Low Back Pain Physiotherapy in Burlington: Causes, Treatment & Relief

Cogent Rehab Blog

Folarin Babatunde PT PhD MScSEM MScPT BScPT

February 7, 2025

Patient holding lower back in pain – physiotherapy for low back pain in Burlington

Almost every adult will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. For some, it is a mild, short-lived episode after a weekend of yard work. For others, it becomes a persistent, life-changing problem. Low back pain may come with stiffness, muscle tightness, or even leg pain such as sciatica. No matter the cause, low back pain can interfere with daily activities, sleep, and quality of life.

The good news? Physiotherapy offers effective, evidence-based solutions to relieve pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists provide hands-on treatment, exercise programs, and education to help patients get moving again safely.

Understanding Low Back Pain

What Is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain refers to discomfort felt in the lumbar region (the area between the rib cage and pelvis). It can:

• Start suddenly after a twist, lift, or awkward movement.

• Build gradually over time due to posture, muscle imbalances, or wear-and-tear changes.

• Be short-term (acute) or long-lasting (chronic).

Common Symptoms of Back Pain

• Dull, aching, or stabbing pain in the lower back.

• Stiffness that makes bending or twisting difficult.

• Pain that worsens with sitting, standing, or lifting.

• Leg symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness (sciatica).

Anatomy of the Lower Back

The spine is a complex structure made of:

• Vertebrae – small bones stacked on top of one another.

• Discs – soft “cushions” between vertebrae that absorb shock.

• Muscles and ligaments – provide stability and movement.

• Spinal nerves – pathways that carry signals from your brain to your body.

When any of these structures are injured, irritated, or degenerate with age, back pain may result. Understanding how your spine works is the first step to recovery (Spine Basics – AAOS).

Causes of Low Back Pain

Low back pain can result from a wide range of conditions:

Table: Common Causes of Low Back Pain

Cause	Description	Typical Symptoms
Muscle Strain / Overactivity	Overstretching or injury to muscles/ligaments from heavy lifting, awkward movements, or unaccustomed activity (e.g., shoveling snow, weekend sports).	Local soreness, stiffness, pain that worsens with movement, improves with rest.
Disc Injury (Tear or Herniation)	Tears in the disc or bulging of the inner disc material (“slipped disc”) pressing on nerves.	Back pain with possible sciatica (pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness radiating into buttock and leg).
Disc Degeneration & Arthritis (Spondylosis)	Age-related wear and tear on discs and facet joints; accelerated by smoking.	Stiffness, reduced flexibility, chronic aching, may worsen with prolonged sitting or standing.
Degenerative Spondylolisthesis	Vertebra slips forward over another due to joint and ligament weakening.	Low back pain, nerve irritation, leg pain, or numbness.
Spinal Stenosis	Narrowing of the spinal canal due to bone spurs, arthritis, or ligament thickening.	Pain or heaviness in legs with walking, relief with sitting or leaning forward.
Scoliosis	Abnormal sideways curve of the spine, may develop in teens or older adults with arthritis.	Uneven posture, back pain, possible nerve symptoms if severe.
Compression Fractures	Weak vertebrae (from osteoporosis) break after minor trauma or falls.	Sudden sharp back pain, loss of height, stooped posture.
Other Serious Causes	Less common: infection, cancer, vascular disease.	Persistent pain regardless of activity, fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe neurological changes.

Why Choose Physiotherapy for Low Back Pain in Burlington

Physiotherapy is considered a first-line, non-invasive treatment for low back pain. Our approach to physiotherapy management of low back pain in Burlington includes:

Manual Therapy for Back Pain Relief

• Hands-on techniques such as mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue therapy to reduce stiffness, improve alignment, and ease muscle tension.

Exercise Programs to Restore Mobility

• Individualized strengthening and flexibility programs help support the spine, restore movement, and reduce future risk of injury.

Dry Needling for Pain Relief and Disability

• Using dry needling in addition to other treatments in the short term for chronic low back pain.

Education and Prevention Strategies

• Tailored to each patient depending on classification of low back pain: acute, chronic or postoperative.

• Contents discussed include pain neuroscience, staying active, postsurgical precautions, self-management techniques, learning proper posture, lifting techniques, and movement strategies helps patients prevent flare-ups and manage pain long term.

What to Expect at a Burlington Physiotherapy Clinic

Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

Your physiotherapist will:

• Take a detailed medical history to determine category of low back pain: Acute, Post-operative or Chronic.

• Assess posture, movement, and spinal flexibility.

• Perform strength, reflex, and nerve tests.

Personalized Physiotherapy Treatment Plans

No two patients are the same. Your plan may include manual therapy, guided exercise, electrotherapy, and lifestyle advice.

Hands-On Care vs. Exercise-Based Treatment

Early stages often focus on pain relief. Over time, exercise-based therapy becomes the cornerstone of recovery and prevention.

Benefits of Physiotherapy for Back Pain

• Pain Relief – through manual therapy and exercise.

• Improved Function – restoring ability to walk, bend, and lift.

• Chronic Pain Prevention – addressing underlying causes reduces recurrence.

• Support for Injuries – whether workplace-related or sports-related, rehab improves safe return to activity.

Back Pain Treatment in Burlington: Why Choose Cogent Rehab

At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center, we specialize in:

• Experienced Physiotherapists – trained in orthopaedic, neurological, and sports rehabilitation.

• Comprehensive Physiotherapy Services – education, manual therapy, exercise rehab, acupuncture, and vestibular therapy.

• Convenient Location – centrally located in Burlington with direct access (no referral needed).

We are committed to helping you rebuild, promote, and enhance recovery so you can get back to living without back pain. See the Clinical Guidelines to Address Low Back Pain we use for patient management at Cogent Rehab.

Table: Physiotherapy vs. Other Treatments for Low Back Pain

Treatment Option	Description	Benefits	Limitations
Physiotherapy	Hands-on care, manual therapy, tailored exercises, education, posture training.	Treats root cause, improves mobility, prevents recurrence, drug-free.	Requires patient participation and consistency.
Medications	Includes acetaminophen, NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or steroid injections.	Can reduce pain and inflammation quickly.	Temporary relief only; possible side effects (stomach issues, drowsiness, dependency risk).
Lifestyle Changes	Exercise, weight management, quitting smoking, ergonomic adjustments.	Improves long-term spine health, low cost, empowers self-management.	Results take time, requires habit change and commitment.
Surgery	Options include spinal fusion, discectomy, laminectomy, or artificial disc replacement.	Can relieve severe nerve compression, restore function in select cases.	Invasive, recovery may take months, not effective for all types of back pain.

Prevention Tips for Low Back Pain

• Exercise Regularly – combine aerobic activity with back and core strengthening.

• Lift Safely – bend at your knees, not your waist.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight – reduce strain on your spine.

• Quit Smoking – slows down spinal degeneration.

• Use Proper Posture – when sitting, standing, or working at a desk.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Contact your doctor urgently if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden weakness in the legs.

• Loss of bladder or bowel control.

• Back pain with fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss.

Frequently Asked Questions About Low Back Pain Physiotherapy

Q1. Can physiotherapy help with sciatica?

Yes. Physiotherapists use exercises and nerve mobilization techniques to reduce leg pain and restore nerve function.

Q2. How long does it take to recover from back pain?

Mild pain may improve in days to weeks. Chronic or disc-related pain may require several months of physiotherapy.

Q3. Do I need a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy in Burlington?

No. In Ontario, you can see a physiotherapist directly without a referral.

Q4.What exercises are best for low back pain?

Exercises vary depending on the cause but often include core strengthening, stretching, and low-impact aerobic activity such as walking or swimming.

Ready to Find Relief from Low Back Pain?

Don’t let back pain stop you from living your life. At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our expert physiotherapists provide personalized care to relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent future flare-ups.

Location: Suites 300–302, 3077 New Street, Burlington, Ontario

Book your physiotherapy assessment today and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Book An Appointment Today

Sources

1. Buchbinder R, van Tulder M, Öberg B, et al. Low back pain: a call for action. Lancet. 2018;391:2384-2388. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(18)30488-42.

2. Delitto A, George SZ, Van Dillen L, et al. Low back pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2012;42:A1-A57.https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2012.42.4.A13.

3. Dieleman JL, Cao J, Chapin A, et al. US health care spending by payer and health condition, 1996-2016. JAMA. 2020;323:863-884. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.07344.

4. Finley CR, Chan DS, Garrison S, et al. What are the most common conditions in primary care?Systematic review. Can Fam Physician. 2018;64:832-840.5.

5. George SZ, Fritz JM, Silfies SP, et al. Interventions for the management of acute and chronic lowback pain: revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51:CPG1-CPG60. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2021.03046.

6. Lin I, Wiles L, Waller R, et al. What does best practice care for musculoskeletal pain look like? Elevenconsistent recommendations from high-quality clinical practice guidelines: systematic review. Br JSports Med. 2020;54:79-86. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2018-0998787.

7. Longtin C, Décary S, Cook CE, Tousignant-Laflamme Y. What does it take to facilitate the integration ofclinical practice guidelines for the management of low back pain into practice? Part 1: a synthesis ofrecommendation. Pain Pract. In press. https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.130338.

8. Qaseem A, Wilt TJ, McLean RM, Forciea MA, Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College ofPhysicians. Noninvasive treatments for acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain: a clinical practiceguideline from the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166:514-530. https://doi.org/10.7326/M16-2367