Back Pain

Expert Physiotherapy in Bromley & Shortlands

Back pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. It can develop suddenly or build up over time, and often impacts your ability to work, exercise, and carry out everyday tasks.

At PhysioSquared, we provide expert assessment and treatment for a wide range of back pain conditions, using a hands-on, personalised approach to help you move better and recover fully.

What Causes Back Pain?

Back pain can arise from a variety of structures in the spine, including muscles, joints, discs, and nerves. In many cases, it’s not caused by a single injury, but by a combination of factors.

Common contributing factors include:

  • Poor posture (especially sitting for long periods)

  • Lack of movement or physical activity

  • Sudden increases in exercise or load

  • Repetitive strain or overuse

  • Previous injury

  • Stress and muscle tension

Common Back Pain Conditions

1. Non-Specific Lower Back Pain

This is the most common type of back pain, where no single structure is clearly identified as the cause.

How it arises:

  • Prolonged sitting or poor posture

  • Reduced movement or strength

  • Minor strains over time

Management:

  • Graduated exercise and strengthening

  • Manual therapy to reduce stiffness

  • Education on movement and posture

2. Lumbar Disc Bulge or Herniation

Discs act as cushions between your vertebrae. Sometimes, they can bulge or herniate and irritate nearby nerves.

How it arises:

  • Repetitive bending or lifting

  • Sudden strain or overload

  • Degenerative changes over time

Symptoms may include:

  • Back pain with leg pain (sciatica)

  • Tingling or numbness

Management:

  • Targeted rehabilitation exercises

  • Pain management strategies

  • Hands-on treatment to improve movement

3. Facet Joint Pain

Facet joints are small joints in your spine that help guide movement.

How it arises:

  • Repetitive extension or rotation movements

  • Stiffness from prolonged inactivity

  • Age-related changes

Management:

  • Manual therapy to restore joint movement

  • Mobility and strengthening exercises

  • Activity modification

4. Muscle Strain

A common cause of acute back pain involving overstretching or irritation of muscles.

How it arises:

  • Sudden lifting or awkward movements

  • Sports or gym activities

  • Fatigue or overuse

Management:

  • Early movement and guided exercise

  • Soft tissue treatment

  • Gradual return to activity

5. Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that travels down the leg due to irritation of the sciatic nerve.

How it arises:

  • Often linked to a disc issue

  • Nerve sensitivity or compression

Symptoms may include:

  • Shooting pain down the leg

  • Numbness or pins and needles

Management:

  • Specific exercises to reduce nerve irritation

  • Movement-based treatment

  • Advice to stay active safely

How Physiotherapy Can Help

At PhysioSquared, treatment focuses on:

  • Identifying the root cause of your pain

  • Reducing symptoms through hands-on treatment

  • Restoring strength, movement, and confidence

  • Preventing recurrence

When to Seek Help

You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if:

  • Pain persists for more than a few weeks

  • Symptoms are affecting your daily activities

  • Pain is worsening or recurring

  • You’re unsure how to safely return to exercise

Disclaimer

This information is for general education only and does not constitute medical advice. A personalised assessment is recommended for accurate diagnosis.

Last updated April 2026

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