Back and neck pain are musculoskeletal disorders. 

The common causes of back pain include injury, strain, slipped disc, sciatica, ankylosing spondylitis and poor posture. 

The common causes of neck pain include injury (whiplash), poor posture, sleeping in an awkward position, strains and arthritis. 

Pain can be localised to the back or neck area or more widespread and travel into the buttocks and legs, shoulder, arms or back.  With neck pain there might be an associated headache and/or a restriction in range of movement.

What To Expect From Physiotherapy

Once you have had a short telephone triage and initial face-to-face session with your Physiotherapist Emma Graham or Alison Austin, they will discuss a rehabilitation plan with you which may include:

• Hands on Physiotherapy
• PFit sports massage
• PFit exercise programmes tailored to each individual
• Acupuncture

Some of the most common conditions that we treat are:­-

• Prolapsed or herniated disc
• Sciatica
• Muscular strain
• Spinal Stenosis
• Sacroiliac Joint Pain
• Degenerative disc disease - Osteoarthritis
• Twisted or locked neck
• Whiplash
• Pinched/Compressed nerve

When to see your GP

If the pain is persistent and getting progressively worse, or if there are additional symptoms, such as a lack of co-ordination, visual problems, arm or leg weakness, problems walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, a high temperature (fever), pins and needles affecting your arms or legs and/or unexplained weight loss.

​​Tips To Help Prevent Back/Neck Pain

• Check your posture, ensuring that you are able to maintain an upright position
• Take regular breaks from desk work, driving or any activity in which you have to sit in one position
  
• Avoid reading for lengthy periods in bed or using too many pillows
• Ease tight muscles by shrugging and lowering your shoulders
• Implement an exercise/stretching programme focusing on spine and neck health - PhysioFunction can assist with this
• Sleep in a healthy position - Your head and neck should be aligned with your body.