Top 5 Causes of Lower Back Pain, and How Physical Therapy Can Help
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a physical therapist, and for good reason. Whether you’re sitting in traffic on Route 4, commuting into Manhattan, or spending long hours at your desk, Bergen County residents often experience back pain that can interfere with work, exercise, and their daily life. At Spectrum Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, our team helps patients across Bergen County, NJ find lasting back pain relief through customized treatment plans and hands-on care. Let’s break down the top five causes of lower back pain, and how physical therapy can help you move comfortably again.1. Muscle Strain or Sprain
A sudden movement, heavy lift, or awkward twist can strain the muscles and ligaments that support your spine. You might feel tightness, spasms, or soreness in your lower back.>How PT helps: A physical therapist uses manual therapy, gentle stretching, and strengthening exercises to relax tight muscles, improve mobility, and prevent reinjury.2. Poor Posture & Prolonged Sitting
Many local professionals spend hours sitting, commuting from Bergen County to NYC or working at a computer all day. Poor posture and weak core muscles increase stress on your lower back joints and discs.>How PT helps: Your therapist will analyze your posture and movement, teach ergonomic techniques, and prescribe core stabilization exercises that support healthy spine alignment.
3. Degenerative Disc Disease or Arthritis
As we age, the discs and joints in our spine naturally wear down, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and pain.>How PT helps: Physical therapy focuses on gentle mobility work, flexibility, and strengthening the supporting muscles of the back and hips to reduce pressure on painful joints and improve motion.
4. Sciatica or Nerve Irritation
If you experience pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates from your lower back down one leg, a compressed or irritated nerve could be the cause.>How PT helps: Your therapist can use nerve glides, posture correction, and targeted stretches to relieve nerve pressure and help you move more freely without shooting pain.
5. Weak Core & Imbalanced Muscles
A strong core is your back’s best defense. Weak abdominal or hip muscles force your lower back to work harder, leading to chronic strain and discomfort.>How PT helps: Your program will include core stability and hip-strengthening exercises designed to balance your body and protect your spine during daily activities or workouts.
How Spectrum PT Helps Bergen County Patients Find Relief
Our clinicians combine the latest evidence-based techniques with personalized attention. Whether you’re an athlete, post-op patient, or weekend warrior, we’ll build a treatment plan to match your goals. At Spectrum Physical Therapy & Athletic Training, we specialize in:- Manual therapy and soft tissue mobilization
- Postural retraining and movement correction
- Core and lumbar stabilization programs
- Education to prevent recurring back pain