Is it really a disc bulge? The surprising role of your glutes in lower back pain.

Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek help from health professionals. It can range from a mild, nagging ache to something that makes daily life feel like a challenge.

Often, people assume it must be something serious — like a disc bulge — especially if they've had a scan or imaging done. But here’s the interesting part: what shows up on a scan doesn’t always match how you feel.

So… what else could be causing the pain?

In many cases, tight or weak gluteal muscles (your butt muscles) can be a big contributor to lower back discomfort. These muscles support your hips and pelvis, and when they’re not doing their job well, your lower back picks up the slack.

Over time, this can lead to:

• Increased pressure and fatigue in the lower back

• Reduced mobility and stiffness

• A feeling of being “stuck” or tight when moving

  
  

And the catch? These issues won’t show up on your scans.

A Simple Stretch You Can Try at Home

If you’re dealing with lower back tension, here’s a glute-focused stretch that many people find helpful:

✅ Sit tall on a chair

✅ Cross one ankle over the opposite knee

✅ Gently lean forward until you feel a stretch in the hip

✅ Hold for about 30 seconds, then switch sides

This stretch can help release tension through the hips and may reduce strain on the lower back — especially if you’ve been sitting for long periods.

Understanding the Bigger Picture

At ReachHealth, we believe in looking beyond the scan. We consider how your whole body moves and functions together — because pain is often the result of more than one factor.

If you're experiencing persistent lower back pain, it's worth exploring whether tight muscles, posture, or movement patterns could be playing a role.

We’ve created a short video that explains this further — including a demonstration of the stretch:

📍ReachHealth Elsternwick

Providing care with a whole-body approach.

📞 Call us at 1300 696 783

💻 Book online: www.reachhealth.com.au