Understanding Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Treatments, and Relief

Chronic back pain is one of the most common complaints we treat at Peak Movement, affecting a wide range of people from desk-bound professionals in the CBD to trail runners on Table Mountain. So, what is chronic back pain? It’s pain that persists for 12 weeks or longer, even after the initial injury or cause has healed. While it can affect anyone, it’s often worsened by daily habits like poor posture, long hours seated at a computer, or ignoring small injuries. Left unmanaged, this type of back pain can lead to reduced mobility and ongoing discomfort that impacts quality of life.

What Causes Chronic Back Pain?

There are several reasons for chronic back pain, many of which are especially relevant in the modern working culture. Poor posture, prolonged sitting, and limited movement during the day, particularly in remote and office-based roles, can place constant strain on the spine. Add to that our long commutes and stop-start traffic, and it’s no surprise many locals are feeling it in their lower backs.

Medically, what causes chronic back pain often includes spinal degeneration, disc herniation, muscle imbalances, and inflammation. Structural changes in the spine can also stem from past injuries that were never properly treated.

Women may experience unique causes, including hormonal fluctuations and musculoskeletal changes. These are common reasons for chronic back pain in females, especially during pregnancy, where shifting posture and ligament laxity contribute significantly. Understanding what causes severe back pain during pregnancy is key to supporting expecting mothers with proper movement and care.

Outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, and mountain biking are part of Cape Town’s active lifestyle, but repetitive strain and overuse can also trigger severe lower back pain if not balanced with recovery and strengthening exercises.

Chronic Back Pain: When to Seek Help and What It May Indicate

Chronic pain is typically defined as pain that lasts longer than three months, and when it comes to your back, it should never be ignored. So, what is chronic back pain a symptom of? In some cases, it may point to underlying chronic back pain diseases such as arthritis, degenerative disc disease, or fibromyalgia. It can also signal structural issues in the spine or nerve compression that require professional assessment.

You should seek help if the pain becomes constant, affects your mobility, or worsens over time. If you're experiencing severe back pain and headache together, or symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the limbs, these may indicate a more serious condition.

Don’t wait until the pain becomes unmanageable. Early intervention can make all the difference in preventing long-term damage. While many worry is chronic back pain permanent, timely treatment can greatly improve outcomes and quality of life.

Chronic Back Pain Solutions in Cape Town: Treatment & Relief Options

At Peak Movement in Cape Town, we take a personalised and evidence-based approach to managing chronic back pain. Our integrated physiotherapy services include spinal adjustments, dry needling, sports massage, and Pilates, all proven to reduce pain and restore mobility. These therapies are particularly effective in targeting the root cause rather than just the symptoms, providing lasting chronic back pain solutions.

For some, short-term use of chronic back pain medicine, both over-the-counter and prescribed, can assist in managing inflammation and pain. However, medicine should support, not replace, a comprehensive care plan that includes movement, education, and lifestyle changes.

We work with a wide range of individuals, from office workers in Claremont with posture-related pain to surfers in Muizenberg and trail runners navigating the slopes of Lion’s Head. Our therapists also support mothers recovering after childbirth, many of whom experience persistent back discomfort linked to weakened core muscles and postural shifts.

One of the most effective long-term strategies is a targeted exercise programme. Our team will guide you through exercises for chronic back pain, customised to your needs and goals. These movements focus on core activation, mobility, and spinal alignment, helping to reduce strain and improve resilience.

If you’re looking for trusted, hands-on care and practical recovery strategies, we’re here to help. Book your consultation with our team today and discover a path to lasting relief.

Prevention and Long-Term Support: Building a Pain-Free Future

Managing chronic back pain isn’t just about treatment, it’s about prevention too. At Peak Movement, we believe in giving our clients the tools to stay strong, mobile, and pain-free. That includes correcting posture, integrating movement into your daily routine, and improving strength through guided physiotherapy and functional fitness.

Our holistic service offering, from nutrition to fitness to rehabilitation, supports long-term results. We help you identify personal reasons for chronic back pain and tailor sustainable solutions that fit your lifestyle, whether you're navigating office life or enjoying Cape Town’s active outdoor culture.