Common Reasons for Back Pain Include:


Low back pain causes are often a mix of lifestyle stresses and specific back injuries.
Common causes of lower back pain and lumbago include:

  • Poor posture when sitting, standing or using screens.
  • Sitting for hours each day at a computer or desk, or slouching in front of the TV.
  • A bed or mattress that is overly soft or too hard for your spine.
  • Daily movements such as bending, twisting, lifting or carrying with poor body control.
  • Hunching your shoulders or rounding your back when you feel stressed, which can increase muscle tension and backache.



man sitting at a desk, hunched over looking at laptop with bad posture
A man holding a weight in his left arm and bending over holding his back with his right arm in pain

Trauma and sudden back injury can also trigger low back pain and back strain, for example:

1) Vehicle collisions

2) Falls

3) Sports-related injuries

4) Heavy weightlifting with poor form

Think about treatment

Unlike medications that only mask the symptoms, chiropractic care aims to address the underlying source of the pain, helping to improve spinal movement, reduce muscle tension and support long‑term relief.

Showing the back of a mans back pointing to the middle of his back. A chiropractor has both hands near the area assessing.

What is Lumbago?

Lumbago is another term for low back pain. It describes pain, stiffness, or discomfort in the lower part of the spine. This type of back pain can start suddenly after an injury. However, it can also develop slowly over time.

Often, lumbago is linked to everyday strain, poor posture, or age-related changes in the spine. In many cases, lumbago back pain stays in the lower back. Sometimes, it can spread into the buttocks. The pain may feel like a dull ache at first. As a result, movement can trigger sharper or more intense pain.

If you are experiencing ongoing back pain in Woking, an assessment can help identify the cause and guide the right treatment.

Low Back Pain and Sciatica

In some cases, people experience low back pain and sciatica at the same time. This usually involves pain in the lower back, along with shooting pain, tingling, or numbness down one leg. This is often referred to as back pain with sciatica or lumbago with sciatica.

Typically, symptoms can worsen when sitting, bending, or lifting. In addition, pain may be felt in the hip, groin, or buttock on one side. If you notice back pain with shooting leg pain, it is important to have this properly assessed. Early treatment can prevent symptoms from becoming long-term.

Other Ways We Can Help with Back Pain in Woking:

Alongside chiropractic care, other treatments can support recovery from back pain. For example, sports massage can help reduce muscle tension and stiffness. This is especially useful for tight muscles and ongoing low back discomfort.

In addition, personalised rehabilitation exercises can strengthen your back and core. They also help improve posture and reduce the risk of pain returning. This combined approach is often very effective. It works particularly well for back pain caused by sports injuries, work-related strain, or recurring lumbago.

If you are struggling with ongoing back pain, a tailored treatment plan can help you move more comfortably and with confidence again.

START TO FEEL BETTER TODAY…

CARE FROM DR MATTHEW HEWITSON

To understand the cause of your low back pain or lumbago, I start with a thorough assessment. This includes taking a full medical history, assessing your posture, and discussing your lifestyle, work, and hobbies. Together, these details help build a clear picture of what is contributing to your pain.

Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment usually begins with gentle and targeted chiropractic techniques. These include manipulation and mobilisation to ease restricted joints and reduce irritation around the spinal nerves. This approach is a safe and effective alternative to relying solely on medication. Occasionally, if your back is very sore, you may feel some temporary discomfort. However, I always adapt treatment to minimise this as much as possible.


A female patient laying down on a chiropractic bed, whilst a male chiropractor has both hands on her lower back doing treatment

Research shows that prolonged bed rest for back pain can actually slow recovery. Over time, it may weaken muscles and reduce joint function. In contrast, staying as active as possible, with the right guidance, tends to lead to better long-term outcomes. For most people, the best approach is to keep moving within your comfort levels. Even very gentle activity can help. In the early stages, simple measures such as applying ice to the painful area can also reduce inflammation and ease symptoms.

As your back begins to settle, I introduce specific exercises to support your recovery. These may include stretches and core stability work to improve strength and control around the spine. Importantly, exercises are always tailored to you. Rather than using generic exercise sheets, we focus on your individual areas of weakness or stiffness.

At each visit, progress is reassessed. We look at what is helping and what needs adjusting. Your feedback plays a key role in this process. As a result, your programme evolves alongside your recovery, helping to reduce the chance of your back pain returning.​ 

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common low back pain causes?

Common low back pain causes include muscle and ligament strain, age‑related wear and tear of the joints and discs, poor posture, prolonged sitting, back strain at work and previous back injuries. In some people, causes of lower back pain also include disc problems, facet joint irritation or narrowing around the nerves (causes of lumbar pain), which can sometimes lead to low back pain and sciatica together.

What is the difference between low back pain and lumbago?

Lumbago is simply another term for low back pain and describes pain and stiffness in the lower part of your spine. Some people use lumbago to refer to more general backache, while others use it when low back pain has been present for a while or keeps recurring; in all cases, the important thing is to understand what is causing your lumbago back pain so the right treatment and exercises can be chosen.

When should I worry about lower back and leg pain?

Lower back and leg pain, especially when it feels like shooting pain, tingling or numbness down one leg, can be a sign of sciatica or irritation of a nerve. You should seek assessment if the pain is severe, not improving over a few weeks, or if you notice weakness, changes in bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin area.

Can tight calves or hamstring injuries affect my lower back?

Yes, tight calf muscles and hamstring injuries can change the way you walk or run, which may place extra strain on your lower back over time. Treating tight calves, hamstring pulls and tears, and working on flexibility and strength can help reduce pressure on the spine and support better back mechanics.

Where to find us

St Johns, Woking

6 St Johns Road

GU21 7SE

Contact

Mycompletehealth1@gmail.com

coachkatpt@gmail.com

Phone

07442714526

Location in St Johns of my complete health map