Back Pain
The three most common conditions causing back pain are:
Mechanical Low Back Pain
This is common and often a result of mechanical factors, muscle imbalance or weakness, and poor habitual postures. There can be a strong link to unmanaged stress on the patient, and psychological factors are especially important to consider.
Lumbar Disc Herniation
This occurs when the intervertebral disc protrudes or ruptures, pressing on nearby nerves. It commonly causes lower back pain, radiating leg pain (sciatica), numbness, or weakness, often aggravated by bending, sitting, or lifting.
Facet Joint Dysfunction
This condition results from irritation or degeneration of the facet joints in the spine, leading to localised back pain, stiffness, and discomfort with extension or twisting movements. It is often associated with poor posture, repetitive strain, or age-related changes. While this primarily affects the spine, similar biomechanical stresses can impact the upper limbs. That’s why we offer specialised services like Hand Physiotherapy Bristol to address pain and dysfunction caused by strain or overuse in the hands and wrists.
Both conditions can be effectively managed with conventional physiotherapy, including manual therapy, core strengthening, postural correction, and mobility exercises to reduce pain and restore function. Laser therapy helps reduce inflammation, promote tissue healing, and alleviate nerve irritation. Radial shockwave therapy is beneficial for stimulating blood flow, breaking down adhesions, and reducing chronic muscle tightness, particularly in cases of persistent facet joint pain. A combination of these treatments provides effective pain relief and improves spinal function.