The spine consists of 33 bones called vertebrae stacked on top of each other. There are 7 in the neck (cervical spine), 12 in the mid back (thoracic spine), and 5 in the lower back (lumbar spine). The additional 8-10 vertebrae are fused in the sacrum and coccyx at the base of the spine. The vertebrae are supported by ligaments, discs, muscles, and connective tissue making the spine a stable structure. It is common to get pain in any part of the spine, from the neck to the lower back. In fact, back pain is the leading cause of musculoskeletal disability and days off sick from work worldwide. It is incredibly common with up to 80% of people experiencing it during their lifetimes. Although back pain can be concerning for people the good news is research suggests that active approaches such as physiotherapy are the gold standard treatment and help to improve pain, function, and quality of life.
What to expect?
Jo or Catherine will take a thorough history and use screening questions to understand more about your back pain. We will then assess your movement and provide you with an individualised treatment plan based on your assessment findings. This is likely to include hands-on treatment, education, and exercise.
At your initial assessment, we will set goals around what you want to achieve. We understand of course you want to be pain-free, but it is important you set functional goals so you can see your improvements and ensure you get back to doing what you want to do.
Do I need physiotherapy?
If you are experiencing back pain we advise you to come and see Jo or Catherine. Physiotherapy is effective for all types of back and neck pain including muscle and ligament strains, disc bulges/ herniation, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, osteoporosis (including fractures), and osteoarthritis, sporting injuries, and whiplash. It is also appropriate for pre or post-spinal surgery.
Back pain can be very debilitating and can greatly affect your daily life. If it persists, it can affect your mood, work, and relationships. It is key you get onto your pain quickly and take control. Ongoing back pain can affect how you move and can cause the muscles around your spine to weaken. This in time can make your back pain worse and impede your recovery. It can also lead to an increased risk of recurrent episodes of low back pain.
