Lower back pain? Possible causes and 6 solutions
Lower back pain is something that many people suffer from from time to time. It can be caused by simple things such as overexertion, but it may also have an underlying cause. In this blog, you’ll find out about the possible causes of lower back pain and ways to resolve it.
What causes lower back pain?
Lower back pain can have many different causes. For some people, the cause is very clear, such as a fall or an injury. It may also be the case that you do not know what is causing your back pain. In that case, it is important to find out, so that you also know the best way to treat it. These are some possible causes of lower back pain:
- Poor posture or sitting or standing for too long, which puts extra strain on muscles, joints and vertebrae.
- Overuse of muscles, for example due to intensive exercise or heavy lifting.
- A lack of exercise, which means the lower back is not properly supported.
- Muscle or joint problems such as cramps or blockages, for example following an awkward movement.
- A slipped disc or wear and tear, which puts pressure on the nerves or joints.
- Back pain caused by stress and tension, resulting in muscle tension, pain and stiffness.
- Being overweight or pregnancy, which puts extra strain on the back.
Furthermore, this pain can also manifest in various ways. For example, you may experience a nagging ache; the pain may be localised to the left or right side; or it may be felt in the back or legs. In some cases, it may be advisable to consult a doctor if you are unsure of the cause.
Should I see a doctor if I have lower back pain?
If you know the cause and the pain seems harmless, it is usually not necessary to see a doctor. However, if the pain does not go away with the right treatment or is unexplained, it is wise to contact a doctor. In the event of loss of strength, severe pain, radiating pain, tingling, problems with urination or bowel movements, or pain following a serious accident, it is always important to seek medical advice.

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How to relieve lower back pain
1. Keep moving gently
If the pain allows it, keep moving gently. This helps keep your muscles supple and stimulates good blood circulation. Short walks or gentle stretches can be enough to achieve this.
2. Pay close attention to your posture
Poor posture whilst sitting or standing can cause lower back pain. Always try to sit upright with good support for your lower back and change your position regularly to prevent pressure build-up.
3. Use heat or cold
Heat helps to relax muscles and improve blood circulation. This can provide relief if you’re suffering from a nagging ache. For example, have a warm bath regularly or use a hot compress. Cold, on the other hand, can help with sudden, sharp pain, such as after a sudden awkward movement.
4. Do stretches and massage the painful area
Do stretches and other gentle movements to loosen the muscles in your lower back. Build this up gradually and avoid any exercises that don’t feel right. In addition, a specialised lower back pain massage can help to loosen up the area. You can do this gently yourself or book a professional massage.
5. Ensure you get plenty of rest and keep stress to a minimum
Stress causes your muscles to tense up unconsciously, particularly in the back. You should therefore do exercises that help you relax, such as breathing exercises or meditation.
6. Use red light therapy
Red light therapy helps to improve blood circulation, reduce pain and stimulate the body’s natural healing capacity. These days, it’s very easy to do this yourself, and it’s often used for back problems.
Does red light therapy help with lower back pain?
Red light therapy is increasingly used for lower back pain to help with pain and stiffness and to stimulate recovery. Here’s what red light can do in this case:
- Improve blood circulation in the lower back
- Relax tense muscles
- Support the natural healing of tissue
- Reduce pain
The red light penetrates the skin and stimulates the cells in the treated area. This is why it can offer the benefits listed above. Many people use red light therapy for various forms of back pain, muscle pain and stiffness. These days, you can do this very easily at home, for example with the PowerCure Pro laser.
PowerCure red light therapy for back pain
The PowerCure Pro is a red light therapy device that can offer the benefits listed above. It helps to reduce, relieve and even prevent back pain. In addition, PowerCure’s red light also helps with other complaints and conditions, in both humans and animals!