PhysioSpace Neck and Back Pain Treatment

Neck and back pain assessment at PhysioSpace

At PhysioSpace, we provide specialist assessment, diagnosis, recovery plans and treatment for neck and back pain. Across the UK, 4 in every 5 people will experience low back pain during their lifetime. The need for upper, middle and lower back pain relief is widespread: back problems account for 10% of adult GP appointments and are a leading reason for disability and absence from work. While some people have a straightforward ache that settles rapidly, others live with persistent pain.

Back pain is among the most frequent conditions we treat in clinic. Obtaining professional guidance and appropriate treatment promptly for lower back pain relief can lessen the chance of the problem becoming ongoing. It may also shorten recovery and, crucially, limit the effect on quality of life, everyday activities and work. These issues affect everyone differently: they may result in substantial pain and disability for some people, while causing no symptoms in others.

Treatments for low back pain relief

Massage and soft-tissue hands-on treatment

Massage can improve blood flow to painful areas and relieve muscle tension. As a result, it may reduce pain and improve restricted movement. When included within a structured treatment plan, it can be an effective option for many forms of back pain.

Joint mobilisations and manipulations

Joint mobilisation techniques help ease stiffness in the joints, increase movement and relieve pain. They may also be suitable for people with degenerative changes, disc problems and hypomobility, meaning general joint stiffness. As specialist physiotherapists, we can manipulate joints where indicated, in a manner very similar to chiropractors.

Ergonomic advice

Lifestyle factors can make a major contribution to low back pain. Sitting at work for 8+ hours with a badly arranged workstation is unlikely to benefit your back, yet this factor is frequently missed. Your physiotherapist can advise you on achieving the best possible posture. They can also provide guidance on workstation set-up, manual handling and adapting tasks to ease pain.

Exercise prescription

Strong evidence shows that both general and targeted exercise can benefit low back pain. Your physio can prescribe exercises to help you progress outside the clinic. Exercise programmes can include strengthening, stretching and general fitness work. We will also introduce the principles of Pilates. Our goal is to combine Physiotherapy hands-on treatment with your exercise plan, supported by our App, which you can access following your first session at PhysioSpace.

Why back pain occurs and accessing physiotherapy

Back pain can develop for several reasons. A range of body structures may be involved, although it is important to recognise that more than one contributing factor is often present, including lifestyle factors. Commonly recognised types of back pain include:

• Irritation of nerve roots, including the femoral or sciatic nerves; in the lower back, this is also called sciatica
• Increased muscle tone or spasm in the back muscles
• Bone deformity, such as spinal curvature or degenerative changes
• Ligament or muscle strain/sprain, which is common during pregnancy
• Intervertebral disc prolapse or degeneration

Physiotherapists are regarded as experts in low back pain. Through a thorough assessment, they can often identify the cause and begin treatment promptly. Physios are also trained to recognise serious conditions that can present as low back pain. This is particularly important because they know when referral to a GP or another specialist is appropriate.

Physiotherapy is available through the NHS, although it often requires a referral from your GP. In addition, waiting lists may last several weeks, and treatment choices can be restricted by resource limitations. Private physiotherapy can usually be accessed promptly and, for self-funding patients, without a referral. Many private providers also accept private health insurance, although a referral may be needed.