Lower back pain can show up in many different ways — sharp, dull, constant, or even radiating down your leg. And if you’re experiencing it, you’ve probably asked yourself the same questions so many others have:
“Is this normal?”
“Did I just sleep wrong, or is something seriously wrong?”
“Should I give it a few more days… or is this the kind of pain I shouldn’t ignore?”
We get it. Lower back pain can be frustrating and confusing, especially when you’re not sure what your body is trying to tell you. The good news? You’re not alone — and understanding the type of pain you’re feeling is a helpful first step in narrowing down potential causes and figuring out the best therapy option for your lower back pain.
While only a healthcare professional can diagnose the exact cause of your lower back pain, certain patterns — like whether the pain came on suddenly or has been lingering, or whether it stays in your back or travels down your leg — can offer important clues.
In this blog, we’ll help you break it down so you can stop wondering, and start finding answers.
One of the first things to consider is how long your back pain has been bothering you. Back pain is generally grouped into two categories — acute, meaning short-term pain that often goes away on its own, and chronic, meaning pain that sticks around for weeks or even months. Understanding which category your pain falls into is an important step toward finding the right treatment.
The way your back pain feels can give you helpful clues about what might be going on. Below are some of the most common types of lower back pain based on how patients describe them — and what those feelings could mean for your health.
This type of pain often feels like a lingering soreness or stiffness in the lower back. It might come and go, especially after physical activity or sitting for long periods.
What to Do:
This is often mild and linked to muscle strain or posture. If it improves with movement, stretching, or rest, it’s generally not serious. But if it lasts more than a couple of weeks, it’s worth having it checked.
Sudden, sharp pain can be alarming — it often happens with movement, bending, or lifting something heavy.
What to Do:
Sharp pain can be a sign of a pulled muscle, joint strain, or disc problem. If it’s severe, doesn’t ease with rest, or is accompanied by numbness or leg pain, seek medical attention.
When back pain spreads down the leg, it's often due to nerve involvement — commonly known as sciatica.
What to Do:
Radiating pain suggests nerve compression, which requires evaluation. If you have these symptoms, especially with weakness or difficulty walking, see a healthcare provider promptly.
If your lower back feels tight and hard to move, especially in the morning, stiffness may be to blame.
What to Do:
Mild stiffness is common and may not be serious. But if stiffness limits your mobility long-term or worsens, it’s a good idea to consult a therapist or doctor.
These sensations can signal irritation or compression of the nerves in your lower back.
What to Do:
Burning or tingling often points to nerve irritation. If these feelings persist or worsen, professional evaluation is recommended.
Pain that flares up with standing, walking, or exercise could point to a deeper structural issue.
What to Do:
If your pain consistently worsens with activity and isn’t improving with rest or home care, it’s time to check in with a healthcare provider. A therapist can help identify the root cause and guide you through a customized treatment plan—including therapist-approved exercises designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and prevent future flare-ups.
It’s normal to hope that back pain will go away on its own — and sometimes, it does. But if your pain is lingering, lower back pain symptoms are getting worse, or interfering with daily life, it’s time to listen to your body. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Acute and chronic back pain can be managed — and even prevented from getting worse — with the help of physical or occupational therapy for lower back pain.
A licensed therapist can help you improve strength, mobility, and posture, while addressing the root cause of your pain so you can get back to feeling your best.
If your pain:
✔ Lasts longer than a few weeks
✔ Radiates to your legs
✔ Causes numbness, weakness, or tingling
✔ Interferes with daily life
It’s time to consult a healthcare provider. A therapist can help identify the root cause and guide you through a personalized treatment plan. Many patients start to notice meaningful pain relief within the first few weeks of therapy—especially when combining hands-on techniques with targeted exercises. The key is consistency and working with a therapist who understands your specific needs and goals.
At All Care Therapies, our licensed therapists specialize in helping you manage lower back pain — whether it's acute or chronic, mild or severe. With flexible options like telehealth and personalized care plans, relief is closer than you think.