What is Low Back Pain?

Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical help. It can range from a dull, persistent ache to sudden, sharp discomfort. Pain may be caused by muscle strain, disc problems, joint degeneration, or nerve irritation. In most cases, low back pain is mechanical in nature, meaning it stems from the spine, muscles, or soft tissues.


While it is often short-term, chronic low back pain—lasting more than 12 weeks—can significantly interfere with daily activities and quality of life.

Common Symptoms

  • Stiffness or restricted movement
  • Dull or sharp pain in the lower back
  • Pain that worsens with movement or prolonged sitting
  • Referred pain into the buttocks or thighs
  • In some cases, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs (sciatica)

When to Seek Help:

Seek medical advice if your back pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by leg weakness, numbness, or bladder/bowel changes. Early evaluation can prevent chronicity and improve outcomes.

Management of Low Back Pain:

Most cases of back pain improve with conservative treatment. For persistent or complex pain, a multidisciplinary and structured plan can offer lasting relief.

Medications

  • NSAIDs and muscle relaxants to reduce inflammation and tension
  • Neuropathic agents for nerve-related pain

Medications

  • NSAIDs and muscle relaxants to reduce inflammation and tension
  • Neuropathic agents for nerve-related pain

Physical Therapy

  •  Core strengthening and flexibility exercises
  • Postural training and movement re-education
  • Manual therapy and mobilisation

Injection Therapies

  • Facet joint injections or nerve root blocks for targeted relief
  • Epidural steroid injections for nerve compression or disc-related pain
  • Sacroiliac joint injections if the SI joint is the pain source
  • Diagnostic Nerve block for Facet Joints or SI Joint

Injection Therapies

  • Facet joint injections or nerve root blocks for targeted relief
  • Epidural steroid injections for nerve compression or disc-related pain
  • Sacroiliac joint injections if the SI joint is the pain source
  • Diagnostic Nerve block for Facet Joints or SI Joint

Lifestyle and Rehabilitation:

  • Regular low-impact activity (e.g., walking, pool waking, swimming)
  • Ergonomic modifications at home and work
  • Weight management and smoking cessation to reduce spinal stress

Advanced Interventions (if diagnostic nerve block is positive)

  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for well localised, one sided facet joint pain
  •  Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for one sided Sacro-iliac Joint pain
  • Pulsed RF of nerve root for sciatica in a single nerve

Advanced Interventions (if diagnostic nerve block is positive)

  • Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for well localised, one sided facet joint pain
  •  Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for one sided Sacro-iliac Joint pain
  • Pulsed RF of nerve root for sciatica in a single nerve

Possible Causes:

  • Muscle or ligament strain from lifting, bending, or poor posture
  • Degenerative disc disease (most common)
  • Facet joint dysfunction
  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Nerve impingement (sciatica)
  • Fibromyalgia (90% fibromyalgia sufferers report spinal pain, as their main complaint)
  • In rare cases, infection, fracture, or tumour

How Can We Help?

At PainClinicNI, we offer a comprehensive, evidence-based approach to low back pain. Our services include:
  • Expert assessment and diagnosis
  • Advanced imaging
  • Diagnostic nerve blocks for selection of candidates for RFA
  •  Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for lumbar facet joint
  •  Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for Sacro-iliac Joint
  • Pulsed RF of nerve root for sciatica in a single nerve
  • Facet Joint Injections
  •  Sacroiliac joint injections (ultrasound guided)
  •  Epidural for sciatica
  •  Trigger point Injections (spinal pain in Fibromyalgia)
  • Collaborative care with physiotherapists and spinal surgeons
  • Personalised rehabilitation plans
“Our goal is to restore function, relieve pain, and help you move forward with confidence.”