Back Pain Physiotherapy

What causes back pain?

Back pain may develop following an injury or strain, but it can also build up gradually. Factors such as prolonged sitting, repetitive movements, changes in activity levels, poor lifting technique, sporting activities or changes in strength and mobility can all contribute to back problems.

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Sometimes back pain is accompanied by symptoms such as pain travelling into the buttock or leg, pins and needles, numbness or changes in movement. These symptoms can occur with conditions such as sciatica or irritation of a nerve.

Your physiotherapist will take the time to understand when your symptoms started, what makes them better or worse and how they are affecting your daily life.

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How can physiotherapy help back pain?

Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve movement and restore strength and function. Your treatment will be tailored to your particular symptoms and goals.

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Following a detailed assessment, your physiotherapist may recommend a combination of treatments such as:

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Exercise and rehabilitation

Specific exercises can help improve strength, flexibility, movement and confidence. Your physiotherapist will provide exercises appropriate for your condition and stage of recovery.

Manual therapy

Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue treatment may be used where appropriate to help improve movement and reduce pain. Manual therapy is often combined with exercise and rehabilitation.

Advice and education

Understanding your back pain can be an important part of recovery. Your physiotherapist can provide advice about movement, activity, posture, lifting and ways of managing your symptoms.

Ergonomic assessment

For people whose back pain is associated with work or prolonged sitting, looking at your working environment and posture may be helpful. We also provide specialist ergonomic advice and workplace assessments.

Pain management

If you have persistent back pain, treatment may also include strategies to help you manage ongoing symptoms and improve your ability to carry out everyday activities. NWL Physio has specialist experience in chronic pain management, including persistent back and neck pain.

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Your back pain assessment

Back pain needs to be assessed carefully because similar symptoms can have different causes.

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At your first appointment, your physiotherapist will take a detailed history and ask about your symptoms, medical history and how your back pain affects your everyday activities.

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A physical assessment will then be carried out. This may include looking at your movement, muscle strength, mobility and other relevant areas to help identify the factors contributing to your symptoms.

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Your physiotherapist will explain their findings and discuss an individual treatment plan with you.

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The aim is not simply to reduce your current pain, but to help you restore movement and function and give you the knowledge and tools to help reduce the risk of further problems.

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When should you see a physiotherapist for back pain?

You may benefit from a physiotherapy assessment if your back pain:

• Has not improved with rest or normal activity

• Is affecting your work, sleep or everyday activities

• Keeps coming back

• Is limiting your ability to exercise or take part in sport

• Is associated with pain travelling into your leg

• Is making movement difficult

• Started following an injury or change in activity

 

If you are concerned about your symptoms, your physiotherapist can also advise whether further medical assessment is appropriate.

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Back pain physiotherapy in North West London

North West London Physio & Treatment Centre is based on Colindeep Lane in Hendon, providing physiotherapy for patients from Hendon, Colindale and the surrounding areas.

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The clinic has free on-site parking and is fully wheelchair accessible. The team includes experienced musculoskeletal physiotherapists who treat back and neck pain alongside a wide range of other musculoskeletal conditions.

 

Book a back pain assessment

If you are experiencing back pain and would like to discuss your symptoms with an experienced physiotherapist, contact North West London Physio & Treatment Centre.

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Call 0208 202 8322 or 0208 205 8737, or make an appointment online.

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Our physiotherapists will assess your symptoms and work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.