Chronic Low Back Pain: What’s Going On and How Physiotherapy in Calgary Can Help

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is one of the most frustrating and disabling conditions we treat at our Calgary physiotherapy clinic. Whether it came on gradually or after a specific incident, it can affect your ability to sit, lift, work, or sleep comfortably.

The good news? With a personalized physiotherapy approach focused on movement, education,and long-term support, you don’t have to live in pain.

What Is Chronic Low Back Pain?

Pain that lasts longer than 12 weeks is considered chronic. In many cases, imaging shows no clear structural issue. In fact, over 90% of CLBP is considered "non-specific" meaning it’s caused by a combination of mechanical stress, deconditioning, poor movement habits, and nervous system sensitivity—not a major injury (Airaksinen et al., 2006).

Common Causes of Chronic Low Back Pain

1. Poor Posture & Movement Habits

Prolonged sitting, repetitive bending, or poor lifting mechanics overload specific tissues and create imbalances.

2. Core & Glute Weakness

Weak stabilizing muscles around the spine force the low back to compensate (Koumantakis et al., 2005).

3. Nervous System Sensitization

When pain persists, the brain can amplify signals—a process called central

sensitization—making minor movements feel painful (Nijs et al., 2015).

4. Sedentary Lifestyle

A lack of movement causes stiffness and deconditioning, feeding the pain cycle.

How Physiotherapy in Calgary Can Help

We take a whole-person approach to chronic low back pain at our MacLeod Trail clinic. That includes:

1. Thorough Assessment

We assess:

• Posture and gait

• Functional movements

• Muscle strength and coordination

• Psychosocial factors influencing your pain (Woolf, 2011)

2. Pain Education

Understanding why pain persists—and how to break the cycle—is empowering. Pain

neuroscience education helps reduce fear, improve movement, and change pain perception (Louw et al., 2011).

3. Manual Therapy (When Appropriate)

Soft tissue work, joint mobilizations, and myofascial release can improve mobility and reduce muscle guarding (Bialosky et al., 2009).

4. Individualized Exercise Therapy

We guide you through a progressive plan that includes:

• Core stabilization

• Glute activation

• Functional movement retraining

• Graded exposure to feared or painful activities (Hayden et al., 2005)

  
  

5. Lifestyle & Ergonomics Coaching

We address:

• How you sit, sleep, and move daily

• Stress and sleep quality

• Sustainable physical activity habits

Recovery Timeline

Most people feel better within 4–8 weeks, but consistency is key. Your plan will evolve as you build strength and confidence.

Serving South Calgary with Compassionate, Expert Care

At our clinic, located at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, we serve Haysboro, Acadia, Fairview, and surrounding South Calgary communities. Our expert team is here to guide your

recovery—without relying on medications or passive treatments alone.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live in Pain

Chronic low back pain may be complex, but it is manageable. With the right support, education, and exercise program, you can regain control of your movement and your life.

Book an assessment with our Calgary physiotherapy team today and take the first step

toward lasting relief.

Bibliography

 Airaksinen, O., et al. (2006). Chapter 4: European guidelines for the management of

chronic nonspecific low back pain. European Spine Journal, 15(S2), S192–S300.

 Dagenais, S., et al. (2008). A systematic review of low back pain cost of illness

studies. The Spine Journal, 8(1), 8–20.

 van Tulder, M., et al. (2000). Conservative treatment of acute and chronic nonspecific

low back pain: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of the most common

interventions. Spine, 25(11), 1255–1266.

 Saragiotto, B. T., et al. (2016). Motor control exercise for chronic non-specific low-back

pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1).

 Stochkendahl, M. J., et al. (2018). National clinical guidelines for non-surgical treatment

of patients with recent onset low back pain or lumbar radiculopathy. European Spine

Journal, 27(1), 60–75.