Back Pain Treatment
Specialized physiotherapy treatment for lower back pain in South Surrey. Get relief from acute and chronic back pain with personalized care.
Prevalence
80% of adults experience back pain in their lifetime
Common Age
Most common ages 30-60
Recovery Time
6-12 weeks with treatment
Coverage
Covered by extended health
Symptoms & Causes
Common Symptoms
- Dull, aching pain in the lower back
- Sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with movement
- Pain that radiates down one or both legs (sciatica)
- Muscle spasms in the lower back
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Difficulty standing up straight or changing positions
- Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or standing
- Reduced range of motion when bending or twisting
Common Causes
- Muscle or ligament strain from lifting or sudden movements
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated or bulging disc pressing on nerves
- Facet joint dysfunction
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of spinal canal)
- Arthritis in the lumbar spine
- Poor posture and core weakness
- Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged sitting
Prevention & Self-Care
Prevention Tips
- Maintain strong core muscles through regular exercise
- Practice proper lifting technique (bend at knees, not back)
- Maintain good posture while sitting and standing
- Take regular breaks from prolonged sitting
- Use ergonomic support at your workstation
- Stay active with low-impact activities like walking or swimming
- Maintain a healthy body weight
- Warm up before physical activities or sports
- Stretch regularly, especially hip flexors and hamstrings
When to See a Physiotherapist
- Back pain lasting more than a few days
- Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest
- Pain radiating down your leg below the knee (may indicate sciatica)
- Numbness or tingling in your legs
- Previous back problems are recurring more frequently
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery time depends on the cause and severity of your back pain. Acute back pain from muscle strain often improves within 2-6 weeks with appropriate treatment. Chronic back pain or disc-related issues may take 8-12 weeks to see significant improvement. Consistency with your physiotherapy sessions and home exercises will help speed your recovery. We'll track your progress and adjust treatment as needed.
While rest may be needed for severe pain, prolonged bed rest can actually slow recovery. We recommend staying as active as possible within your pain limits. Gentle movement helps reduce stiffness, maintain muscle function, and promote healing. We'll guide you on which activities are safe and provide modifications for daily tasks. The key is finding the right balance between activity and rest.
Yes, physiotherapy is highly effective for herniated discs. Many disc herniations respond well to conservative treatment including specific exercises, manual therapy, and traction techniques. We'll assess your condition and create a program to reduce pressure on the affected disc, strengthen supporting muscles, and improve your posture. Surgery is rarely needed when disc herniations are managed properly with physiotherapy.
Core strengthening is a crucial part of back pain recovery and prevention. Weak core muscles force your spine to work harder, increasing injury risk. We'll prescribe specific core exercises tailored to your ability level - starting gently and progressing as you improve. These exercises typically take 10-15 minutes daily and significantly reduce the risk of future back pain episodes.
Clinical Pilates is an excellent option for back pain, especially chronic or recurrent cases. It focuses on core stability, postural alignment, and controlled movement - all essential for a healthy back. Our physiotherapists can guide you through Clinical Pilates exercises specifically chosen for your condition, ensuring proper technique and progression to prevent injury and maximize benefits.
Most back pain is not serious and improves with physiotherapy treatment. However, seek immediate medical attention if you experience loss of bladder/bowel control, severe weakness in your legs, numbness in the groin area, or back pain with fever and chills. Also consult a doctor if pain follows significant trauma or if you have unexplained weight loss. We'll assess your condition and refer you if necessary.
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Read moreMeet the Practitioners
Our team of experienced physiotherapists and kinesiologists are ready to help you on your path to recovery.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your initial 55-minute assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists at South Surrey.