Mechanical or Postural Low Back Pain Symptoms & Treatment

Overview

Low back pain is a common experience for many people. In fact, approximately 80 percent of adults report having had low back pain at some point in their lives. Pain in the lower back can be debilitating and limit or prevent physical activity.

Understanding how the back is built helps explain why postural and mechanical back pain occurs. The spine is a stack of small bones called vertebrae that support the body and allow movement. Soft discs sit between these bones and act like cushions, helping the back bend and twist. Inside the spine, the spinal cord and nerves run, sending signals between the brain and muscles. The spine runs from the neck down to the lower back and must stay balanced to work properly.

What causes Mechanical or Postural Low Back Pain?

Mechanical pain is a general term for back pain caused by abnormal stress or strain on the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues of the spine. Chronic mechanical pain often develops from poor daily habits such as bad posture, poorly designed seating, and incorrect bending or lifting techniques. These are commonly linked to ergonomic strain or injury.

How the Injury Occurs: Mechanical or postural low back pain usually develops when the spine is repeatedly placed under stress beyond its normal capacity. Over time, muscles and ligaments become overstretched or fatigued, leading to inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Sudden overload, such as lifting a heavy object improperly, can also cause immediate strain.

Common Everyday Causes

• Prolonged sitting or standing with poor posture
• Slouching while working, driving, or using devices
• Improper lifting or twisting movements
• Weak core or back muscles
• Poorly designed workstations or furniture

Symptoms

Symptoms of mechanical or postural low back pain may vary depending on the severity. For some people, low back pain can be a mild ache that resolves quickly. But for others, it can be severe and debilitating and require immediate lower back pain treatment. Most commonly, the pain is localized to the lower back. Other common symptoms of low back pain include:

• Pain that worsens with activity – Pain may develop after certain activities or at the end of a long day and may feel like a constant ache
• Difficulty bending or twisting your back
• Pain that extends into the buttocks or outer hip
• Many people may also experience spasms with mechanical back pain
• Symptoms are generally more noticeable with flexion of the back and when lifting heavy objects.

Non-operative treatment

Non-surgical treatment with limited rest and over-the-counter pain relievers is sufficient for most patients. Other lower back pain treatments include:

• Ice or heat: Alternately applying heat and ice to the back helps relax the muscles and decrease muscle inflammation. Apply heat for 20 minutes and then ice for 20 minutes. If you find one application more helpful, use only that application for back sprain treatment.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are available without a prescription and may be used to reduce pain. Stronger prescription pain relievers are rarely required.
• If there is a muscle imbalance or spasm, a muscle relaxant may be prescribed for a short time (3 to 4 days).
• Home exercise programs with the help of a Physical Therapist or Certified Athletic Trainer. Doctors recommend early physical activity to promote rapid recovery from back pain. For moderate to mild back pain, some patients are encouraged to maintain a near-normal schedule from the onset.
• Physical therapists or Certified Athletic Trainers can also work on correcting muscle stiffness, weakness, and muscle imbalance. They can also advise on good posture/lifting techniques and the correct computer workstation setup.

Try these exercises to help address your condition:

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program

Mechanical-Postural Low Back Pain

Mechanical-Postural Low Back Pain

Surgical Treatment

Mechanical or postural low back pain is almost always managed using non-surgical treatment methods. Surgery is not recommended because this type of back pain does not involve structural damage that requires surgical correction. Treatment usually focuses on pain relief, activity modification, physical therapy, posture correction, and strengthening exercises to support recovery and prevent recurrence.