Part 1: The Two Faces of Chronic Low Back Pain – Somatic vs. Radicular

As a physiotherapist, I’ve spent years helping people navigate the often confusing world of chronic low back pain. If you’ve ever experienced it—or treated it—you know it’s not a one-size-fits-all problem. Broadly speaking, chronic low back pain falls into two categories: somatic and radicular. Understanding the difference is a great starting point for anyone looking to reclaim their life from pain.

Somatic pain is the most common type I see in my practice. It’s that deep, achy sensation that seems to live in the muscles, ligaments, or joints of your lower back, and can radiate into your hips and legs. It might feel diffuse or hard to pinpoint—like your back is just “grumpy” all the time. It’s often tied to how we move (or don’t move) and how our body responds to stress or injury over time.

Radicular pain, on the other hand, is sharper and more electric. It shoots down your leg, often following the path of a nerve—like the sciatic nerve—because it’s caused by irritation or compression of those nerve roots. Think tingling, burning, or that classic “pins and needles” feeling.

Both types can stick around far longer than we’d like, turning into chronic pain—pain that lasts beyond three months. In this series, we’re going to zoom in on chronic somatic low back pain because it’s where I see the most opportunity for change. It’s not just about the back itself; it’s about how our brain and body team up in ways that can either help us heal or keep us stuck. Ready to dive deeper? Let’s explore what’s really driving that ache in Part 2.

This is APA Sports Physiotherapist, Darren Glendenning, signing off for now!

You can book an appointment with Darren or Newcastle Knights Physiotherapists Katie or Hayd'n at www.upnadamptphysio.com

Bookings also available on our website for:

• Dietitian - weight-loss or to optimise your training nutrition / fueling

• VO2 Max testing - to discover more effective ways to train efficiently

• Strength & Conditioning Programs - contact us via the website or email us at upnadamptphysio@gmail.com

• Remedial Massage - to relieve accumulative muscle tightness from chronic pain or from training that could lead to injury.