Understanding back pain

Whether it’s bending, lifting, or just getting through the day, we want to help you move freely again.

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Is back pain holding you back?

Back pain is something that most of us deal with at some point in our lives. The back, from the cervical spine in the back of the neck down to the sacrum and coccyx at the bottom of the spine, contains muscles, joints, nerves, and vertebrae, all of which work to keep you upright and moving. And at Williamstown Health and Lifestyle, we’re well-versed in the whole lot!

With four million Australians living with some form of back pain in 2022, it may come as no surprise that many people seek physiotherapy and osteopathy as a potential way to address their pain. From upper back pain to lower back pain, if your goal is to get back into life with a spring in your step, we want to help you get there.

What is back pain?

Back pain is any pain located anywhere along your back, from the back of the neck to the tailbone. Lower back pain is the most common form of back pain, but it may occur anywhere along your back.

It may feel like a stabbing pain, a dull ache, or throbbing, and it may be mild or so painful that it stops you from doing your daily activities. Whether you’re a student, a busy parent, or a retiree, nobody needs back pain stopping them from doing what they love!

There are many potential causes of back pain, including:

  • Strains
  • Sprains
  • Poor posture
  • Prolonged sitting or lying down
  • Sleeping in an uncomfortable position
  • Herniated discs
  • Overloading the spine
  • Impinged or inflamed nerves
  • Sciatica
  • Scoliosis
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Osteoartritis
  • Fractures

You can have lower back pain, upper back pain, and middle back pain. Wherever you feel your back pain, you deserve compassionate care from knowledgeable physiotherapists, such as our team at Williamstown Health and Lifestyle.

Symptoms of back pain

Any symptom of back pain has the potential to put a dampener on your day, or even longer if not addressed. No matter what type of pain you have or where it’s located, we recommend having it looked at sooner rather than later. Whether it’s a twinge of pain in your upper back or an ache in your lower back, you want to feel your best– and we want that for you, too!

Symptoms of back pain include:

  • Sharp pain
  • Burning pain
  • Dull aches
  • Throbbing pain
  • A ‘stabbing’ sensation
  • Tingling
  • Numbness
  • Muscle tightness
  • Muscle spasm

In some cases, you may even experience losing control of your bladder or bowel, and having difficulty standing, walking, or sitting. If you notice these, or other concerning symptoms like fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, ensure you see a doctor as soon as possible.

Back pain treatment options

Every person’s back pain is different, so there’s no one specific treatment for all types of back pain. At Williamstown Health and Lifestyle, we get to know you and your medical history, including your current concerns, so we can tailor your treatment plan just for you.

Depending on your needs and goals, this may include:

Back Pain Treatment Williamstown

Your back pain questions answered

The length of time it takes to recover from back pain depends on many factors, such as the cause, how long you’ve had it, the location of the pain, and how severe it is.

Back pain is generally divided into three overarching categories:

  • Acute (lasting four weeks or less)
  • Subacute (lasting between four and 12 weeks)
  • Chronic (lasting three months or longer)

Many people with back pain recover within a few weeks. Working with a physiotherapist may assist in speeding this process up for some people.

While there’s no one way you can definitely prevent back pain, there may be ways to reduce your risk. These include:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Engaging in regular exercise (without overloading your back)
  • Managing stress
  • Quitting smoking

If your back pain is mild, it may improve with some things you can do at home, such as:

  • Using ice packs for pain and swelling
  • Using heat packs for joint stiffness or muscle spasms
  • Gentle exercises and stretches
  • Taking anti-inflammatory pain medication

However, if your back pain is severe or doesn’t improve after a few days, we recommend you see a medical professional for assessment.

Whether you’ll need surgery for your back pain depends on the cause of the pain and how severe it is. Surgery is typically a last resort if more conservative treatment options have failed, so unless it’s an emergency, your team will most likely consider physiotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications first.

Why Williamstown Health and Lifestyle?

Focused on future-proofing

While there’s no one way to completely eliminate the potential for back pain, we focus on reducing your risk through relieving, retraining, and strengthening.

Free shockwave therapy

We’ve found that shockwave therapy tends to cut down treatment time and typically helps people feel better faster– a win for everybody!

Warm and welcoming

We pride ourselves on our friendly and knowledgeable approach to healthcare, where we get to know you as a person rather than a set of symptoms.

Hoping to see the back of back pain?

Whether you have lower back pain or pain further up your spine, you deserve personalised care designed to help you feel your best. At Williamstown Health and Lifestyle, we’re committed to helping you get back to what you love. With a focus on physiotherapy, osteopathy, myotherapy, and more, we can’t wait to welcome you. Book your appointment today!

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