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Back pain

Physical Therapy for back pain in Brighton

Person holding lower back

Back pain is one of the leading causes of disability

Up to 60% of the adult population can expect to have back pain in their lifetime which can range from mild and short-lasting, to severe and longer-lasting.

The majority of back pain is nothing to be concerned about and is what we call Non-specific low back pain. This means that the pain is caused by mechanical structures such as the muscles, ligaments, and joints. Less than 1% of back pain is due to an underlying disease.

Treatments include physical therapy, manual therapy, and in rare cases, injections and surgery, depending on the type and severity of the condition.

Person pointing to a model spine with pen

Causes of back pain

There is often no single cause to back pain but there are factors that may contribute that include: 

  • Poor sleep

  • Emotional well-being (In particular, stress and anxiety)

  • Level of physical activity 

  • Attitudes and beliefs (Your past experience of pain and how you interpret pain)

A combination of these factors can often lead to or maintain episodes of low back pain. There are various other lifestyle factors that are linked with low back pain such as being overweight, smoking and a diagnosis of disorders such as diabetes

In some cases, people may have leg pain or sciatica in combination with back pain. You can read more about this on our sciatica page here.

Man touching woman's spine

How Is back pain Treated?

Physical therapy or conservative management

Most back pain is treatable and will resolve in time with the right management. Back pain may be treated with exercise advice, spinal manipulation, mobilisations, or massage

Medication

Sometimes, medication may be needed to help with back pain if it is intolerable. A G.P will be able to advise the right medication and this is usually a short course of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Surgery

In very rare cases, spinal surgery may be indicated. This is generally only required if there is an underlying spinal pathology or if all other non-surgical options have not helped.

Healthcare professional with hands on lower back

Our Approach to back pain

At JG Osteopaths we provide specialist physical therapy for back pain at our Brighton clinic.

Osteopathy is a non-invasive physical therapy that can help manage all types of non-emergency back pain. We are Allied Health Professionals and are registered with the GOsC. You can learn more on our about osteopathy page.

Expert Advice

As well as providing specialist treatment for back pain, we can advise on lifestyle advice such as posture, exercise, lifting techniques, sleep position, and appropriate furniture such as chairs and desks at home or work.

Booking Your First Appointment

At your first appointment we will will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your condition. We will explain our diagnosis and treatment plan and how many sessions we think you will need before proceeding to treatment. We pride ourselves in treating the person behind the problem, and aim to make sure you feel involved and listened-to at every stage of the treatment process.

Book an Appointment

Booking and appointment is quick and easy using our online system. Use the button below to go to our booking page where you can select the time that suits you and book online. 

If you have any questions or want to speak to us before booking, don't hesitate to call us on 07812528049 or email contact@jgosteopaths.com.

Parents walking whilst holding young child

Useful Links

Backcare provides support and information to people living with back pain

The Society for Back Pain Research provide advice and the latest research into back pain.

Kidsbacks4thefuture provide advice for back pain in children.

You can also find further information on back pain from Spine HealthOrthInfoWebMD, and the NHS.

Jonathan Gaffney, Osteopath

About The Author

The information on this page was written by Jonathan Gaffney, a qualified Osteopath registered with the General Osteopathic Council.

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