Back pain is extremely common and can affect people of all ages. It may come on suddenly after an injury or unusual activity, develop gradually over time, or keep returning without an obvious cause.
At Corsham Physiotherapy, we will start by assessing your symptoms, movement and medical history to help understand what may be causing your back pain. Treatment will be tailored to you, with the initial aim of helping to relieve your symptoms before addressing any factors that may be contributing to the problem.
What Causes Back Pain?
There are many possible causes of back pain. Sometimes there has been an obvious injury, while at other times pain develops without one particular event.
Back pain can be associated with irritation of the joints, muscles and other soft tissues around the spine, changes associated with wear and ageing, or irritation of a nerve. Your symptoms may also be influenced by how much you have been doing, changes in activity, strength and mobility, or spending long periods in one position.
Some of the conditions we commonly see include:
Sciatica • Disc problems • Arthritis of the spine • Spondylolisthesis • Spondylosis • Muscular and joint-related back pain
A physiotherapy assessment can help identify the factors that may be contributing to your symptoms and the most appropriate way forward.
Sciatica and Nerve Pain
Back pain can sometimes be accompanied by pain, tingling, numbness or other symptoms travelling into the buttock or leg.
Sciatica describes symptoms caused by irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve or the nerve roots that form it. There are a number of possible causes, so an assessment can be helpful in establishing what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Read more about Sciatica
Recurring or Persistent Back Pain
If your back pain keeps returning, or has been present for some time, treatment isn’t necessarily just about settling the current flare-up.
We can look at factors such as strength, mobility and how your back responds to different movements and activities. Exercise and rehabilitation may then form part of your treatment, helping you gradually become stronger and more confident in the activities that matter to you.
Read more about Exercise and Rehabilitation
Back Pain During Pregnancy
Back and pelvic pain can occur during pregnancy as the body adapts to changes in posture, movement and load.
Physiotherapy can help assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment, movement and exercise advice to help you remain as comfortable and active as possible during your pregnancy.
Read more about pregnancy aches and pains
How Can Physiotherapy Help Back Pain?
Your treatment will depend on your assessment, symptoms and individual circumstances. It may include hands-on techniques such as massage, mobilisation or manipulation, alongside stretching, movement and individually tailored exercises. Depending on your individual needs, we may also use treatments such as medical acupuncture or electrotherapy to help manage pain and symptoms.
As your symptoms improve, exercise and rehabilitation can help you restore movement and strength and gradually return to your usual activities.
If your assessment suggests that physiotherapy isn’t appropriate, or that further investigation or medical assessment may be needed, we can advise you on the most appropriate next steps.
Pilates for Back Pain
Pilates may also be appropriate as part of your longer-term exercise programme. With a focus on strength, mobility, balance and control, it can help you develop a strong foundation for everyday movement and activity.
Some people begin Pilates following physiotherapy treatment, while others choose it as an ongoing form of exercise to help them stay strong, mobile and active. We offer individual Pilates as well as a range of classes at different levels, with exercises adapted where appropriate to take account of injuries, back problems or individual needs.
Read more about Pilates here
What Can I Do Myself if I Have Back Pain?
In most cases, it is helpful to keep gently active and continue with your usual daily activities as much as you comfortably can. Try to avoid spending long periods sitting or lying down, and gradually increase your activity as your symptoms allow.
Some people find heat or a cold pack helpful for temporary symptom relief. If your pain is severe, getting worse quickly, or you are concerned about your symptoms, seek medical advice.
When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Advice?
Call 999 or go to A&E if you have back pain accompanied by:
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- loss of feeling around your genitals or anus
- changes in your bladder or bowel function, such as difficulty passing urine or being unable to control your bladder or bowels
- chest pain
- back pain that started after a serious accident
These symptoms can sometimes indicate a serious condition requiring urgent medical assessment.
Book an Appointment for Back Pain
Whether your back pain has just started, keeps coming back or has been troubling you for some time, our physiotherapists can assess your symptoms and help you decide on the most appropriate way forward.
Please either contact our reception or book online to make an appointment.