Suffering from back pain?
Physiotherapy for back pain
Elmwood Physiotherapy specialises in the treatment of back pain, from an acute back injury to chronic muscle pain, nerve pain, ligament pain and muscle sprains.
Lumbar back pain is one of the most common medical conditions that we treat in physiotherapy, affecting around 8 in 10 people at some point during their lifetime. Back pain can range from dull, aching pain to sharp, sudden pains, and can significantly affect one’s ability to complete daily activities.
Specialist in Back Pain Management
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting millions of people worldwide. It can range from a dull, nagging ache to sharp, debilitating pain that limits your ability to move, work, or enjoy everyday activities. Whether it’s caused by persistent poor postural habits, an injury, or an underlying condition, physiotherapy offers a highly effective, non-invasive solution to help you manage and alleviate back pain.
Margaret is a physiotherapist with expertise in back pain and combines advanced clinical knowledge with hands-on experience to accurately assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of spinal conditions. With a deep understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, biomechanics, and pain science, they are skilled in identifying the root causes of back pain — whether acute, chronic, or recurrent.
She uses evidence-based treatment techniques including manual therapy, spinal mobilisation, soft tissue work, and functional rehabilitation. Individualised exercise programmes focused on restoring mobility, improving core stability, and reducing pain are offered. Education, postural training, and prevention strategies are also key components the management of back pain.
With a patient-centred approach, they aim not only to relieve symptoms but to restore long-term function and quality of life. Whether managing non-specific low back pain, disc-related issues, sciatica, or postural dysfunction, a back pain specialist physiotherapist provides a structured and effective pathway to recovery.
Common Causes of Back Pain
The spine is a complex structure made up of vertebrae, discs, muscles, ligaments, and nerves, which means there are numerous potential causes of back pain. Understanding the source of your discomfort is key to receiving the right treatment. Some common causes include:
- Muscle Strain
Muscle strain is one of the most common causes of back pain, often caused by lifting heavy objects improperly, sudden movements, or prolonged and repeated poor postural habits. - Herniated or Bulging Disc
Many people have bulging discs and in fact it can be a fairy normal finding in many people with or without back pain. It can be viewed as normal age related changes, and for some there can be mild pain to considerable pain experienced. - Degenerative Disc Disease
As we age, the discs in the spine can begin to break down and lose their cushioning properties. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility in the lower back. - Sciatica
Sciatica is a condition caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back down the legs. It often causes sharp, radiating pain that travels down one leg, often accompanied by tingling or numbness.
- Scoliosis or Other Spinal Curvature Issues
Abnormal curvature of the spine, such as scoliosis or kyphosis, can lead to back pain due to misalignment of the vertebrae, muscle imbalances, and pressure on nerves. More often than not a scoliosis or kyphosis does NOT cause significant back pain in many of my patients. - Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis in the spine can lead to the degeneration of cartilage between the vertebrae, causing pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion. This condition is more common in older adults but can also occur due to injury or repetitive stress. - Poor Posture
Prolonged poor posture, such as slouching or sitting in awkward positions, can place strain on the muscles, ligaments, and discs in the back, leading to chronic pain and discomfort.