Back and neck pain makes life tough but Physiotherapy can really help. After a thorough examination, we can make a treatment plan to treat your pain effectively and safely. Depending on our findings we use a combined approach of mobilisation, exercise, Pilates, acupuncture, ergonomic and care advice. In this way, we can target all the factors causing your pain to give you long-lasting results.
What is the most common cause of back and neck pain?
Mechanical pain is the most common type of back and neck pain. This general term refers to any type of pain caused by placing abnormal stress and strain on joints, bones or soft tissues in and around the spine. Typically, mechanical pain results from bad habits, such as poor posture, poorly-designed seating, lack of movement during the day and incorrect bending/lifting motions.
It can originate from muscle, ligaments, joints (facet joints, sacroiliac joints), or bones in and around the spine. This type of pain tends to be localised to the lower back, buttocks, and sometimes the top of the legs. Mechanical neck pain tends to be localised to the neck and upper shoulder muscles.
What can I do to relieve my back pain?
Back pain can be alleviated by:
- The use of heat packs placed over the area of pain for 20 minutes at a time or taking a warm shower or bath
- The use of analgesics (pain killers) ie paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always check with your GP as to the suitability of pain relief.
- Adopting comfortable positions ie sitting in a supportive chair, lying on your back or side with pillows for comfort.
- Gentle back stretches to help relieve tight muscles and stiff joints
- Be mindful of how you bend ie keep your back straight, bend knees, no twisting.
What can I do to relieve my neck pain?
- The use of heat packs placed over the area of pain for 20 minutes at a time or taking a warm shower or bath
- The use of analgesics (pain killers) ie paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always check with your GP as to the suitability of pain relief.
- Gentle movements of the neck and shoulders such as shrugging the shoulders and gentle neck stretches
- If you work at a computer try to look straight ahead so that your eyes are level with the tool bar at the top of the screen.
- Take regular micro breaks to get up and move so that your muscles don’t get tight.
Client Testimonials
I saw Tamsin for lower back pain. She was quickly able to diagnose the problem and devise a plan to alleviate the pain with intense massage and also to recommend home exercises. I am extremely impressed by her skill and professionalism, not to mention truly grateful for the treatment that she gave me. I am pleased to say that she has sorted out my back problem.Jeanette
I had an amazing experience on my first visit to Amanda. I was so grateful that they were prepared to see me even though they were fully booked. I was in severe pain with muscle spasm in my back and chest. I was struggling to breathe because of the pain and could barely manage to walk. I virtually crawled in to see Amanda and 45 minutes later after acupuncture and manipulation, I walked out. Incredible. Thank you so much.Crawled in — and walked out!
I have had treatments with Amanda Harris over the last six weeks. At all times Amanda was very professional, helpful and the treatment has been successful. I am very pleased with the progress I have made and would definitely come back.Successful treatment