Back Pain

Back pain is extremely common and here at ThreeSpires Physiotherapy we help a large number of people whom it is affecting. We offer a home visit physiotherapy service to help people with back pain. We are based in Lichifeld and our home visit physiotherapy service operates in surrounding areas such as Sutton Coldfield, Tamworth, Rugeley, Cannock and Walsall.

Back pain affects many people at some point in their lives. If not treated correctly it can become chronic causing loss of function, mobility and needing time off work. To avoid this let us help you get better – to arrange an appointment you can call us on 0788 428 1623 email us at enquiries@threespiresphysiotherapy.co.ukor alternatively use the contact form

How can ThreeSpires Physiotherapy help me with my back pain?

A physio will come to your home at a time and day of your choosing – avoiding the need to take time off work, attempt to finish early or struggle out of the house if your pain is extremely severe.

A full subjective assessment (discussion with your physio) will be conducted of your lifestyle, past medical history, symptoms, aggravating factors, nature of the condition and any predisposing factors in order to gain a full picture of your back pain and the likely causes.

A comprehensive physical examination of your posture, strength, range of movement, gait and bio-mechanics will then take place. This will enable us to identify and diagnose the underlying cause of your back pain and develop an effective treatment plan to alleviate your pain and assist you in returning to full fitness.

Treatment options during the session may include, joint mobilisation, deep tissue massage,  stretching, trigger point release, myofascial release techniques, soft tissue release, proprioceptive neuro-muscular facilitation. The appropriate combination of treatment options will be chosen by your therapist and tailored to provide maximum relief for your symptoms.

Self management is a key part of recovering from back pain and your physio will provide you with an individualised rehabilitation program that is tailored to meet your requirements and goals whatever they may be. Elements included in this program will be: a graded strengthening and exercise program, postural advice, core strengthening exercises and strategies to avoid the back pain reoccurring.

What causes back pain?

The complexity of the structures surrounding the spine means that there are many potential causes of back pain. Some common causes and conditions associated with back pain are shown below:

Disc Problems - This refers to the intervertebral discs found between each of the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Aging causes these discs to lose fluid so they offer less shock absorption and degeneration of the outer part of the disc occurs leading to cracks appearing in it. The outer layer of each disc has a nerve supply meaning that during certain movements (usually leaning forward or sitting) you may experience pain.

Nerve Root Pain - this is caused by irritation, compression or inflammation of the spinal nerve as it leaves the spinal cord and vertebral column. Nerve root pain is commonly caused by a prolapsed disc (slipped disc) where there is a bulge of the annulus pulposus (soft inner contents of the disc). This presses onto the nerve and then causes irritation and the accompanying pain. Sciatica is a common type of nerve root pain, resulting in pain down the leg which may be worse than the back pain. Other symptoms can be numbness, pins and needles and weakness in the lower limb.

Sciatica - this is a generic term used to describe pain that originates from compression, irritation or inflammation the sciatic nerve. The sciatic nerve can be irritated in two main places – initially as it leaves the spinal column or as it passes close to the muscle of piriformis (and in some cases – through piriformis). It is important to differentiate between these two types as they will require different treatments.

Facet Joint Pain/Syndrome -  is pain from the facet joints. The facet joints are at either side of the intervertebral joints in your back. Their role is to prevent excessive movement, and provide stability for the spine. When the facet joints are compressed possibly due to disc thinning they become irritated and stop moving as freely, causing pain. Symptoms may include feeling very stiff around the lower back in the morning and often muscles around the area will go into spasm.

Spondylosis – this refers to degenerative osteoarthritis of the intervertebral joints of the spine and is often linked with both facet join pain, disc pain and nerve root compression. It is caused by the thinning of the intervertebral discs as we age, this reduces shock absorption and increases the impact and loading of the vertebrae. This increased loading has a tendency to then increase the likelihood of osteoarthritis developing at the intervertebral joint. The thinning of the disc also increases pressure on the facet joints – sometimes leading to facet joint pain.

Spondylolisthesis – is a forward slip of one vertebrae over another and is most common in the lumbar (lower back) region at L5. It is most commonly caused by spondylolysis (a fracture or defect of the pars interarticularis of the vertebrae).

Symptoms may include low back pain and difficulty in extending the spine (straightening up). There may also be tingling, numbness and shooting pains due to nerve root compression.

Muscular Strain – a pulled or strained muscle in the back is a common cause of pain. It is often caused by strenuous activity – such as lifting heavy objects in an incorrect manner (bending the back rather than the knees). The spine is held erect by muscles and ligaments and straining of these muscles can occur if the muscle is overloaded or is stretched too far. When a muscular strain happens, there is inflammation of the soft tissue that causes pain and possibly back spasms. Poor posture, poor muscle tone , emotional stress or excessive weight can all be contributing factors.

Lumbago - is a generic term used to describe any low back pain. Its causes can be varied and it could be due to one or several of the conditions listed above.

A common cause of lumbago/ low back pain is weak stomach muscles which increases the strain on the muscles of the back and spine.

Scoliosis - is the most common deformity of the spine causing a lateral curvature, characteristic S shape and a rotation of the spine, which causes a twisting effect of the vertebral bodies. This can cause pain and fatigue but this depends on the degree of curvature. The most common type of scoliosis is “idiopathic” scoliosis – meaning that the cause is unknown. The symptoms of scoliosis include asymmetry in alignment of body parts such as one hip or shoulder higher than the other, a prominent shoulder blade, a muscle mass on one side of the body causing a hump.

So if you are suffering from back pain, want to speed up your recovery and would like home visit physiotherapy, then get in touch to arrange an appointment. We provide physiotherapy at home in Lichfield, Tamworth, Rugeley, Sutton Coldfield, Walsall and Cannock.

To arrange an appointment you can call us on 0788 428 1623 email us at enquiries@threespiresphysiotherapy.co.uk or alternatively use the contact form