This is an incredibly common condition that many people suffer with and one that often will not just go away with time. Spinal pain is incredibly multi-factorial and is rarely the result of one incident in isolation. Symptoms can range from localised minor pain in the neck, middle or lower back or can be more severe in nature, with associated neural symptoms such as pain, pins and needles or weakness extending into the arm or leg (such as sciatica), or headaches and dizziness.
Neck and back pain can be very broadly categorised into an acute episode or persistent problems. This can be a sudden onset that came out of nowhere last week, or ongoing issues that you may have suffered for years. The goal with physiotherapy is to identify the factors that are contributing to the issue, whether that is an unfortunate incident of lifting awkwardly or a multitude of variables that have built up over time, predisposing you to pain and perpetuating the pain cycle.
Your physiotherapist will perform a full examination and formulate a treatment programme addressing all of these factors, combining quality hands-on treatment with a comprehensive programme to manage your pain between sessions. They will also screen for any symptoms that require any further investigations. In-clinic we utilise techniques such as joint mobilisation, manipulation (when suitable), soft tissue therapy and acupuncture to ease your pain, before providing you with exercises to improve your mobility and muscular stability outside of the session. We will also guide you on the multitude of other factors that could be contributing to your condition and ensure strategies are implemented to create a positive change in your symptoms.
We are fortunate to have spinal specialist physiotherapists at Varney Green Physiotherapy and have a multitude of experience in treating complex neck and back pain. Although not always required, we have the ability to refer for imaging when needed. Your physiotherapist will discuss this with you if they believe it is suitable. We also work very closely with local orthopaedic consultants and can refer you onwards if indicated.
