Low back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek support for their body. While many factors can contribute, this page offers a perspective through the lens of fascia—drawing on current research and clinical experience. By considering the role of connective tissue, movement patterns, and nervous system responses, we can begin to understand the many layers that might influence pain and function—and how meaningful change can occur.
 It’s Not Always a Disc Problem
Low back pain is incredibly common—but so are misunderstandings about where it comes from. One of the biggest myths is that pain always means there’s something seriously wrong with your spine, like a “slipped disc” or a “pinched nerve.”

Modern understanding and research show that many people have disc bulges or degeneration on imaging (like MRIs) and feel no pain at all. And many people who do experience pain show no clear findings on scans. Pain isn’t always a direct sign of damage—it can also be a signal that the body is asking for change, or that the nervous system is becoming protective.

Pain is often a complex experience—not just the result of a single structural issue. Understanding it may involve looking beyond the spine to include the many layers of the body that support movement, stability, and sensation.
💬 Note: While most low back pain improves without invasive treatment, there are certain symptoms that may indicate a more serious issue and require medical attention. These include loss of bowel or bladder control, progressive weakness, unrelenting or worsening night pain, significant trauma, or pain accompanied by numbness, tingling, or shooting pain down the leg. If any of these are present, or you have any concerns, it’s a good idea to check in with your GP.
The Lumbar Region: A Layered System
Your lower back isn’t just bones and discs—it’s a dynamic, layered system. Underneath the skin, you’ll find interconnected sheets of fascia, muscles, nerves, and joints, all organized in layers that need to slide, adapt, and communicate with one another.

When these layers lose their glide—due to injury, inflammation, tension, or even lack of movement—they can become sticky or stuck. This can create discomfort, stiffness, or pain, even without any damage to deeper structures.

The body is organized into layers: superficial fascia, deep fascia, muscle envelopes, nerve wrappings, and joint capsules. Each of these plays a role in movement and sensation. Changes in how they slide or interact can influence how the body feels and functions.
Why Fascia Matters
Fascia is connective tissue that wraps around, supports, and links everything in the body. It’s not just passive wrapping—it’s a living, sensing, responsive tissue that plays a big role in how we move, and how we feel.

Fascia contains nerve endings, responds to stretch and pressure, and helps coordinate movement between muscles. When it becomes dense, dry, or sticky, fascia can restrict motion and contribute to pain or tension patterns.

The good news is that fascia can adapt. Research shows it can change its texture, hydration, and glide in response to movement, breath, and hands-on input. It’s not fixed—it responds to care.

Working with the Nervous System
Pain isn’t always a sign that something is torn or out of place. It can also reflect how the nervous system is responding—seeking safety, clarity, or a different kind of input. Hands-on support and movement can offer the system that input—through pressure, stretch, engagement, or even stillness. These tools help the body process sensation, reorganize movement patterns, and return to a more responsive state.

Movement plays a key role in this process. It supports circulation, keeps fascia adaptable, and helps the nervous system register that movement is safe and possible again. When movement feels accessible and purposeful, it can rebuild trust in the body and invite more stability and freedom.
​Rather than focusing only on the area of pain, it is also helpful to look at how the whole body is moving—how tension is shared across structures, how fascial layers glide, and where movement may be limited or patterned by past experiences.
⚠️ Disclaimer:
This page is here to support—not replace—medical advice. If you're experiencing intense, unusual, or worsening symptoms, it's a good idea to check in with your GP.

🩺 For Referrers:
We’re always happy to collaborate with referring providers. Feel free to get in touch to discuss an approach or referral.
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Compiled by Joe Liguori