You think you're too young for low back pain? Think again!

‘Maya’ was 27, a driven young journalist with a bright future. Her days were spent chasing stories, and her nights were dedicated to crafting compelling reports.

 Unfortunately, what began as a mild discomfort in her lower back soon escalated into a relentless pain that overshadowed her passion for her work.

When Maya first came to me, she was desperate. “I can barely sit through an interview without wincing,” she confided. “I feel like this pain will never go away. How did this happen to me? Am I not too young for this?” The pain wasn’t just physical—it was emotional, too. Maya felt like she was losing her identity, her career and her love for journalism.

Determined to help her reclaim her life, we started a treatment plan tailored to her needs. With consistent physiotherapy, adjustments to her posture and lifestyle, and a focus on strengthening her core and back muscles, Maya began to see gradual improvements. 

The journey was not easy, but with each session, her resilience grew. Today, she’s back on the beat, reporting with the same passion and vigour as before—only now, she understands the importance of listening to her body.

Maya’s story is one of many that highlight a common but often overlooked issue: low back pain is not exclusive to the elderly. In my six years of practice as a physiotherapist, working with both elite athletes and clients from all walks of life, I’ve encountered countless young patients who are shocked when low back pain strikes them, shattering the belief that they are "too young" for such problems.

The unexpected reality
Many young people, like Maya, believe they are invincible. The idea that low back pain is something that only affects those over 40 or 50 is a widespread misconception. But the reality is quite different. 

Low back pain doesn’t discriminate by age—it can affect anyone, at any stage of life.
I’ve seen young patients, some as young as their early 20s, walk into my clinic devastated by the sudden onset of back pain.

They often express feelings of helplessness and despair, asking the same questions: “Why me? Am I not too young for this?” The truth is, the factors that contribute to low back pain are often present long before the pain begins.