Lower Back Pain in Dancers – Physiotherapy Treatment

As a dancer, your body is your instrument. Every leap, extension, and pose requires strength, control, and flexibility. But when lower back pain in dancers becomes a reality, it can impact not just your movement—but your confidence, performance, and long-term health.

If you’ve ever experienced a dull ache or sharp twinge in your lumbar spine, you’re not alone. Lower back pain is one of the most common complaints among dancers. Fortunately, with targeted physiotherapy, recovery is possible—and often faster than you think.

Image courtesy of Timeless Moon. (n.d.). Backbend. GetArchive. Retrieved from https://timelessmoon.getarchive.net/amp/topics/backbend.

Why Does Lower Back Pain Affect Dancers So Often?

The lower back, or lumbar spine, plays a crucial role in supporting body weight and enabling a wide range of motion. For dancers, who frequently perform backbends, extensions, spinal twists, and jumps, this area is under constant stress. These repetitive, high-demand movements often lead to:

  • Overuse injuries

  • Muscle imbalances

  • Joint dysfunctions

  • Stress fractures (such as spondylolysis)¹

Anatomy of the spine or spinal curves infographic

Image courtesy of Freepik: ‘Vertebrae spinal cord anatomy infographics’ (https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/vertebrae-spinal-cord-anatomy-infographics-with-scientific-image-vertebral-column-with-pieces-spine-explained-vector-illustration_32627138.htm), used under Freepik’s free license with attribution.

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain in Dancers:

  • Poor core strength
    A weak core fails to support the spine during demanding choreography².

  • Muscle imbalances
    Tight hip flexors and underactive glutes can cause excess strain on the lumbar spine³.

  • Faulty technique
    Small technical errors, repeated over time, can overload spinal joints and soft tissues⁴.

  • Hypermobility
    Excessive flexibility without proper muscular control can destabilize your back⁵.

How Physiotherapy Helps Treat Lower Back Pain in Dancers

While rest or stretching may offer temporary relief, it’s vital to address the root cause. A physiotherapist specializing in dance medicine can create a personalized treatment plan that goes far beyond basic recovery.

A dancer-focused physiotherapy plan may include:

  • Movement assessment
    Identifying dysfunctional patterns or poor biomechanics that lead to pain.

  • Core and glute strengthening
    Customized exercises to enhance lumbar stability and control⁶.

  • Technique correction
    Subtle posture or alignment adjustments can significantly reduce strain and improve performance.

  • Pain relief techniques
    Including manual therapy, dry needling, or soft tissue release to alleviate discomfort⁷.

  • Return-to-dance planning
    A gradual, progressive program tailored to your dance style and schedule.

Working with a physiotherapist not only helps you heal—it reduces your risk of future injuries and helps you move with more efficiency and control.

Don’t Let Lower Back Pain Derail Your Dancing

If you live in Saskatchewan, feel free to book an Initial Assessment with Morgan at North 49 Physical Therapy. She brings an extensive background in dance to her practice.

References:

  1. Smith, J.A. et al. (2019). Spinal Injuries in Dancers. Journal of Dance Medicine & Science.

  2. Koutedakis, Y., & Sharp, N.C.C. (2004). The Fit and Healthy Dancer. Wiley-Blackwell.

  3. Hibbs, A.E., et al. (2008). Core Strength and its Role in Dance Performance. Physical Therapy in Sport.

  4. Allen, N., et al. (2012). Injury Incidence and Risk Factors in Ballet Dancers. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports.

  5. Arnold, C.M. & Faulkner, R.A. (2010). The Role of Hypermobility in Dance Injuries. Medical Problems of Performing Artists.

  6. Emery, C.A., et al. (2015). Preventive Strength Training in Young Athletes. British Journal of Sports Medicine.

  7. O’Sullivan, P.B., et al. (2005). Physiotherapy Management of Low Back Pain. The Lancet.