Back and Neck Pain

Back and neck pain are the most common reason for visiting a physio. They can be caused by a number of different factors, from facet joints, discs and tissues in and around the spine, to postural problems, pinched nerves, or sprains and strains.

Our 360º approach to your recovery enables our specialists to assess and address a wide range of causes and factors, and choose from an even wider range of treatments and therapies to reduce pain and restore your flexibility and freedom of movement.

What causes back pain?

Back pain is often the result of a sudden incident or injury, poor postural habits when sitting, standing or sleeping, or simply an accumulation of physical stress on the spine. However, there are other causes too, such as inflammatory conditions, or, in rare cases, problems such as progressive diseases affecting bones and joints.

Physiotherapy is widely recognised as a safe and efficient way to treat back pain, and our team of experts are trained to diagnose the problem by carrying out comprehensive clinical assessments.

With expertise in a range of different disciplines, our specialists can create a highly personalised treatment plan for your specific problem that speeds up your recovery and delivers long-lasting benefits.

To help restore a normal range of motion, strength and full function, your plan may include everything from lifestyle advice and education to a tailored exercise plan, deep tissue massage, dry needling or postural advice. Our network of expertise means we can also refer you to some of the world’s leading consultants.

How to prevent back and neck pain

While once the remedy for a bad back was to rest in bed, people who keep moving are now known to recover quicker. However, while movement is helpful, it is important to perform the right movements and our specialists can help to determine what works best for you.

The following small changes can all help, however please remember that these alone will not be sufficient to alleviate posture problems.

• Keep your head centred over your spine, your shoulders in a straight line over your hips and ears directly over your shoulders.
• If you travel long distances or work long hours at your computer, stretch your neck and shoulders. Ensure your monitor is at eye level and your knees lower than your hips.
• You should also avoid heavy shoulder bags, as the weight can strain your neck.

If you’d like further advice on maintaining good posture and avoiding back and neck pain, our specialists can provide a range of body, lifestyle and work assessments. Talk to us today.