Low back pain, commonly called lumbago or lower back pain, affects nearly 8 in 10 people at least once in their lifetime. It's one of the most common reasons for consultation at the Gouizine Clinic in Temsia (Agadir). The good news: in the vast majority of cases, appropriate physiotherapy care brings lasting relief and a quick return to daily activities.
What is low back pain?
Low back pain refers to any pain localized in the lumbar region — the lower back, just above the buttocks. Several forms exist:
- Acute low back pain (lumbago): sudden pain, often after exertion or an awkward movement, lasting less than 6 weeks.
- Subacute low back pain: between 6 and 12 weeks of evolution.
- Chronic low back pain: pain persisting more than 3 months, sometimes with radiating pain (sciatica, cruralgia).
Most common symptoms
- Pain in the lower back, sometimes radiating to the buttocks or thighs
- Morning stiffness or after prolonged sitting
- Difficulty bending forward, straightening up, or carrying objects
- Visible and palpable muscle contracture
- Muscle fatigue, sensation of a "broken back" by end of day
What are the causes?
Low back pain is rarely caused by a single factor. Most often, several add up:
- Mechanical stress: poor work posture, lifting loads, repetitive movements, sedentary lifestyle.
- Disc problems: wear, bulging or herniated intervertebral disc.
- Lumbar osteoarthritis: degeneration of the vertebral joints with age.
- Muscle imbalances: weakness of the deep core, tightness of hamstrings and hip flexors.
- Psychological factors: stress, anxiety, lack of sleep — which sustain pain and muscle guarding.
When to consult at the clinic in Agadir?
Low back pain lasting more than a few days warrants a consultation. See Houda or Noureddine Gouizine without delay if:
- Pain lasts more than 3 to 5 days without improvement
- It recurs regularly (more than 2 episodes per year)
- It prevents you from sleeping, working, or doing your usual activities
- It radiates down a leg (suspected sciatica)
- It is accompanied by tingling, weakness, or urinary problems (see a doctor immediately)
Our physiotherapy approach
Every patient receives a thorough assessment at the first session: clinical exam, mobility tests, palpation, identification of aggravating factors. We then build a progressive plan combining:
- Manual therapy: gentle spinal mobilizations, release of contractures, targeted stretching.
- Deep core strengthening: activation of the transverse abdominis, multifidus, and pelvic floor. Clinical Pilates is often integrated.
- Postural retraining: learning correct movement patterns, ergonomics at work, at home, in the car.
- Active stretching: hamstrings, psoas, posterior chain.
- Laser therapy during the acute phase to calm pain and inflammation quickly.
- Therapeutic education: understanding your back, demystifying pain, preventing recurrence.
How many sessions and what to expect?
For acute low back pain, plan on 5 to 10 sessions over 3 to 6 weeks. Pain often decreases from the first sessions and mobility returns progressively.
For chronic low back pain, plan on 10 to 20 sessions spread over 2 to 3 months, with active long-term work and a home exercise program. The goal: break out of the pain–avoidance–weakness cycle and return to an active life without apprehension.
Preventing recurrence
After the treatment phase, we support you in lasting prevention:
- Personalized exercise program to continue 2 to 3 times per week
- Ergonomic advice tailored to your job (office, manual, standing, driving)
- Gradual return to physical activity (walking, swimming, Pilates)
- Stress management and sleep quality
- Annual follow-up recommended if you have risk factors
Services related to low back pain
Our physiotherapy services that help treat low back pain:
- Physiotherapy — primary care
- Clinical Pilates — strengthening and prevention
- Therapeutic massage — muscle relaxation
- Laser therapy — acute pain relief
- Functional rehabilitation — return to activity