Low Back Pain & Sciatica Treatment Using LLLT/PBMT

Understanding Low Back Pain & Sciatica & Its Causes

Lower back pain is a prevalent condition affecting individuals of all ages. It can result from various factors, including:

• Muscle or ligament injuries: Often due to overuse, poor lifting techniques, or sudden movements.
• Disc issues: Bulging or herniated discs can press on nerves, leading to pain.
• Degenerative changes: Age-related wear and tear can affect spinal structures.
• Structural abnormalities: Conditions such as spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis can contribute to pain.
• Facet joint sprain, arthropathy, or arthritis: Facet joints are the small, paired joints located between each vertebra in the spine. Degeneration or sprains of the facet joints can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the spine, leading to discomfort in the lower back.

Sciatica is characterised by pain radiating along the sciatic nerve’s path, typically from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg.

 Common causes include:

• Herniated discs: Discs pressing on nerve roots.
• Piriformis syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle. Read more on our dedicated Piriformis syndrome page here.
• Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing nerves.

Sacroiliac joint dysfunction: Inflammation or misalignment affecting nerve function.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of lower back pain and sciatica begins with a detailed clinical assessment by Dr Shikha Parmar. This process involves a comprehensive medical history to understand the nature, onset, and progression of your symptoms, as well as any relevant lifestyle, occupational, or activity-related contributors. Factors such as work posture, lifting demands, sports involvement, and past injuries are carefully reviewed, along with any history of similar episodes.

In addition, Dr Parmar will assess broader health aspects that can influence tissue healing and inflammation, including underlying medical conditions, medications, and nutritional status. Where appropriate, she may investigate possible deficiencies—such as vitamin D or other key nutrients—that can affect recovery or contribute to chronic pain syndromes.

A focused physical examination will follow, evaluating posture, spinal alignment, range of motion, and muscle strength. Palpation is used to assess for tenderness, spasm, or joint restriction, and specific clinical tests may be performed to check for nerve involvement, such as reflex changes, sensory loss, or provoked sciatica symptoms.

Imaging is not always required but may be used where clinically indicated. This may include:

• X-rays, to assess bone alignment, joint degeneration, or compression fractures.
• MRI, to evaluate disc integrity, nerve root compression, or more complex spinal pathology.
• CT scans, in certain cases where bony structures need more detailed assessment.

Together, these steps allow for an accurate and individualised diagnosis, forming the foundation of a targeted treatment plan.