Back pain is a broad term describing any discomfort felt in the back, and it remains one of the most widespread health concerns globally. Current research shows that back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide (Vos et al., 2021), and nearly 80% of people will experience at least one episode in their lifetime (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2024). In fact, back pain consistently ranks among the top five reasons for GP visits, underscoring just how common and disruptive it can be (AIHW, 2024). While back pain is a common occurrence, it should never feel normal to experience back pain
Back pain can occur in different regions of the spine and surrounding tissues, and it is often classified by how long symptoms have been present. Pain lasting less than six weeks is known as Acute Back Pain. When symptoms persist beyond six weeks but remain under twelve, the condition is considered Sub‑Acute Back Pain. Pain that continues for more than twelve weeks is classified as Chronic Back Pain. These timeframes matter because the duration of pain is one of the strongest clues to its underlying behaviour.
Given the complexity of the spine, which is made up of bones, discs, ligaments, nerves, and layers of muscle, back pain can arise from many different structures. It is often described as a biomechanical issue because symptoms may stem from muscular strain, joint irritation, disc involvement, or nerve-related causes. Studies show that up to 90% of back pain cases are non‑specific, meaning no single anatomical structure can be pinpointed as the sole cause (Maher et al., 2017). This is why back pain is rarely caused by one thing; it’s usually the result of many things working together.
A range of additional factors can influence how back pain develops or persists. Physical contributors such as stiffness, weakness, or reduced mobility can play a role. Practical elements like prolonged sitting, repetitive tasks, or awkward work environments can also add strain. Psychological factors, including fear of movement or uncertainty about recovery, may further complicate symptoms. Research indicates that fear‑avoidance beliefs can significantly delay recovery, highlighting the importance of addressing both physical and emotional contributors (Wertli et al., 2014).
Effective management of back pain depends on understanding what triggers it, how it behaves throughout the day, what eases or aggravates symptoms, and how long it has been present. These details are explored thoroughly during your initial assessment, forming the foundation of a tailored treatment plan. The goal is to reduce discomfort, restore comfortable movement, and build strategies that reduce the likelihood of future flare‑ups. Evidence shows that individualised exercise and education can reduce recurrence rates by up to 45% (Steffens et al., 2016), reinforcing the value of structured, personalised care.
At Atlas Physio, we prioritise clear education, structured treatment, and consistent monitoring of your progress both in the clinic and at home. We make accessing care straightforward by being open seven days a week, offering evening appointments, providing bulk‑billing for eligible clients, and ensuring no out‑of‑pocket costs for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today and take the first step toward feeling more comfortable, moving with confidence, and enjoying reliable care that supports lasting results.
REFERENCES
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2024). Back problems. Retrieved 13th December 2025 from https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/back-problems
Maher, C., Underwood, M., & Buchbinder, R. (2017). Non‑specific low back pain. The Lancet, 389(10070), 736–747. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(16)30970-9
Steffens, D., Maher, C. G., Pereira, L. S., Stevens, M. L., Oliveira, V. C., Chapple, M., Teixeira-Salmela, L. F., & Hancock, M. J. (2016). Prevention of low back pain: A systematic review and meta‑analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 176(2), 199–208. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2015.7431
Vos, T., Lim, S. S., Abbafati, C., Abbas, K. M., Abbasi, M., Abbasifard, M., & Bhutta, Z. A. (2020). Global burden of 369 diseases and injuries in 204 countries and territories, 1990–2019: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The lancet, 396(10258), 1204-1222. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30925-9
Wertli, M. M., Rasmussen-Barr, E., Weiser, S., Bachmann, L. M., & Brunner, F. (2014). The role of fear‑avoidance beliefs in the progression of chronic low back pain. Spine Journal, 14(5), 816–836. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spinee.2013.12.006