What is Back Pain?
Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal conditions, affecting people of all ages. It can develop suddenly following an injury or gradually over time and may range from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits everyday activities.
Back pain can occur anywhere along the spine but most commonly affects the lower back (lumbar spine). While it can sometimes be caused by specific conditions such as a disc injury, spinal stenosis or arthritis, the majority of back pain is non-specific, meaning there is no single identifiable cause. In these cases, pain is often related to a combination of reduced movement, muscle weakness, lifestyle factors and sensitivity of the tissues around the spine.
Most episodes of back pain improve with the right advice, movement and rehabilitation, and physiotherapy plays an important role in helping people recover and prevent future episodes.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
At Greenacre Physio, we aim to identify the factors contributing to your back pain and develop a personalised treatment plan to help reduce pain, restore movement and improve function.
Treatment may include:
- Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
- Education about your condition
- Manual therapy where appropriate
- Individualised exercise programmes
- Strengthening of the core, hips and back muscles
- Mobility and flexibility exercises
- Postural and movement retraining
- Advice on lifting techniques and workplace ergonomics
- Return to work or sport rehabilitation
- Long-term self-management strategies
Our goal is not only to help relieve your current symptoms but also to reduce the likelihood of your back pain returning.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
At Greenacre Physio, we understand that back pain can affect every aspect of your life, from work and sleep to exercise and family activities. Our clinicians provide evidence-based assessment and treatment tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Rather than relying on passive treatments alone, we focus on identifying the underlying factors contributing to your pain and developing a personalised rehabilitation programme to improve strength, movement and confidence.
Whether you've recently developed back pain or have been living with symptoms for many years, we'll work with you to help you move more comfortably and return to the activities that matter most.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, with home visits and virtual consultations also available where appropriate.
What to Expect
During your first appointment, we'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and goals. We'll perform a thorough assessment of your posture, spinal movement, muscle strength, flexibility and functional activities to identify the factors contributing to your pain.
Following your assessment, we'll explain our findings in clear, easy-to-understand language and develop a personalised treatment plan. You'll receive practical advice and exercises to begin your recovery straight away, with your rehabilitation progressing as your symptoms improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a scan for back pain?
In most cases, no. Most episodes of back pain do not require an X-ray or MRI scan and improve with appropriate physiotherapy. If your assessment identifies signs that require further investigation, we'll advise you accordingly and liaise with your GP or consultant where appropriate.
Should I keep moving if I have back pain?
For most people, yes. Remaining as active as your symptoms allow is usually one of the most effective ways to recover. We'll guide you on which movements and exercises are safe and how to gradually return to normal activities.
Can physiotherapy help long-term back pain?
Absolutely. Even if you've had back pain for months or years, physiotherapy can improve movement, strength, confidence and function while helping you better manage your symptoms.
Will I need hands-on treatment?
Some people benefit from manual therapy, but it is only one part of rehabilitation. We combine hands-on treatment with education and exercise to achieve the best long-term outcomes.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, consultants, insurers, employers and case managers.
Book an Appointment
If back pain is stopping you from enjoying everyday life, exercising or working comfortably, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics, arrange a home visit or schedule a virtual consultation with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
Together, we'll identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalised rehabilitation programme to help you move with confidence again.
Common Back Problems We Treat
- Non-specific low back pain
- Mechanical back pain
- Lumbar muscle strains
- Disc-related back pain
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Facet joint pain
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
- Osteoarthritis of the spine
- Postural back pain
- Back pain during pregnancy
- Persistent (chronic) back pain
- Back pain following surgery
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Back Pain?
Back pain is rarely caused by a single issue, which is why every assessment at Greenacre Physio looks beyond the site of pain to identify the factors contributing to your symptoms. Our clinicians combine detailed assessment with evidence-based rehabilitation to develop a treatment programme tailored specifically to you.
We focus on helping you understand your condition, reduce pain, improve movement and build long-term resilience through exercise and education. Whether you're recovering from a recent injury, managing persistent back pain or returning to work or sport, we'll provide the support, guidance and expertise you need to achieve a safe and lasting recovery.