Lower Back Pain: The 7 Most Common Causes and When You Should See an Osteopath in Lebanon

Lower back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and one of the most common reasons people seek healthcare.

Every week, patients visit our clinic asking questions such as:

• "Why does my lower back hurt?"

• "Is it a herniated disc?"

• "Do I need an MRI?"

• "Should I see an orthopedic surgeon?"

• "Can an osteopath help my back pain?"

The answer depends on the cause.

The good news is that most cases of lower back pain improve without surgery, especially when they are properly assessed and treated early.

1. Muscle Strain

This is the most common cause.

It often develops after:

• lifting heavy objects

• gardening

• moving furniture

• returning to the gym

• repetitive work

Symptoms include:

• localized pain

• muscle tightness

• pain during movement

• improvement with rest

Recovery is usually excellent.

2. Herniated Disc

A herniated disc occurs when one of the spinal discs irritates a nearby nerve.

Symptoms may include:

• pain down the leg

• numbness

• tingling

• weakness

• increased pain when sitting

Contrary to popular belief,

most herniated discs do not require surgery.

3. Sciatica

Sciatica is not a diagnosis.

It is a symptom caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve.

Pain usually travels from the lower back into the buttock and leg.

Many different conditions can cause sciatica.

4. Facet Joint Pain

The small joints at the back of the spine can become irritated.

Pain usually:

• stays in the lower back

• increases while standing

• increases when leaning backward

5. Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction

Pain often appears:

• on one side

• near the buttock

• after prolonged standing

• during walking

• while climbing stairs

Many people confuse SI joint pain with a herniated disc.

6. Degenerative Changes

MRI reports frequently mention:

• arthritis

• degeneration

• disc bulges

These findings become increasingly common with age.

Importantly,

many people have these findings without experiencing any pain.

This is why imaging should always be interpreted together with a physical examination.

7. Mechanical Back Pain

This simply means the pain changes with movement.

Mechanical back pain is responsible for most cases seen in clinical practice.

It often responds well to:

• education

• exercise

• movement

• manual therapy when appropriate

When Should You See an Osteopath?

You should consider an assessment if:

✔ your pain lasts more than two weeks

✔ the pain keeps returning

✔ you have difficulty working

✔ pain spreads into the leg

✔ movement becomes limited

✔ everyday activities become difficult

Early assessment often helps prevent long-term problems.

When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Care?

Contact a physician immediately if you experience:

• loss of bladder or bowel control

• severe leg weakness

• numbness around the groin

• fever with back pain

• unexplained weight loss

• significant trauma

These symptoms require urgent evaluation.

How Can Osteopathy Help?

Treatment should always begin with a thorough assessment.

At Therapy by Anthony El Asmar, every patient receives an individualized evaluation.

Treatment may include:

• manual therapy

• joint mobilization

• therapeutic exercise

• education

• movement correction

• home exercise programs

• return-to-work guidance

Our objective is not simply to reduce pain.

It is to understand why your pain developed and help reduce the likelihood of recurrence.

Five Things You Can Do Today

Keep moving

Prolonged bed rest is rarely helpful.

Change position regularly

Avoid sitting for several hours without moving.

Walk daily

Walking remains one of the safest forms of exercise for many people with lower back pain.

Strengthen your body

Strong muscles help support the spine.

Seek professional advice

Pain lasting more than a few weeks deserves a proper assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I get an MRI?

Not always.

Most patients improve without immediate imaging.

Is walking good for lower back pain?

For many people, yes.

Walking helps maintain mobility and circulation while reducing stiffness.

Can osteopathy help lower back pain?

Many patients with mechanical lower back pain benefit from an individualized treatment plan that combines education, exercise, and hands-on treatment when appropriate.

Do I need surgery?

Most lower back pain and many herniated discs improve with conservative treatment.

Surgery is usually reserved for specific situations.

About Anthony El Asmar

Anthony El Asmar is a Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) and Osteopath with more than 13 years of experience treating musculoskeletal pain.

He is the founder of AA.Therapy by Anthony El Asmar in Lebanon and a university lecturer in osteopathy and manual therapy.

His clinical expertise includes:

• Lower back pain

• Sciatica

• Herniated discs

• Neck pain

• Headaches

• TMJ disorders

• Sports injuries

• Conservative musculoskeletal rehabilitation

Looking for Lower Back Pain Treatment in Lebanon?

If your back pain is limiting your work, sleep, exercise, or daily activities, a comprehensive assessment can help identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

AA.Therapy by Anthony El Asmar

📍 Achrafieh | Dekwaneh | Jezzine

Book your assessment today and take the first step toward moving with less pain and greater confidence.