Back Pain Treatment

Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Physiotherapy Treatments

Back pain is one of the most common health problems affecting people of all ages from office workers to professional athletes. It can range from a mild ache to severe, debilitating pain that affects your daily life. The good news is that with the right diagnosis and treatment, most cases of back pain can be managed effectively.

In this article, we’ll explore the main causes of back pain, common symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help you recover and prevent it from coming back.

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain can be classified into acute (short-term, lasting less than 6 weeks), subacute (6–12 weeks), and chronic (lasting more than 12 weeks). It may be localised to a small area or radiate into the legs, depending on the underlying cause.

In most cases, it’s linked to muscle strain, poor posture, injuries, or spinal conditions  but sometimes, it can be related to lifestyle factors such as prolonged sitting or lack of exercise.

Common Causes of Back Pain

1. Muscle or ligament strain: Often caused by heavy lifting, sudden awkward movements, or overuse during sports or exercise.
   
2. Poor posture: Sitting for long hours with slouched shoulders or improper ergonomic setups.
   
3. Herniated or slipped disc: When the cushioning between your spinal bones presses on a nerve.
   
4. Degenerative disc disease: Wear and tear on spinal discs due to ageing.
   
5. Sciatica: Nerve pain that travels from the lower back down the leg.
   
6. Injuries from sports or accidents: High-impact sports, falls, or collisions.
   
7. Arthritis and joint problems: Such as spinal osteoarthritis, which can cause stiffness and pain.
   

Symptoms of Back Pain

• Persistent aching or stiffness along the spine
  
• Sharp, localised pain in the lower back
  
• Pain radiating to the buttocks, thighs, or legs
  
• Reduced range of motion and flexibility
  
• Muscle spasms
  
• Difficulty standing upright or walking for long periods
  

When to See a Physiotherapist

If your back pain lasts for more than a few days, is severe, or limits your daily activities, a physiotherapist can help. Early intervention speeds up recovery and prevents chronic issues. Seek immediate help if you experience numbness, tingling, weakness in the legs, or loss of bladder/bowel control.

Effective Physiotherapy Treatments for Back Pain

Physiotherapy offers non-invasive, evidence-based treatments to relieve back pain, restore movement, and prevent recurrence. Some proven approaches include:

1. Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques to mobilise joints, reduce muscle tension, and improve circulation.

2. Exercise Therapy

Tailored stretching and strengthening exercises to restore balance, flexibility, and core stability.

3. Posture Correction

Guidance on maintaining proper posture during daily activities and ergonomic workplace adjustments.

4. Dry Needling

Targeting tight muscle knots to reduce tension and improve mobility.

5. IASTM (Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation)

Specialised tools to break down scar tissue and improve soft tissue function.

6. Sports Injury Rehabilitation

In some cases, sports injury rehab helps manage lower back pain effectively especially if the pain stems from overuse or injury during sports.

Preventing Back Pain

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce strain on your spine
  
• Strengthen core muscles through regular exercise
  
• Practice proper lifting techniques
  
• Avoid sitting for long periods without breaks
  
• Use ergonomic chairs and desk setups
  
• Stretch regularly to keep muscles flexible
  

Final Thoughts

Back pain can disrupt your work, hobbies, and daily life  but it doesn’t have to. With early diagnosis, targeted physiotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments, you can relieve pain, improve mobility, and prevent future flare-ups.

If you’re struggling with back pain, consult with expert physiotherapists in your local area to get back to living pain-free.