What is back pain?
Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, yet most cases involve no serious structural damage. Pain can come from muscles, joints, discs, ligaments, or nerves, and often from a combination. Understanding what is driving it is the first step to treating it.
Back pain is broadly divided into acute (lasting less than six weeks), subacute (six weeks to three months), and chronic (more than three months). The approach to each differs, but physiotherapy is effective across all three stages.
Common causes
- Muscle and ligament strains from sudden movements or overuse
- Intervertebral disc bulge or herniation, often causing referred leg pain (sciatica)
- Facet joint irritation or dysfunction
- Poor posture and prolonged sitting, particularly common in desk-based workers in Westminster and Victoria
- Degenerative changes (osteoarthritis) in the lumbar spine
- Stress and psychosocial factors, which significantly influence pain perception
Symptoms
Back pain presents differently in each person. You might experience:
- A dull, persistent ache in the lower or upper back
- Sharp pain triggered by specific movements such as bending or twisting
- Stiffness first thing in the morning that eases with movement
- Pain that radiates into the buttocks, thigh, or down the leg (sciatica)
- Pins and needles or numbness in the legs
- Muscle spasm causing you to guard your movement
How physiotherapy helps
Physiotherapy for back pain is evidence-based and highly effective. Rather than relying on passive treatments alone, the goal is to understand the cause of your pain and address it directly — restoring movement, building strength, and reducing sensitivity in the nervous system.
What treatment involves
- A thorough assessment to identify the specific structures involved and rule out any red flags requiring onward referral
- Manual therapy — joint mobilisation and manipulation, soft tissue work — to reduce pain and improve range of motion
- A targeted exercise programme to build the strength and stability that supports your spine long-term
- Education on posture, load management, and movement habits that reduce the risk of recurrence
- Guidance on staying active, since rest alone is rarely the answer
What to expect from recovery
Most acute back pain improves within a few weeks of starting physiotherapy. Chronic or complex presentations take longer, but meaningful progress is achievable with a consistent approach. At the initial assessment I will give you a clear picture of your timeline and what to expect.
Recovery is about more than pain going away. It builds confidence in your body and the resilience to prevent future episodes. Many patients keep the exercise habits formed during treatment long after they stop coming in.