Physical Therapy for Lower Back Pain

Understanding Lumbar Back Pain

Your lumbar spine, or the lower section of your back, supports most of your body’s weight and movement. When strain, injury, or poor posture occur, pain can develop and radiate into the hips or legs, causing lumbar discomfort. Common causes of lumbar pain include radiculopathy (nerve compression), herniated discs, sciatica, and pelvic or core instability.

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Lumbar Radiculopathy

Compression or irritation of spinal nerves in the radiculopathy lumbar region can lead to symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the lower extremities. These issues are commonly associated with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes, often diagnosed under lumbar radiculopathy ICD 10 codes in clinical settings. If left untreated, lumbar radiculopathy can significantly impair mobility and reduce quality of life, underscoring the importance of early intervention.

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Lower Back Sciatica

Lower back sciatica refers to irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, typically resulting in sharp, radiating pain that travels from the lower back down through the buttock and leg. Often triggered by a disc herniation, spinal narrowing, or muscular imbalance, sciatica back pain can also cause numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected leg and foot muscles. Early, targeted physical therapy treatment is key to relieving symptoms, restoring mobility, and preventing long-term nerve damage, dysfunction, or recurrence.

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Pelvic Instability

Pelvic instability occurs when the muscles and ligaments supporting the pelvis become weakened or imbalanced, leading to poor joint control and compromised movement. This condition can cause lower back pain, hip instability, or difficulty with weight-bearing activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods. Without treatment, unstable pelvis symptoms may worsen, disrupting alignment and raising injury risk. Targeted physical therapy focused on stabilization, strength, and coordination helps restore function and prevent lasting dysfunction.

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Core Instability

A weak or uncoordinated core can compromise spinal support, leading to persistent pain, poor posture, and a lack of balance. Core instability is often linked to a sedentary lifestyle, postural issues, or weakness of abdominal and back muscles, affecting overall movement efficiency and spinal alignment. This can result in increased strain on other joints and muscles, contributing to a cycle of discomfort and dysfunction. A customized physical therapy program can improve core strength, enhance stability, and restore proper body mechanics.

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Pelvic Alignment/Hip Alignment Dysfunctions

Misalignment of the pelvis or hips can disrupt proper biomechanics, leading to compensatory movement patterns, chronic strain, and increased risk of injury in the back, knees, or legs. Causes may include muscular imbalances, leg length discrepancies, trauma, or repetitive stress from poor movement habits. Symptoms often include hip pain, lower back tension, or uneven posture. Addressing pelvic tilt, hip misalignment, and associated dysfunctions through physical therapy can correct imbalances, improve function, and reduce pain over time.

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Postural/Ergonomic Corrections and Education

Postural dysfunction and poor ergonomic habits are major causes of musculoskeletal issues, especially in today’s screen-heavy work environments. Prolonged sitting, slouched shoulders, and repetitive tasks strain the spine, neck, and hips, leading to chronic pain and fatigue. Early education and intervention help prevent long-term damage and improve daily body mechanics. With ergonomic assessment, corrective exercises, and awareness training, individuals can improve alignment, reduce pain, and enhance functional movement.

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Recognizing the Signs of Lumbar Back Pain

When to Consult a Physical Therapist

Lumbar back pain may start as a mild ache or tightness in the lower spine, but if ignored, it can evolve into debilitating pain that limits mobility and function. If you're experiencing radiating discomfort, weakness, or instability in your lower back, hips, or legs, it may be time to seek help. A licensed physical therapist can evaluate your condition, address the root cause, and guide you toward lasting relief.

Shooting Pain in Back

Sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back down into the leg may signal nerve compression in the lumbar spine. Physical therapy can help decompress irritated nerves, restore mobility, and prevent long-term nerve dysfunction.

Lower Back Pain and Tingling in Legs

Pain along the sciatic nerve—often described as burning, tingling, or numbness—can result from disc issues or pelvic misalignment. Therapeutic intervention can reduce pressure on the nerve and ease discomfort through guided movement and manual therapy.

Unstable Feeling in the Hips or Lower Back

An unstable pelvis may present as aching hips and back, shifting discomfort when walking, or difficulty bearing weight evenly. A physical therapist can address underlying muscular imbalances and improve pelvic support with targeted strengthening.

Weak Core Leading to Lower Back Strain

A weak or inactive core can lead to compensatory strain in the lumbar spine, often felt as fatigue or deep lower back pain during movement. Stability exercises can rebuild the core’s ability to support the spine during daily tasks.

Uneven Hips or Deep Lower Back Tightness

Misalignment in the pelvic or hip region may cause uneven leg loading, painful sacroiliac joints, or a chronically tight lower back. Physical therapy helps realign the pelvis and hips, restoring balanced movement and relieving stress on surrounding joints.

Aching from Prolonged Sitting or Poor Posture

Prolonged sitting, poor lifting techniques, or repetitive movements can create postural imbalances and chronic lumbar tension. Education on proper body mechanics, ergonomic adjustments, and supportive exercises can reduce strain and improve long-term spinal health.

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Treating Lumbar Back Pain

Physical Therapy San Antonio

At Texas Alliance Physical Therapy, our approach combines hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, and education to promote healing and long-term relief. Each physical therapy treatment plan is built around your specific symptoms and goals, so your recovery always feels personal, progressive, and purposeful.

Targeted Manual Therapy

Using evidence-based techniques, our physical therapy specialists apply gentle mobilizations to relieve tension, improve spinal alignment, and reduce nerve compression.

Strength and Stability Training

Our lower back physical therapy programs include core stability and pelvic floor physical therapy to strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improving endurance and balance.

Sciatica-Focused Interventions

We provide comprehensive sciatica physical therapy and physiotherapy for herniated lumbar discs, helping patients find relief from nerve pain through guided stretches, nerve gliding techniques, and posture correction.

Ergonomic and Postural Education

Through postural and ergonomic corrections, our therapists teach proper sitting, standing, and lifting techniques to prevent recurring strain and improve spinal health.

Advanced Pain-Relief Modalities

For more complex cases, our clinic may integrate advanced physical therapy techniques and modalities tailored to your recovery to ensure you heal faster and stay pain-free longer.

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From Pain to Power: Overcoming Lumbar Back Pain

Recovering from lumbar back pain is more than just managing discomfort; instead, it’s about regaining confidence in your body’s movement. With consistent physical therapy for lower back pain, you’ll notice improved flexibility, posture, and strength, allowing you to return to work, exercise, and everyday activities without limitation.

Our team at Texas Alliance Physical Therapy is committed to helping you rebuild a strong foundation that starts from your core. Whether your pain stems from sciatica, pelvic alignment issues, or disc bulging, you don’t have to live with it. Relief begins when you choose expert care designed for lasting results.

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