Back Pain - Back Pain Solutions

What is Back Pain?

The spine, or back, is the main support structure of the body, made up from an intricate network of nerves, blood vessels, muscles, ligaments, and bones.

Back pain is a common issue for people of all ages and happens when any part of this system is strained, injured, or inflamed. This discomfort can cause aching, stiffness or sharp pain, making movement difficult and reducing quality of life. Whether it’s sitting, standing, bending or lifting, back pain can limit daily activities leading to lower productivity, sleep disturbances and emotional strain.

Seeking professional care like osteopathic treatment is essential for managing back pain effectively and restoring normal function for a pain-free life.

Image of a man Holding his lower back, which displays his spine glowing red indicating pain

Types of Back Pain

Upper Back Pain

Upper back pain occurs between the base of the neck and the bottom of the rib cage. This area, called the thoracic spine, supports the upper body. It can happen due to muscle strain, poor posture, injury, or other medical issues. Symptoms include stiffness, dull aches, or sharp pains in the upper back. Getting medical advice is crucial for proper diagnosis and management. If left untreated, upper back pain can worsen and lead to limited mobility, chronic discomfort, and potential complications with daily activities.

Women lying on her front receiving massage to her lower back

Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain refers to discomfort or soreness experienced in the area between the bottom of the rib cage and the hips. This region, also known as the lumbar spine, is made up of five vertebrae and supports the body’s weight and movement.

The wide range of causes for lower back pain may include:

Muscle strain or sprain
Poor posture or biomechanics
Herniated or degenerative discs
Medical conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis
Spinal stenosis
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Sciatica

Sciatica

Sciatica is a condition that originates from the compression/irritation of the sciatic nerve which can cause pain to radiate from the lower back down through the buttocks and into the legs. Symptoms of sciatica may include sharp or shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the lower back, buttocks, or legs.

Sciatica is often caused by conditions such as:

Herniated or bulging discs in the spine
Degenerative disc disease
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Piriformis syndrome
Spondylolisthesis

Read our full Sciatica article Here

Generalised Back Pain

Generalised or non-specific back pain refers to discomfort or soreness experienced in the back area without a specific identifiable cause or underlying condition. Instead of being attributed to a particular injury or medical issue, this type of pain can arise from everyday activities such poor posture or strains from ongoing overuse. While it lacks a clear cause, general back pain can still significantly impact daily activities and quality of life. The significance of continuous back care is highlighted by generalised pain, emphasising the need for regular evaluation of posture, lifting methods, and daily activities.

Disc Injury

A spinal disc injury happens when the discs between the spine’s vertebrae get damaged. These discs have a soft centre surrounded by a tough outer layer. Injury can occur due to sudden trauma, repetitive strain, or degeneration. Common types of disc injuries include herniation and degeneration. Symptoms often include pain as well as numbness, tingling, or weakness into one or both legs. If a disc bulge is left untreated, it can potentially worsen over time and lead to increased pain and discomfort. Surgery is typically reserved for more severe cases when conservative measures fail to provide relief.

Image of a man Holding his upper back, which displays his spine glowing red indicating pain

Upper Back Pain

Lower Back Pain

The wide range of causes for lower back pain may include:

Muscle strain or sprain
Poor posture or biomechanics
Herniated or degenerative discs
Medical conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis
Spinal stenosis
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Sciatica

Generalised Back Pain

Disc Injury

Sciatica

Sciatica is often caused by conditions such as:

Herniated or bulging discs in the spine
Degenerative disc disease
Lumbar spinal stenosis
Piriformis syndrome
Spondylolisthesis

How Can Back Pain Solutions Help You?

Suffering from back pain can hinder daily activities, disrupt sleep, lead to decreased productivity and can cause significant physical and emotional strain. To reduce your back pain and prevent further problems we approach back pain holistically and the tailor each treatment to you and your needs.

At Back Pain Solutions, we specialise in providing award winning care to help individuals find relief from back pain. Through personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, we utilise variety of techniques, including manual manipulation, soft tissue therapy and rehabilitative exercises to address the root cause of the pain. Our holistic approach focuses on restoring optimal function and promoting long-term wellness, empowering individuals to regain mobility, alleviate discomfort and improve overall quality of life. Whether you’re struggling with acute or chronic back pain, our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you on the path to recovery and helping you achieve lasting relief.

HELP ME WITH MY BACK PAIN

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do I need to see my doctor first?

You do not need to see your doctor first if you are paying for your own treatment. However, some insurance companies require you to see your doctor first.

Will my back pain go away on its own?

Back pain can vary a lot in how bad it is and how long it lasts. Whether it goes away by itself depends on a variety of things like what’s causing it, your health, how you live, and what other treatments you try. Sometimes back pain may resolve on its own with rest, gentle exercises, and over-the-counter pain medications, but if you have more long-term back pain (over 5 weeks) or pain that keeps coming back, it’s important to see a healthcare professional like an osteopath or a doctor to figure out what’s causing your back pain and get the right treatment plan.

If I’m already in pain, won't manual therapy and exercise make it worse?

We know that certain treatments might seem scary, confusing, or even counter productive, but we’ll give you the right treatment for your situation and explain everything before we start, so you know what to expect. We’re friendly, easy to talk to, and gentle!

Sometimes however starting a course of hands-on treatment is not the right course of action and that’s exactly why our consultation process is so thorough, so that we make sure you are given the best advice possible.