Lower back pain is a common condition affecting 4 out of every 5 adults at some point during their lifetime.
It can develop suddenly (acute lower back pain) after an injury, illness, through wear and tear or misuse of the body. It can also be chronic when it does not improve with rest or physical therapy. Lower back pain can range from mild to severe, depending on the cause.
As this part of your spine provides you with both mobility and strength, proper functioning is essential for everyday activities – such as standing, lifting and walking. Pain in this area can significantly impact your quality of life.
What are the symptoms of lower back pain?
Pain may be localised to the lumbar region, and may radiate into the buttocks, thighs and knees, or cause stiffness, spasms or reduced mobility. Symptoms can also be worsened by bending, heavy lifting, or sitting or standing for long periods.
If you experience severe leg weakness, sciatica, or loss of bowel or bladder function, you should seek immediate medical attention, as this could be Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES), where the nerves become severely compressed and require surgery.
What are the causes?
Types of lower back pain include:
- Mechanical pain – from muscles, joints or ligaments
- Disc-related pain – caused by herniation or degeneration
- Nerve-related pain – due to irritation or compression of spinal nerves
Lower back pain often results from muscular sprains and strains or from wear and tear on the spine with ageing. This process can be known as degenerative disc disease, spinal spondylosis, and osteoarthritis of the spine. In rare cases (less than 2%), the cause is infection, spinal fracture, or a spinal tumour.
Lifestyle factors such as poor posture, poor lifting technique, prolonged sitting, or weakened core muscles can contribute.
How is lower back pain diagnosed?
Dr Hussien El-Maghraby will start with a detailed clinical assessment, reviewing your symptoms, mobility, and medical history. Imaging, such as MRI scans, may be used to identify disc issues, nerve compression or degenerative changes, while X-rays or CT scans can help assess spinal alignment or bone structure.
How is lower back pain treated?
Dr El-Maghraby will discuss your symptoms and medical history to create a tailored treatment plan.
Most patients benefit initially from physiotherapy, activity modification, and pain management. For 90% of patients with acute lower back pain, symptoms usually lift within 1-2 weeks, and 10% recover within 3 months.
Minimally invasive options for treating persistent symptoms include Percutaneous Laser Disc Decompression (PLDD), epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, and minimally invasive stabilisation procedures.
For treating compression fractures of the spine and pain symptoms that have not improved after two months of non-surgical treatment, Dr El-Maghraby offers vertebral cement injections.
Treatments are designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and avoid major surgery whenever possible.
Surgery becomes necessary with Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) or symptoms of severe muscle weakness, a herniated disc, severe spinal stenosis or pain that does not improve with a reasonable period of non-surgical treatment.
Dr Hussien El-Maghraby,
experienced spinal surgeon
With over 20 years of UK consultant neurosurgery experience, Dr Hussien El-Maghraby is a leading spinal surgeon based in the heart of London.
Dr El-Maghraby specialises exclusively in minimally invasive spine care, offering modern, patient-centred treatments for back pain, neck pain and spinal disorders – from laser disc decompression to advanced injections, cement augmentation and 3D/AI-guided spinal decompression.
Understanding the needs of international patients, Dr El-Maghraby places special emphasis on serving people from the Middle East visiting London for treatment – offering clear communication, compassionate care, and expert spinal surgery under UK standards.