Back & neck pain

Visit your GP if you have:

• difficulty passing or controlling urine
• numbness around the back passage or genitals
• numbness, pins and needles or weakness in both legs at the same time
• unsteadiness on your feet.

Back pain is very common and is the largest cause of work related absence in the UK. Whether it rules your life or you just get the occasional twinge, physiotherapy can usually help. Research shows that in most cases it is best to keep as normally active as possible.

How is back pain caused?

Back pain can be the result of a range of conditions that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, discs, nerves or other soft tissues or joints. Most back pain does not have one simple cause, but may be due to a range of factors, such as repetitive activity, poor posture and bad habits.

How can physiotherapy help?

After conducting a thorough assessment, treatment may involve one or more of the following:

• manual therapy
• massage
• an explanation as to how the pain can be managed
• alternative therapies (e.g. acupuncture / pilates)
• we will explain and demonstrate how you can contribute to your own recovery and prevent the problem from recurring.
• a specific exercise programme

Research clearly shows that physical activity and exercise will help recovery. One of our physiotherapists can provide an exercise programme based on your health, ability and fitness levels.

Neck pain is extremely common. Pain and stiffness can make it difficult to turn round - for example, when reversing a car. Symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually over time. The pain may be limited to the neck or may be accompanied by headaches and dizziness, or pins and needles down the arm.

What causes it?

Most neck pain does not have one simple cause, but is a result of a range of conditions that affect joints, muscles and tendons in the neck. Factors that can contribute include tension and sustained or repetitive activity, such as sitting at a desk at work, using the telephone a lot, playing a musical instrument, and driving long-distance.

Whiplash

If the neck has moved suddenly and unexpectedly (as in a car accident), the pain may be due to an injury, commonly known as whiplash.

How can physiotherapy help?

We will examine your neck and explain how you can manage the pain, contribute to your own recovery and prevent the problem from recurring.

One of our physios will start by assessing how your neck / back is working, asking you to perform a series of movements and ask a number of questions. They will also explain how the pain can be managed, provide advice about exercises or physical activities that will help you contribute to your own recovery and prevent the problem recurring.

Any visit is likely to include:

• exercises to do at home
• posture and lifestyle advice, and activities to avoid.
• relaxation techniques.

It may also include:

• some manual therapy
• applying heat or cold to the affected area
• acupuncture,

For most types of neck pain rest does not help recovery, and it is better to keep moving. Tips include:

• Keep as active as possible, changing positions regularly.
• Listen to your body! Try and notice when your neck and shoulder muscles start to tensen and learn a relaxation technique that works for you.
• Take simple pain relief and any prescription medicines regularly. Follow the instructions on the packet, or ask your pharmacist.
• Consider using an electric hot pad to soothe the affected area.