Ahmed Habib is the community physiotherapist at the University of Stirling. In the final edition of The Treatment Table he offers advice on how to handle lower back pain.

What is it?

Everyone is familiar with lower back pain. In fact, four out of every five people are affected by it. While it can affect anyone at any age, it is most common among people aged 35 to 55. There are three classifications: acute, sub-acute and chronic.

How does it occur?

It can be caused by standing, sitting down or bending down for long periods. Lifting or pulling weights that are too heavy is also a common cause, while some people have a fall which provokes it. Problems are also caused by being overweight, stressed and anxious.

What are the symptoms?

It can take the form of a shooting pain or a dull ache in the lower back. There are also additional symptoms which can suggest something potentially more serious: pain lasting overnight, a high temperature, bowel pain and bladder control problems, pain spreading more widely and numbness on the buttocks and the legs.

What is the cure?

A physiotherapist will provide you with the exercises and advice to help reduce the pain. They can also provide massage therapy and spinal manipulation. For some people six sessions of acupuncture is the answer but the key is to stay active as bed rest can actually make it worse.

How long will it take?

Acute pain lasts for about six weeks, sub-acute takes up to three months. Anything longer falls into the chronic category, which can take years to clear.

Top tip

Always bend from the knees and keep your back as straight as possible if your day job is spent sitting at a desk. If you already have pain try taking a dip in a swimming pool or joining a yoga or pilates class.

To book an appointment with Ahmed call the university’s sports centre reception on 01786 466900 or visit www.sportingexcellence.stir.ac.uk.