Can physiotherapy help back pain?

Yes, physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for many types of back pain. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, restoring movement, improving strength, and helping you return to normal activities as quickly as possible. Movement is usually the answer instead of rest.

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Should I see a physiotherapist for back pain?

If your back pain is limiting your work, exercise, sleep, or daily activities, physiotherapy can help identify the cause and create a personalised treatment plan. Early treatment often prevents minor problems from becoming long-term issues.

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Can physiotherapy help neck pain?

Yes, physiotherapy can be highly effective for neck pain caused by poor posture, muscle tension, sports injuries, stress, desk work, headaches, or joint stiffness. Treatment may include manual therapy, exercise, dry needling, and movement education.

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What causes neck pain?

Common causes of neck pain include:

• Poor posture

• Desk-based work

• Stress and muscle tension

• Sports injuries

• Whiplash injuries

• Arthritis

• Prolonged phone or laptop use

A physiotherapy assessment can help determine the underlying cause.

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Can physiotherapy help sciatica?

Yes, physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for sciatica. Treatment focuses on reducing nerve irritation, improving movement, strengthening supporting muscles, and helping prevent future flare-ups.

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What is sciatica?

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes irritated or compressed. There are two main causes of Sciatica, irritation of the nerve as it passes through the Piriformis muscle or irritation as the nerves leave the spinal canal. Symptoms can include:

• Pain travelling down the leg

• Tingling or pins and needles

• Numbness

• Weakness

• Lower back pain

Symptoms may vary from mild discomfort to severe pain.

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How do I know if I have a slipped disc?

A disc injury may cause:

• Lower back pain

• Pain travelling into the leg

• Numbness or tingling

• Increased pain when sitting

• Difficulty bending forward

Not all back pain is caused by a disc problem, so a professional assessment is important.

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Can physiotherapy help a slipped disc?

In many cases, yes. Most disc-related back pain can be successfully managed with physiotherapy, exercise, education, and activity modification. Surgery is often not required.

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How many physiotherapy sessions will I need for back pain?

The number of sessions depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms. Some patients improve within a few visits, while more persistent conditions may require a longer rehabilitation programme.

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Is it normal for back pain to come and go?

Yes, many people experience recurring episodes of back pain. Physiotherapy can help identify contributing factors and provide strategies to reduce the frequency and severity of future episodes.

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Should I rest when I have back pain?

In most cases, complete bed rest is not recommended. Gentle movement and staying active within your comfort level often lead to better recovery outcomes than prolonged rest.

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Can poor posture cause neck and back pain?

Poor posture can contribute to muscle tension, joint stiffness, and increased strain on the neck and back. However, posture is only one factor and is rarely the sole cause of pain.

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Can working from home cause neck pain?

Yes, poor workstation setup, prolonged sitting, and reduced movement throughout the day can contribute to neck, shoulder, and back pain. A workstation assessment and physiotherapy can help address both symptoms and contributing factors.

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Can physiotherapy help headaches caused by neck tension?

Yes, tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches are commonly linked to the neck. Physiotherapy can help improve neck mobility, reduce muscle tension, and decrease headache frequency.

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What are the warning signs that back pain requires urgent medical attention?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control

• Numbness around the groin or saddle area

• Significant leg weakness

• Severe trauma

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fever associated with back pain

These symptoms require urgent medical assessment.

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Can exercise make my back pain worse?

The right exercises usually help back pain. However, performing the wrong exercises at the wrong stage of recovery can aggravate symptoms. A physiotherapist can guide you through a safe rehabilitation programme.

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Can I continue exercising with back pain?

In many cases, yes. Maintaining some level of activity is often beneficial. Your physiotherapist can advise which activities are safe and which should be temporarily modified.

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Do you treat runners with back pain?

Yes, we regularly assess and treat runners experiencing lower back pain, hip pain, and running-related injuries. Treatment often includes strength training, mobility work, and running-specific rehabilitation.

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Can stress cause neck and back pain?

Stress can increase muscle tension and pain sensitivity, particularly around the neck, shoulders, and lower back. Physiotherapy can help manage physical symptoms while addressing contributing lifestyle factors.

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What should I wear to my physiotherapy appointment?

Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement is ideal. For back and neck assessments, we may need to observe posture and movement patterns, so loose-fitting sportswear is recommended.