Quick Summary
Lower back pain can be real and limiting even when no single structure explains it. We assess your symptoms, check for warning signs and help you build a practical plan for movement, work and the activities that matter to you.
Understanding Non-Specific Low Back Pain
“Non-specific” means assessment has not identified a particular disease or injury that needs a different treatment pathway. It does not mean the pain is imaginary. Muscles, joints, sensitivity and daily demands can all contribute, and an exact tissue label is often unnecessary for useful care.
How we assess your symptoms
We ask about the onset, previous episodes, health history and any leg symptoms. We examine movement and relevant strength, screen for problems needing medical care and agree realistic goals such as walking, working or lifting more comfortably.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- An ache, stiffness or sharp discomfort across the lower back.
- Symptoms that vary with activity, position or time of day.
- Difficulty bending, lifting or staying in one position comfortably.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
A treatment plan built around you
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Manual therapy or soft tissue treatment may help short-term comfort when it fits your preferences and assessment. For low back pain, it is combined with exercise and self-management rather than being the whole treatment plan.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Shockwave is not routinely recommended for non-specific low back pain. Your assessment will guide appropriate rehabilitation, symptom management and whether medical or specialist review is needed. We will explain why each proposed treatment fits your symptoms before you decide whether to proceed.
Targeted Exercise Programme
We choose manageable movement and progressive strength or general activity. The plan includes ways to handle flare-ups and return to normal tasks, with the starting level and progression shaped by your response.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Go to A&E immediately for new numbness around your genitals or bottom, difficulty starting or controlling urine, loss of bowel control, or severe or worsening weakness in both legs. These can signal cauda equina compression. Call 999 if you need an ambulance.
- Seek urgent medical advice for rapidly worsening leg weakness, fever or feeling unwell with back pain, or significant pain after an injury. Contact your GP about unexplained weight loss, a cancer history or persistent night pain.
Your questions answered
Does “non-specific” mean nobody knows what is wrong?
It means a single damaged structure has not been established. The assessment still provides useful information about safe movement, function and whether anything needs further investigation.
Should I have a scan to find the cause?
Routine scans often do not improve initial management. A clinician may recommend imaging if warning signs are present or the result is likely to change the treatment decision.
Which appointment should I book?
Choose a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or uncertain symptoms. We will assess what is limiting you, explain the options and agree the next steps. If you already have a diagnosis, bring any relevant scan report or specialist advice. For assessed muscle tension, Soft Tissue Therapy with Brigitte may complement your exercise plan. New weakness or nerve symptoms should be assessed before massage.
Visit J&J Therapy on the ground floor of CI Tower, New Malden. Book an assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938 if you are unsure which service to choose.
Related conditions
Acute lumbago · Persistent low back pain
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information to support informed choices; it is not a diagnosis or a personalised treatment plan. Suitability and any need for referral are assessed individually. Seek urgent medical help for the warning signs listed above.