Why Most Low Back Pain Isn’t a ‘Mystery’—It’s a Mechanical Problem

WHY MOST LOW BACK PAIN ISN'T A MYSTERY - IT'S A MECHANICAL PROBLEM

May 16, 2025
Perth Injury & Pain Clinic

If you’ve been told your back pain is “non-specific” or has “no clear cause,” you’re not alone. Up to 85% of people with low back pain are handed a vague diagnosis without a clear path forward. But according to world-renowned spine researcher Professor Stuart McGill, the truth is much more hopeful: most low back pain has a very specific mechanical cause.

Understanding this mechanical foundation is the first step toward lasting relief.

The Myth of "Non-Specific" Back Pain

Too often, healthcare providers default to calling back pain “non-specific” when imaging like MRI scans don’t show dramatic findings. But McGill’s research shows that pain often stems from predictable mechanical problems — such as how the spine is loaded, moved, and stressed during daily life.

In other words: pain is not random. It’s the result of certain tissues becoming sensitized due to mechanical overload.

Common Mechanical Causes of Low Back Pain

Repeated Flexion Cycles: Repeated bending forward and back places stress on spinal discs, often leading to micro-injury.
Shear Instability: When small stabilizing muscles fail, the spine becomes vulnerable to shear forces between vertebrae.
Poor Movement Patterns: Awkward lifting, sitting, and bending create excessive stress on certain spinal tissues over time.
Loss of Core Stability: Inadequate support from the core musculature means the spine bears loads it wasn’t designed to handle.

Why Identifying the Mechanism Matters

Proper diagnosis doesn’t mean relying solely on imaging. A skilled clinician will use thorough assessment techniques — including movement analysis, provocative testing, and health history — to pinpoint the exact mechanical cause of pain.

When you identify the true root cause, treatment becomes targeted and highly effective.

The Path to Recovery

Avoiding the Aggravator: First, remove the movement or load that provokes pain.
Restoring Stability: Focus on core bracing, building “spare capacity” for daily life demands.
Rebuilding Movement Patterns: Teach the spine to bend, lift, and move safely and efficiently.

This process, grounded in the principles developed by Stuart McGill, has helped countless individuals return to full, pain-free function.

Take ACTION TODAY

Don’t accept “non-specific” as an answer. Your pain has a cause — and with the right assessment, you can find it. Book an initial consultation with our experienced team today. For complex cases, our McGill Method certified practitioners (the only in Western Australia) are here to guide your recovery.