Back Pain and Sciatica

Acute Back Pain

The most common cause of back or neck pain in otherwise healthy individuals is a sprain or strain affecting muscles, ligaments, discs, joints, or a combination. Pain typically responds to movement, improving or worsening with certain positions. This is often referred to as simple mechanical back pain.

Mild ligament or muscle strains present as a dull ache on one or both sides of the spine, potentially peaking within hours to days. Disc-related pain manifests as central back discomfort aggravated by bending and twisting. Acute facet joint involvement can cause sudden sharp, stabbing pain.

Physical therapy including osteopathy, chiropractic, or physiotherapy can speed recovery. Most acute cases improve within 1 to 2 weeks with appropriate self-care and resolve completely by 4 to 6 weeks. General advice: avoid bed rest of more than two days and keep mildly active.

Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist beyond two weeks, worsen, or include weakness, numbness, or tingling in the extremities.

Chronic Back Pain

Long-standing back pain typically stems from ongoing mechanical dysfunction. Contributing factors include scoliosis, poor posture, weakened spinal muscles, and degenerative disc or joint disease. All these factors need to be addressed for maximum improvement.

Surgery is seldom necessary for chronic back pain. Physical therapy with assessment, exercise prescription, manipulation, and targeted electrotherapy provides the best initial intervention for most cases. Symptoms typically improve within 5 to 8 sessions when treatment is appropriately targeted, though individual outcomes vary significantly.

When Back Pain Is Sciatica

When back pain radiates down the leg, numbness, tingling, or weakness are present, disc or nerve root involvement is likely. This changes the treatment approach: see our Sciatica Pain page for specific guidance on nerve-related symptoms.

Call us on 020 8506 1000 for a back pain assessment.