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Area of care: Rheumatism and joints

Low back pain (backache)

In short

Low back pain is pain in the lower back, at the level of the lumbar vertebrae, which most often comes from strain on the muscles, ligaments or tendons. It usually gets better within a few weeks, but it can also last or come back.

  • Areas concerned: Lower back
  • Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Lower back

Common signs

  • Pain in the lower back, sometimes severe
  • A feeling that your back is locked
  • Some movements are hard to do
  • Painful episodes that can come back

When to see a doctor

  • Pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs: emergency department
  • Loss of feeling around the genitals or the anus, difficulty passing urine, or leaking urine or stools: emergency department
  • Pain that started after a serious accident, or that comes with chest pain: emergency department
  • Fever, chills or feeling unwell
  • Very severe pain that starts suddenly or gets worse quickly

What physiotherapy does

When back pain lasts or keeps coming back, so-called active physiotherapy is recommended. The physiotherapist helps you get back to your activities, teaches you which movements to avoid and sets up with you exercises to continue on your own. Staying active and keeping up your everyday activities is also part of the treatment.

Techniques used at the practice

Mobility exercises, muscle strengthening and lumbopelvic stabilisation. McKenzie, Mulligan and Maitland approaches where indicated, combining therapeutic movements and manual therapy. Complementary physical treatments (electrotherapy, heat therapy and ultrasound).

How the sessions go

Assessment of pain, functional limitations, mobility and muscle strength, completed by specific clinical tests.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Gradually return to daily and physical activities, without staying inactive. Increase your efforts step by step, respect your tolerance and keep up the recommended exercises to regain mobility and confidence in movement.

Sources

  1. Lombalgie ou mal de dos, de quoi parle-t-on ? (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
  2. Mal de dos, comment éviter les douleurs chroniques (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026
  3. Back pain (new tab)NHS (National Health Service, Royaume-Uni), accessed October 26, 2026

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

This page is for information and does not replace a consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Rheumatism and joints

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