Back and Neck Pain

You are extremely lucky to not know the answer to the question, What is back pain? Neck and back pain are the most common area's treated by Physiotherapists. The cause is often multifactorial and can include genetic predisposition, posture, previous injury, weight and activity levels. The musculoskeletal structures affected are the usual culprits of muscles, ligaments, tendons and disc, affecting the way the spine moves and causing irritation. If the spine is not moving well, it cannot restore good circulation, flexibility and strength to the area and recovery is delayed or stalled. Low back pain can be caused by a herniated disc the rubbery disks that lie between the vertebrae close to the spinal cord causing chronic pain in the lumbar area. Your backbone (spine) runs from your neck to your lower back. The bones of your spine form a spinal canal, which protects your spinal cord. Your physical therapist at Abbey can assist to relieve pain caused by most of these conditions.

Chronic low back pain usually involves a disc problem, joint problem or an irritated nerve root, however, More than 95% of spinal conditions DON'T need surgery and Physiotherapy is key to regaining your normal active lifestyle. It can depend upon your medical history, however, if you are suffering from persistent pain in the lower back we can help you achieve this by reducing your pain and increasing your mobility and strength. This assistance can help with pain management reducing the stiffness caused by swelling of an intervertebral disc. It is also important to identify your individual causes of the problem, educating you on ways to avoid future trouble and highlighting the causes of back pain. .Back pain symptoms can be caused by prolonged poor posture, stress, anxiety can increase muscle tension and pain symptoms. The area contains a variety of muscles that are known to tense during which can cause mild to severe pain.

'Simple' Neck or Back pain

This usually has a postural or degenerative cause and will respond well to Physiotherapy and self-management. 

• Pain is localised in the neck or back and doesn't move down the arm/leg
• The pain is related to movements or posture, either during or after activity
• Pain may include muscle spasm and tenderness
• Pain caused by bending

Occasionally things are more serious and may require further investigation. If you present with any of the following, your Physiotherapist may need to refer you for an MRI, either directly if you are self-funding or via your GP or A&E department if very urgent

• Problems with speech, swallowing, dizziness, drop attacks or vision.
• Pelvic floor, Bladder or bowel function affected causing incontinence.
• Altered sensation in the groin area.
• Generalised numbness in the arm or leg that does not alter with the position.
• Arm or leg weakness in more than one muscle.