Back pain treatment in Cheltenham
Back pain frequently arises when there is an imbalance in the alignment or movement of your spinal joints, muscles, discs, and nerves. Activities that seem simple, like cleaning out a garage, raking leaves in the garden, or painting a ceiling, can lead to upper back muscle strain due to poor posture or excessive effort.
Let's be honest: our backs are inherently flawed; they aren't built to endure the pressures of upright walking. This is why many of our patients report discomfort in their lower back while running. Even if you are not a runner, lower back pain is quite prevalent, and physiotherapy has proven to be an effective treatment for relief.
While many people instinctively choose to rest whenever they experience back pain, however it's important to note that prolonged bed rest, beyond 48 hours, can actually worsen the condition, as recent research indicates. In severe cases, excessive rest can actually hinder your ability to sleep or work.
Although back pain may resolve on its own within six weeks, it can persist or recur. You don't have to endure it; if your pain is intense or interfering with your daily life, consulting a back physiotherapist is the wise choice.
why a back physiotherapist
Back pain is a prevalent issue today, especially as you age, making it the leading cause of medical early retirement.
Identifying the root cause of your discomfort is crucial for effective relief. For instance, the treatment approach for a herniated disc differs significantly from that for a strained lower back muscle.
Typically, a physical examination is sufficient to pinpoint the source of your pain, though we may refer you for scans if necessary. Once we pinpoint the cause, we can effectively move forward with physiotherapy treatment.
Tailored Treatment Approach
One of the significant benefits of back physiotherapy is its customized approach. Before starting any treatment for back pain, we conduct a comprehensive assessment to determine if there are any serious health issues related to your discomfort. We will ask you various questions regarding the affected area and your overall health, followed by a physical examination to identify the source of your pain. Based on this, we will create a recovery plan aimed at both alleviating your current pain and preventing future issues.
Step-by-Step Progression
Our physiotherapy for back pain is structured to advance gradually, taking into account your individual tolerance and response to each session. Our skilled therapists will support you through each step, ensuring you are fully prepared to move on to more challenging exercises or techniques. This careful progression minimizes the risk of excessive pain or discomfort, enhancing the effectiveness of your recovery and fostering a positive therapeutic experience.
Preventing Surgery
In cases of physical damage, our goal is to avoid the disruption of surgery by employing a variety of non-invasive methods that address the root cause of your back pain. Our dedicated team of back physiotherapy experts is committed to delivering the highest quality treatment to facilitate your swift recovery.
“Thanks to Straight Back Physio my back pain has eased considerably. They diagnosed my condition, explained it so I could understand what was going on and with massage, acupuncture and exercises helped me recover within a few months. I would absolutely recommend them to anyone with a back problem.”
Becky, Google review
lower back pain
Experiencing a sore lower back pain when running or walking is frequently a sign of muscle fatigue or improper posture. Typically, this can be managed at home with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers. However, if the pain is persistent or keeps coming back, it might signal a more serious underlying issue which requires investigation by a physiotherapist.
It's worth noting that four out of five individuals will encounter lower back pain at some stage in their lives, making it one of the top reasons for doctor visits.
- Strains and sprains. These occur when muscle fibres stretch or tear such as by lifting something that’s too heavy, or by lifting it wrong. But also by sneezing, coughing, twisting, or bending over. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon whilst a sprain is an injury to a ligament. Mild injuries heal in 1-2 weeks by rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE), physiotherapy helps moderate injuries heal in 2-6 weeks, but severe injuries may take several months.
- Herniated Disc.
Discs cushion the small spinal bones or vertebrae. Spinal discs can bulge or tear from their position in the spine and press on a nerve, causing significant pain. As you age, discs sometimes flatten and offer less cushion. An exercise or physiotherapy program is best done as a controlled, gradual, and progressive series of exercises.
The average time it takes a herniated disc to heal is 4-6 weeks, but depending on the severity, and where it occurred, it could take anything from a few days to several months.
- Spinal stenosis. This is a condition that occurs when the spinal column is too narrow for the spinal cord. It can result in something pinching the spinal cord, which can cause severe sciatic nerve pain and lower back pain. Physiotherapy can decrease the pain and provide the knowledge of how to correct posture, avoid positions and movements that make pain worse, and complete everyday activities in a way that avoids increased strain on the lower back.
- Arthritis. Lower back arthritis causes back pain and stiffness, and in some cases, limited range of motion. Physical therapy for arthritis may include exercises to improve joint mobility and tips on posture and movement that can help ease arthritis symptoms, reduce the need for pain medication, and even delay or avoid the need for surgery.
- Spondylolisthesis.
This condition, in which a bone or vertebrae in the spine slips out of place, usually results in back or leg pain. Physiotherapy, including massage, followed by a rehabilitation exercise program, is needed to improve muscle balance rather than just muscle strength alone.
middle back pain
The middle back tends to be more robust against injuries than the lower back due to its greater stability. Discomfort in this region is often a result of nerve irritation or damage to nearby ligaments, muscles, and discs. Pain in the lower back, neck, or shoulders can increase the workload on your mid back, leading to unusual strain and new discomfort. Additionally, kidney infections or stones can result in severe pain that may be confused with mid-back problems, as referred pain from the kidneys is more common than you might realize, given their position just below the rib cage near the spine.
While some of the causes of middle back pain are outlined below, understanding the underlying cause is crucial for diagnosing the appropriate middle back pain treatment. Since the causes of middle back pain are not always straightforward, consulting a physiotherapist is the safest and most effective next step.
- Arthritis. Middle back arthritis, specifically thoracic spine arthritis which where the cartilage deteriorates, causes stiffness and limited range of motion. Physiotherapy for arthritis may include exercises to improve joint mobility and tips on posture and movement that can help ease arthritis symptoms, reduce the need for pain medication, and even delay or avoid the need for surgery.
- Herniated Disc. Discs cushion the small spinal bones or vertebrae. Spinal discs can bulge or tear and then press on a nerve, causing significant pain. As you age, discs can flatten and offer less cushion. A physiotherapy program is best done as a controlled, gradual, and progressive series of exercises. The average time it takes a herniated disc to heal is 4-6 weeks, but depending on the severity, and where it occurred, it could take anything from a few days to several months.
- Strains and sprains. These occur when muscle fibres stretch or tear such as by lifting something that’s too heavy, or by lifting it wrong. But also by sneezing, coughing, twisting, or bending over. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon whilst a sprain is an injury to a ligament. Mild injuries heal in 1-2 weeks by rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE), physiotherapy helps moderate injuries heal in 2-6 weeks, but severe injuries may take several months.
- Poor Posture. This isn’t due to laziness or apathy, its related to physical weaknesses in our bodies. Poor posture leads to excessive strain on muscles and ligaments and weakens core muscles needed to keep you upright and healthy. Physiotherapy can help people explore a range of postures and movements, enhancing their ability to adapt to different activities and environments comfortably.
- Osteoporosis. This can cause the bones to weaken and increase the risk of fractures. People with osteoporosis in the back can experience severe back pain due to strains or compression fractures. Physiotherapy treatment for osteoporosis usually involves a selection of exercises tailored to your individual needs. These are designed to strengthen key muscle groups that support and stabilize areas of weakness to protect bones and improve balance which decreases the risk of falls.
- Aging. As we age natural changes occur, such as the cartilage fades and discs lose fluid causing them to narrow, this results in pain and stiffness as the bones rub against each other. Middle back pain can also be brought on by thinning of the bones, and loss of muscle mass. Aging is inevitable, but the pain associated with it does not have to be. Maintaining a good posture is important along with maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise.
upper back pain
Upper back pain is less frequent than lower back pain because the bones in that region are less mobile, primarily serving to safeguard essential organs like the heart and lungs.
Prolonged sitting at a desk can lead to stiffness in these joints causing upper back pain between shoulder blades. This causes many people to adopt a posture of rounded shoulders and a hunched upper back, resulting in tight chest muscles and weakened upper back muscles. Even outside of desk work, activities such as driving, watching TV, eating, texting, cooking, and cleaning often involve a flexed position as well!
- Poor Posture. The common cause of upper back pain when running is poor posture and is related to physical weakness. Poor posture leads to excessive strain on muscles and ligaments and weakens core muscles needed to keep you upright and healthy. Physiotherapy can help people explore a range of postures and movements, enhancing their ability to adapt to different activities and environments comfortably.
- Arthritis. Upper back arthritis, specifically thoracic spine arthritis which where the cartilage deteriorates, causes stiffness and limited range of motion. Physical therapy for arthritis may include exercises to improve joint mobility and tips on posture and movement that can help ease arthritis symptoms, reduce the need for pain medication, and even delay or avoid the need for surgery.
- Herniated Disc. Discs cushion the small spinal bones or vertebrae. Spinal discs can bulge or tear from their position in the spine and press on a nerve, causing significant pain. As you age, your discs sometimes flatten and offer less of a cushion effect. An exercise or physiotherapy program is best done as a controlled, gradual, and progressive series of exercises.
The average time it takes a herniated disc to heal is 4-6 weeks, but depending on the severity, and where it occurred, it could take anything from a few days to several months.
- Strains and sprains. These occur when muscle fibres stretch or tear such as by lifting something that’s too heavy, or by lifting it wrong. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon whilst a sprain is an injury to a ligament. Mild injuries heal in 1-2 weeks by rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE), physiotherapy helps moderate injuries heal in 2-6 weeks, but severe injuries may take several months.
- Whiplash.
High speed snapping of the neck causes an overstretching of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the joints of the neck that travel down and across the upper back. Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for whiplash, in may include massage, manual manipulation, and exercises to strengthen muscles and speed up the healing process.
- Myofascial Pain.
This stems from problems in the connective tissue of the back, it usually begins after an injury of overuse, but chronic myofascial pain may last long after the initial injury. Physiotherapy may involve a combination of exercises, manual manipulation, massage, dry needling (acupuncture), and shockwave therapy.
- Fibromyalgia. This is a chronic condition characterised by widespread pain in the muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the body. Whilst there is no known cure for fibromyalgia physiotherapy may help relieve the symptoms of pain, improve energy levels, maintain or improve mobility, and reduce stiffness and fatigue.
Evaluating Back Pain
Depending on the underlying cause, you may find relief through R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation), but seeking early medical advice is highly advisable.
Back pain can stem from various issues such as muscle strains, ligament injuries, arthritis of the spine, or disc problems. Studies indicate that physiotherapy is effective not only in alleviating pain but also in enhancing mobility and fortifying back muscles to avert future injuries.
This comprehensive approach to treating back pain tackles the root causes through: an initial assessment, crafting a tailored treatment plan, continuous sessions along with home exercise routines, and rehabilitation to expedite your recovery. If needed, it also includes long-term management and preventive measures.
Book now
In Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, we provide a comprehensive approach to get you free from back pain. We utilize a range of recommended therapies which are specifically designed to help you stay free from pain and injuries. Our preventative services are aimed at supporting your overall well-being and boosting your activity levels so you can get back to where you were before injury.
Faster recovery is our aim, our chartered physios can usually get you back to the activities you can't do now within 4 to 8 sessions.
We understand that some people may want to find out a bit more about the cost before they book an appointment at our physiotherapy clinic. Our unique
save as you recover packages can save you up to 20% on the cost of a single session.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you want see the best physiotherapist in your area, feel free to book an appointment at our Cheltenham physiotherapy clinic without needing a referral from your GP.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities. You'll receive the full benefits of physiotherapy through a tailored combination of interventions designed to guide you on your path to recovery.