If you suffer from lower back pain, there is no reason why you have to stay in pain. In fact, we have designed this portion of our site with you in mind.
On this page you will find information on how to manage old conditions, with our Feeling Fab exercises, manage pain with recent conditions and to learn more about the anatomy and more complex information in our know your body section.
Lower back problems account for around 38% of the patients accessing Physio Med services from our clients.
Of the lumbar spine patients seen:
Work aggravated: 46%
Domestic: 41%
Accidents at work: 13%
Our Managing Musculoskeletal Complaints back guide and video has been developed by our chartered physiotherapists to help those suffering from pain and limited mobility suffered from a recent musculoskeletal accident, injury or trauma.
Designed to reduce pain, improve range of movement, and to recover from injury quickly and safely.
Our Feeling Fab programme is a set of stretching and strengthening exercises. They have been designed to manage and prevent an onset of a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
There are certain activities in the work place that may contribute to developing a sore lower back. These could include repetitive activities at work, sitting or standing for long periods of time, lifting objects or operating machine tools. The nature of these activities can, if not addressed lead to the gradual build up of tension and stiffness in the lower back.
There are many types of office chairs and many factors that influence the choice of which chair to use. Ergonomic chairs that offer better leg, pelvic and lumbar positioning have become popular, but they still have their own drawbacks.
Full Body Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Occupational Physiotherapy - Getting You Back To Work
As more jobs become desk based or sedentary, more and more people are spending long periods of time sitting in chairs. Sitting for five hours a day, five days a week equates to 1,175 hours – or almost 50 days - every year. Multiply that by the number of years you work, then add the time you are seated at home and many people will spend more time sitting than in bed!
No-one wants to suffer an injury, but it happens. However if, during their leisure time, an employee sustains an injury that prevents them from working, whose problem is it? Does the employer have any obligation to help them recover from their injury and return to work?
Paul Wimpenny, Clinical Governance Officer at Physio Med, explains more in our free downloadable guide.
Although people often refer to a disc herniation as a slipped disc, the disc doesn't actually slip out of place. Rather, the term herniation means that the material at the centre of the disc has squeezed out of its normal space.
This guide will help you understand:
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The human spine is formed by 24 spinal bones, called vertebrae. Vertebrae are stacked on top of one another to form the spinal column. The spinal column gives the body its form. It is the body's main upright support. The section of the spine in the lower back is known as the lumbar spine.
The lumbar spine is made up of the lower five vertebrae. Physio’s often refer to these vertebrae as L1 to L5. These five vertebrae line up to give the low back a slight inward curve. The lowest vertebra of the lumbar spine, L5, connects to the top of the sacrum, a triangular bone at the base of the spine that fits between the two pelvic bones. Some people have an extra, or sixth, lumbar vertebra. This condition doesn't usually cause any particular problems.
Intervertebral discs separate the vertebrae. The discs are made of connective tissue. Connective tissue is the material that holds the living cells of the body together. Most connective tissue is made of fibres of a material called collagen. These fibres help the disc withstand tension and pressure.
A disc is made of two parts. The centre, called the nucleus, is spongy. It provides most of the disc's ability to absorb shock. The nucleus is held in place by the annulus, a series of strong ligament rings surrounding it. Ligaments are connective tissues that attach bones to other bones.
Healthy discs work like shock absorbers to cushion the spine. They protect the spine against the daily pull of gravity. They also protect it during strenuous activities that put strong force on the spine, such as jumping, running, and lifting.
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Herniation occurs when the nucleus in the centre of the disc pushes out of its normal space. The nucleus presses against the annulus, causing the disc to bulge outward. Sometimes the nucleus herniates completely through the annulus and squeezes out of the disc.
Although daily activities may cause the nucleus to press against the annulus, the body is normally able to withstand this pressure. However, as the annulus ages, it tends to crack and tear. It is repaired with scar tissue. This process is known as degeneration. Over time, the annulus weakens, and the nucleus may begin to herniate (squeeze) through the damaged annulus. At first, the pressure bulges the annulus outward. Eventually, the nucleus may herniate completely through the outer ring of the disc.
Vigorous, repetitive bending, twisting, and lifting can place abnormal pressure on the shock-absorbing nucleus of the disc. If great enough, this increased pressure can injure the annulus, leading to herniation.
A lumbar disc can also become herniated during an acute (sudden) injury. Lifting with the trunk bent forward and twisted can cause a disc herniation. A disc can also herniate from a heavy impact on the spine, such as falling from a ladder and landing in a sitting position.
Herniation causes pain from a variety of sources. It can cause mechanical pain. This is pain that comes from the parts of the spine that move during activity, such as the discs and ligaments. Pain from inflammation occurs when the nucleus squeezes through the annulus. The nucleus normally does not come in contact with the body's blood supply. However, a tear in the annulus puts the nucleus at risk for contacting this blood supply. When the nucleus herniates into the torn annulus, the nucleus and blood supply meet, causing a reaction of the chemicals inside the nucleus. This produces inflammation and pain. A disc herniation may also put pressure against a spinal nerve. Pressure on an irritated or damaged nerve can produce pain that radiates along the nerve. This is called neurogenic pain.
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Many cases of lumbar disc herniation result from degenerative changes in the spine. The changes that eventually lead to a disc herniation produce symptoms gradually. At first, complaints may only be dull pain centred in the low back, pain that comes and goes over a period of a few years. Physio’s think this is mainly from small tears in the annulus. Larger cracks in the annulus may spread pain into the buttocks or lower limbs.
When the disc herniates completely through the annulus, it generally causes immediate symptoms, with sharp pain that starts in one hip and shoots down part or all of the leg. Commonly, patients no longer feel their usual back pain, only leg pain. This is likely because painful tension on the annulus releases when the nucleus pushes completely through.
Disc herniation’s produce inflammation when the nucleus comes in contact with the body's blood supply (mentioned earlier). The inflammation can be a source of throbbing pain in the low back and may spread into one or both hips and buttocks.
A herniated disc can press against a spinal nerve, producing symptoms of nerve compression. Nerve pain follows known patterns in the lower limbs. It can be felt on the side of the upper thigh, in the calf, or even in the foot and toes.
Pressure on the nerve can also cause sensations of pins, needles, and numbness where the nerve travels down the lower limbs. If this happens, a person's reflexes may slow. The muscles controlled by the nerve may weaken, and sensation in the skin where the nerve goes can be impaired.
Rarely, symptoms can involve changes in 
bowel and bladder function. A large disc herniation that pushes straight back into the spinal canal can put pressure on the nerves that go to the bowels and bladder. The pressure may cause low back pain, pain running down the back of both legs, and numbness or tingling between the legs in the area you would contact if you were seated on a saddle. The pressure on the nerves can cause a loss of control in the bowels or bladder. This is an emergency. If the pressure isn't relieved, it can lead to permanent paralysis of the bowels and bladder. This condition is called cauda equina syndrome. Doctors recommend immediate surgery to remove pressure from the nerves.
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Diagnosis begins with a complete history and a physical examination. When you first visit Physio Med, we will ask questions about your symptoms and how your problem is affecting your daily activities. These will include questions about where you feel pain and whether you have numbness or weakness in your legs. Our Senior Physiotherapist will also want to know what positions or activities make your symptoms worse or better. We rely on your report of pain to get an idea about which disc is causing problems and if a nerve is being squeezed.
Then our physiotherapist will physically examine you to determine which back movements cause pain or other symptoms. Your skin sensation, muscle strength, and reflexes are also tested.
Some patients may be referred to a doctor for further diagnosis. Once your diagnostic examination is complete, the Senior Physiotherapists at Physio Med have treatment options that will help speed your recovery, so that you can more quickly return to your active lifestyle.
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Unless your condition is causing significant problems or is rapidly getting worse, treatment for lumbar disc herniation usually begins with non surgical treatment. Most people with a herniated lumbar disc get better without surgery. As a result, it is usually recommended that patients try non operative treatments for at least six weeks before considering surgery.
At first, your Physiotherapist at Physio Med may want your low back immobilized. Keeping the back still for a short time can calm inflammation and pain. This might include a period of bed rest. Lying on your back can take pressure off sore discs and nerves. However, our Physiotherapists usually advise against strict bed rest and prefer their patients to do ordinary activities using pain to gauge how much is too much. In rare cases in which bed rest is prescribed, it is usually used for a maximum of two days.
A back support belt is sometimes used for patients with lumbar disc herniation. The belt can help lower pressure inside the problem disc. Our patients are encouraged to gradually discontinue wearing the support belt over a period of two to four days. Otherwise, their trunk muscles begin to rely on the belt and start to weaken and atrophy (shrink).
Our Physiotherapy treatments focus on relieving pain, improving back movement, and fostering healthy posture. The first goal of our treatment is to control symptoms. Your Physiotherapist will help you find positions and movements that ease pain. Treatments of heat, cold, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation may be used in the first few sessions. Lumbar traction may also be used at first to ease symptoms of lumbar disc herniation. In addition, our Physiotherapist may use hands-on treatments such as massage or spinal manipulation. These forms of treatment are mainly used to help reduce pain and inflammation so you can resume normal activity as soon as possible.
Your physiotherapist will show you how to keep your spine safe during routine activities. You'll learn about healthy posture and how posture relates to the future health of your spine. We will teach you about body mechanics, how the body moves and functions during activity. Our physiotherapists teach safe body mechanics to help you protect the low back as you go about your day. This includes the use of safe positions and movements while lifting and carrying, standing and walking, and performing work duties.
The next part of our program will include a series of strengthening exercises for the abdominal and low back muscles. Working these core muscles helps our patients begin moving easier and lessens the chances of future pain and problems. Aerobic exercises such as walking or swimming are used for easing pain and improving endurance.
We will work closely with your doctor and employer to help you get back on the job as quickly as reasonably possible. You may be required to do lighter duties at first, but as soon as you are able, you'll begin doing your normal work activities. Our Physiotherapists can do a work assessment to make sure you'll be safe to do your job. We may suggest changes that could help you work safely, with less chance of re-injuring your back.
A primary purpose of your Physiotherapy is to help you learn how to take care of your symptoms yourself and prevent future problems. We'll provide you with a home program of exercises to continue improving flexibility, posture, endurance, and low back and abdominal strength. Our Physiotherapist will also discuss strategies you can use if your symptoms flare up.
When patients simply aren't getting better during their therapy program, or if the problem is becoming more severe, surgery may be suggested.
Rehabilitation after surgery is more complex. Some patients leave the hospital shortly after surgery. However, some surgeries require patients to stay in the hospital for a few days.
During recovery from surgery, patients should follow their surgeon's instructions about wearing a back brace or support belt, and should be cautious about overdoing activities in the first few weeks after surgery.
Although recovery time varies for each patient, as a guideline you may expect to see our Physiotherapists for one to three months, depending on the type of surgery. At first, your Physiotherapists may use treatments such as heat or ice, electrical stimulation, massage, and ultrasound to help calm pain and muscle spasm. We provide reassurance to help you deal with fear and apprehension about pain. Then our Physiotherapists will teach you how to move safely while putting the least strain on your healing back. Exercises are used to improve flexibility, strength, and endurance.
When your recovery is well under way, your regular visits to Physio Med will end. Although we will continue to be a resource, you will be in charge of doing your exercises as part of an ongoing home program.
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We have helped employees all over the UK get back to match fitness
Find out howWe provide occupational physiotherapy services to small or large workplaces nationally, aiming to get their employees back to work as quick as possible. Our average ROI is 10:1. Watch our video to find out how your staff benefit from physiotherapy access.
Phone contact was made at appointment times and the advice given was extremely helpful. I also received emails with pictures of how to complete the exercises which proved very useful.
Really nice people on the phone, well informed & very encouraging. I have a long term chronic back condition and am very grateful for the help and support from the service.
I found Annabelle very approachable, easy to talk to, she listened and was very informative and encouraging one of the nicest physio's I've met. Her advice was comprehensive and excellent, if only I'd spoken to her sooner.
In 2011, North East Ambulance Service reported a 60% reduction in musculoskeletal disorder cases as a direct result of Physio Med's treatment.
I have just read the latest scores from the survey of users of the physio service you provide to DWP and felt I had to write to congratulate you on the 96% approval rating.
Mark has been a Chartered Physiotherapist for 23 years, running his own practice in Guiseley, West Yorkshire, before launching Physio Med. Originally from Stockton-on-Tees, Mark was also head physio for rugby Super League team the Bradford Bulls between 1999 and 2002.
Mark oversees the clinical direction of the business but also still spends a proportion of his time on clinical practice at Physio Med's HQ and in the original Guiseley clinic.
Originally from Philippines, as deputy chief Physiotherapist of Armed Forces department of rehab medicine, for many years.
The challenge to explore the field of Physiotherapy, Jon has been a Chartered Physiotherapist for 20 years, with NHS MSK CATT Physiotherapy Service. My experience and qualifications are of paramount importance for a patient recovering from injuries, ensuring they get a tailored and quality treatment plan all throughout individuals recovery pathway.
Jon joined Physiomed for the past 8 years, promoting the highest standard of Physio practice using YBT-FMS for severity of movement dysfunction measuring tool; Acupuncture treatment for enhancing recovery, homeostasis, and pain management as adjunct to standard Physiotherapy.
As part of OH Physio service, Jon delivers virtual and F2F DSE level 1 workstation assessment, identify current set-up issues and recommend ergonomic products to prevent/ reduce the risk; to suit any MSD and / or WRULD, fulfilling my passion to help improve work and wellbeing.
Originally from Philippines, Gwenn as a Chartered Physiotherapist joined PhysioMed whilst keeping the commitment and dedication in promoting the highest standard of Physio practice. My passion as Physiotherapist with a profound knowledge of various physical therapeutic techniques to formulate tailored treatment plan will help to improve individuals’ functional skill and wellbeing.
I worked with my patient to create a unique and customised movement regimen designed to improve healing and encourage normal function. Physiotherapy is of paramount importance for people recovering from MSK injuries in ensuring that they exercise their muscles throughout the recovery stage.
Jordan had a glittering athletic career before he retired from Team GB International 800m Athlete. He ran for Team GB at the European Junior athletics championships in Rieti, Italy and ran for the England Senior team in Bratislava! His background is track and field athletics, with a strong sport, however due to injury he retired and decided on a career which helps other athletes.
Jordan has now completed his Level 3 and 4 Sports Massage Therapist and a Level 3 Personal trainer.
We are proud to introduce our latest member of staff – Gary, who has an impressive array of experience:
Gary qualified with a BSc(Hons) Leeds Metropolitan University 1993 and then went on to qualify at the prestigious Curtin University Perth Western Australia 1999, with a
MSc(Manipulative Therapy). He then became a Member of the Musculoskeletal Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (MACP).
Previous Gary was also a member of the International Headache Society 1999 - 2015 with a special interest in Cervicogenic Headaches and Regional Representative for the East of England National Spinal Network 2018 – 2022.
Gary has also turned his hand to teaching when he provided post -graduate teaching on spinal pathologies, differential diagnosis and the treatment of spinal conditions to colleagues and GP's. Along with a colleague Gary developed and led a 2 day course - 'Differential diagnosis of the spine'. Providing several courses over the UK and Ireland.
Over the last 20 years Gary has been instrumental in developing and delivering a spinal service in Suffolk with orthopaedic spinal surgeons and pain consultants. This involved the assessment, treatment and diagnostics of patients with complex spinal pathologies. This pathway was recognised by GIRFT and Best MSK as a Gold Standard Pathway.
Over 30 years Gary has amassed an impressive body of experience working both in the NHS and privately in the field of musculoskeletal medicine. We are proud to announce that Gary will be joining our team on 1st of July working at our Guiseley practice.
Originally, I am from South Africa and whilst missing the sun I am enjoying the UK and plan to stay.
I have built 15 years’ experience covering a wide range of skills from Sports massage Therapy to cupping, scraping, deep tissue massage and maternity massage. I love using massage tools like cupping and scraping as I have found they provide amazing results. I enjoy working with all kinds of people, from Sports to your average Joe. I also believe that massage is the best replacement to using paracetamol or ibuprofen.
My love of sports includes Karate, a sport I have dedicated 29 years to and have now achieved 3rd Dan, which, I believe also give me an added insight on providing sports massage therapy. I have also recently taken up Golf, which I’m finding most frustrating, but I love it too.
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