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Slipped Disk - There are many different causes of low back pain. Most people immediately assume that the problem is lumbago or irritation of the sciatic nerve. However, in many cases, it is a slipped disk (intervertebral disk prolapse) that is causing the pain. If this is the problem and additional symptoms appear, such as signs of paralysis, swift action is essential in order to prevent further damage. However, if it is not an acute emergency of this kind and the slipped disk is diagnosed at an early enough stage, the symptoms of the intervertebral disk prolapse can be treated without surgery in most cases. Pain can be relieved through measures such as physiotherapy and medical supports and orthoses. Sometimes these measures can even prevent the manifestation of the condition. Many people with one or more slipped disks can live relatively pain-free for years with no surgical intervention at all.

Lumbago/Acute Low Back Pain - in the case of acute low back pain (in short: LBP), piercing pain occurs in the area of the lower back, completely out of the blue. Usually, the trigger is a harmless movement during exercise or daily activities. Even a simple movement such as bending down, turning or straightening up can trigger low back pain. Due to the severity of the back pain, a herniated disc is often assumed as the cause. However, acute low back pain often has more harmless causes and will heal without complications.

Hyperlordosis/Hollow Back – Does your lower back have an exaggerated curve and does your abdomen visibly stick out? If so, you may be suffering from hyperlordosis or “hollow back” as it is commonly known. In the early stages, this deviation only causes pain now and again due to tension in the back muscles. As the condition advances, however, back pain increases and the spine is ultimately damaged. This misalignment is one of the most common conditions affecting the back. But it’s not all bad news: Hollow back can be treated with suitable therapeutic exercises and aids such as medical orthoses. And patients who are prepared to take a few extra simple steps to improve their posture can prevent hyperlordosis over the long term.

Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction – The pain usually occurs in the area of the lumbar spine or the sacroiliac joints. In 25 per cent of cases, back pain in the lumbar spine region is caused by problems in the area of the sacroiliac joint, the sciatic nerve and the locomotor apparatus in the pelvic region.

In the case of back pain, it is important to determine the causes, and to start treatment early. This can prevent the pain from becoming chronic. The goal of back pain therapy is effective pain relief to enable those affected to quickly return to normal daily activities, and preventing back pain from recurring.

Chronic Low Back Pain - The causes of chronic low back pain are varied. Back pain usually begins with an acute event such as overexertion, an incorrect movement, or acute lumbago. With targeted treatment of the acute pain in the lumbar region those affected are usually pain-free quite quickly.

Stress, lack of exercise, incorrect postures, excessive strain due to demanding physical activities, muscle injuries that have not healed or herniated discs are some of the causes of chronic pain in the lumbar region. Chronic back pain also often develops after lumbago. In case of lumbago, a severe, piercing pain suddenly shoots into the lumbar spine, and can radiate well into the legs. Paralysis and numbness in the legs as well as restricted movement can accompany this pain. Those affected will not be able to straighten themselves up from the position they are in at that moment. All muscles of the lumbar spine are tensed up in spasm. The occurring pain, in turn, increases the tension, leading to chronic pain in the lower back.

Back Tension - Stiff back muscles will lead to pain in the lumbar region. This may develop gradually or – as with lumbago – occur suddenly. Older people are not the only ones affected. Due to postural damage caused by sedentary activities, lack of exercise and increased stress, stiff back muscles can be seen more and more frequently also in young adults, and even children.

Pelvic Girdle Instability - In the case of pelvic girdle instability, the ligaments that hold the pelvis together in the area of the pubic symphysis have become loose. The main causes are physical stress, hormonal changes during pregnancy, and previous pregnancies or births. Pelvic girdle instability is characterized, among other symptoms, by pelvic pain, low back pain, SI joint irritation, and restricted mobility.

Pregnant women are most affected by pelvic girdle instability combined with pelvic pain. Five to nine per cent of all pregnant women will develop pelvic girdle instability during pregnancy or the birth of their child.