7 Common Causes of Back Pain – and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people in the UK visit a healthcare professional. In fact, it’s estimated that 8 out of 10 adults will experience it at some point in their lives.

The good news? In most cases, back pain can be managed effectively with the right treatment – and that’s where physiotherapy comes in. At Choice Physio in Bishops Stortford, we’ve helped thousands of patients move from painful days to pain-free living.

In this post, we’ll explore the most common causes of back pain and how physiotherapy can help you recover.

1. Poor Posture

Slouching at your desk or hunching over a laptop puts stress on your spine. Over time, this can cause muscle fatigue, stiffness, and discomfort.

Physio fix: Postural correction exercises, ergonomic advice, and stretches to keep your spine aligned.

2. Muscle Strains

Overdoing it at the gym, lifting something heavy, or even twisting awkwardly can strain the muscles in your back.

Physio fix: Hands-on treatment to ease tight muscles, followed by a tailored strengthening programme.

3. Herniated Discs

When the cushioning discs in your spine slip out of place, they can press on nerves, causing pain, tingling, or weakness.

Physio fix: Gentle mobilisation, targeted exercises, and activity modification to reduce symptoms and aid recovery.

4. Arthritis

Osteoarthritis can affect the joints of the spine, leading to stiffness and reduced mobility.

Physio fix: Joint mobilisation, flexibility work, and strengthening to keep you moving comfortably.

5. Sedentary Lifestyle

Too much sitting and not enough movement weakens your core and back muscles, making pain more likely.

Physio fix: Gradual activity plans and core-strengthening exercises designed for your fitness level.

6. Sports Injuries

From golf to football, repetitive movements and sudden impacts can trigger back pain in athletes.

Physio fix: Sport-specific rehab programmes to get you back to peak performance – and keep you there.

7. Stress

Believe it or not, emotional stress can cause physical tension, especially in the neck and back.

Physio fix: Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and gentle stretching to release muscle tension.

Why See a Physiotherapist Early?

Back pain can worsen if ignored. The sooner you get assessed, the sooner you can start a tailored treatment plan – and the better your chances of a full recovery.

At Choice Physio, we take the time to understand your lifestyle, work habits, and activity levels so we can treat not just the pain, but the cause.

💡 Ready to start your recovery?

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📍 Location: Bishops Stortford