What is back pain?
Back pain means aching, stiffness or sharp pain anywhere along the spine, most commonly in the lower back. It can come on suddenly after lifting, or build slowly from long hours sitting or standing.
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that low back pain affected 619 million people in 2020, about 1 in 13 [1]. If you have it, you are far from alone.
What causes it?
In most cases, no single serious damage can be pointed to. Muscles, joints and discs in the spine become irritated and sensitive, usually after overload, long positions or a period of less movement.
Common triggers in Ipoh homes include:
- Long hours at a desk or in a car.
- Lifting a child, a parent or a heavy pot without bracing.
- Low sofas and floor sitting without back support.
- Gardening, mopping or carrying shopping up shophouse stairs.
- Weak hips and core muscles after a long break from exercise.
Our guide on back pain after lifting a parent covers a very common family case.
What does a physiotherapist check?
We start by listening, then test how your back, hips and legs move and how strong they are. We look at how you sit, stand, bend and walk, and ask about sleep and work.
We also screen for warning signs. These help us decide if a doctor, a scan or hospital care comes first, rather than physiotherapy alone.
What helps back pain?
For most people, a combination works best: staying active, targeted exercise, hands-on care and small changes to daily habits. WHO says painkillers should not be the first-line treatment for low back pain, and that physical therapies, psychological and social support and staying active can help [2].
- Keep walking, a little more each day.
- Learn which positions ease the pain.
- Strengthen hips, core and back at your own pace.
- Use manual therapy for stiff joints and tight muscles.
- Try heat for stiffness; read heat or ice.
How is it different from a slipped disc or sciatica?
Back pain that stays in the back is the most common form. If pain runs down one leg with tingling, you may have nerve irritation. Read about sciatica or a slipped disc.
If walking brings on leg cramps that ease when you sit, ask about spinal stenosis. If desk hours make it worse, see lower back pain from sitting.
When should I see a doctor first?
Go to the emergency department if back pain comes with weakness in both legs or loss of bladder or bowel control. Go too for numbness around the groin or seat, or pain after a serious fall or accident. See a doctor soon if you have fever, unexplained weight loss, night pain that never eases or a history of cancer.
These are practical signs, not a diagnosis. Our blog explains when to worry about back pain.
What happens at a home visit?
A physiotherapist comes to your home in Ipoh, listens to your story and tests your movement. We try the bed, chair and sofa you use, and adjust them. You leave the first visit with a few exercises and a plan.
Read how home physiotherapy works. Our Canning Garden centre is opening soon, and pricing for home and centre is quoted on WhatsApp.