care. This phase is crucial for long-term success. We address the core, hips, and lower back muscles in a structured way to restore confidence and ensure the pain doesn’t return. Our aim is not only to relieve the immediate discomfort but to help you feel strong, capable, and unrestricted in your daily life.
If you’d like to understand your lower back pain more clearly – and learn simple steps to start easing it today – download our free Lower Back Pain Report. You’ll get practical advice, helpful exercises, and expert insights to support your recovery. When you’re ready for personalised care, our team is here to help you move comfortably, confidently, and without fear.