Back pain is incredibly common and can creep into every aspect of your life, whether you’re sitting at your desk, picking up the shopping, or trying to get a decent night’s sleep. From the occasional twinge to that persistent, debilitating discomfort that just won’t go away, back pain can take over before you know it. Understanding what’s behind your pain is the first step to getting it under control.
At Rachel Sharp Rehab in Sutton Coldfield, I offer a range of personalised treatments to help you manage back pain, including musculoskeletal pain, radicular pain, axial pain, referred pain, and chronic back pain. If you’ve been putting up with aches and discomfort that stop you from enjoying your day-to-day life, it’s time to take action. With the right approach, you can get back to doing what you love without constantly worrying about your back.
What Type of Back Pain Do You Have?
It’s easy to think of back pain as just one issue, but the truth is that different types of back pain need different treatments. Here’s a breakdown of some common types you might be dealing with.
Musculoskeletal (Mechanical) Pain
Musculoskeletal pain, often referred to as mechanical back pain, is by far the most common form of back pain. It’s usually caused by issues with the muscles, ligaments, or joints in your back, often linked to movement or posture. You might feel a dull ache in your lower back, which gets worse after sitting too long or standing in one place. Sometimes it’s sharper and more intense, especially if you’ve overdone it with lifting, bending, or twisting motions.
Poor posture, a sedentary lifestyle, or sudden awkward movements can all trigger musculoskeletal pain. If your core muscles are weak, this can further contribute to the problem. But here’s the good news: there are ways to manage it effectively. At Rachel Sharp Rehab, I’ll work with you to develop tailored exercises and posture techniques that build up your core strength and flexibility. This can not only ease your pain but also prevent it from becoming a recurring issue.
Understanding Radicular Pain (Including Sciatica)
Radicular pain happens when one of the nerve roots in your spine becomes compressed or irritated, causing pain that radiates away from your back. The classic example of this is sciatica, where you feel sharp, shooting pain travelling down your leg. It’s a pain like no other—often described as electric or burning. It can be accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area, making even everyday activities a challenge.
Conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or bone spurs can all trigger radicular pain. The key to managing this type of pain is to relieve the pressure on the nerve. In many cases, targeted physiotherapy, stretching exercises, and postural adjustments can help reduce inflammation and compression. At my clinic, I focus on these non-invasive treatments first, but for some people, stronger interventions like corticosteroid injections or even surgery may be necessary.
Axial Pain
Axial pain, also known as localised back pain, tends to stay in one specific area of your back and doesn’t travel down your legs or into other parts of your body. It can range from a dull, constant ache to a sharper pain that flares up during certain movements. Axial pain is often caused by muscle strains, ligament sprains, or issues with the small joints in the spine, such as facet joints.
The good news is that this type of pain often responds well to simple, conservative treatments. Rest, heat therapy, and gentle stretches can be very effective in managing the pain. At Rachel Sharp Rehab, I also offer manual therapy, such as massage or spinal manipulation, to relieve muscle tension and improve mobility. Over time, incorporating strengthening exercises and posture correction can help prevent axial pain from returning.
Effective Solutions for Long-Term Relief
Back pain can be stubborn, but it’s not something you have to live with forever. With the right approach, you can find lasting relief and, just as importantly, prevent the pain from coming back. Here’s how I can help.
Personalised Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage back pain and, more importantly, stop it from coming back. At Rachel Sharp Rehab, I tailor every treatment programme to fit your specific needs, addressing the root causes of your pain, whether it’s poor posture, muscle imbalances, or limited flexibility. By focusing on core strength and mobility, I’ll help you relieve your pain and develop the tools to maintain a healthy back in the long term.
Your programme will include targeted exercises designed to strengthen the muscles that support your spine, improve your flexibility, and correct any postural problems. I’ll also teach you techniques to protect your back during everyday activities, so you can go about your day without worrying about triggering more pain. Physical therapy isn’t just about treating the pain—it’s about empowering you to manage your health and prevent future issues.
Holistic Pain Management
Dealing with back pain, especially if it’s been going on for a while, requires a comprehensive approach. Alongside physical therapy, I offer a range of pain management techniques that can help ease your discomfort and improve your quality of life.
For acute pain relief, non-invasive methods like heat therapy, massage, and specific exercises can make a big difference. In some cases, more advanced interventions like corticosteroid injections might be necessary to target inflammation directly at the source. But it’s not just about physical treatments—chronic pain often has a psychological component too. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can help you manage the mental and emotional toll of long-term pain, teaching you how to change your relationship with pain and develop effective coping strategies.
Lifestyle Adjustments for Lasting Results
Preventing back pain from becoming a long-term problem involves making a few strategic lifestyle changes. One of the most important things you can do is improve your posture, whether you’re at work, driving, or just sitting on the sofa. Small adjustments, like ensuring your chair supports your lower back or that your screen is at eye level, can make a huge difference over time.
Regular physical activity is also essential. Strengthening your core muscles helps support your spine, while activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can keep your muscles flexible and strong. Maintaining a healthy weight is equally important, as carrying extra weight puts unnecessary strain on your back.
And don’t forget about the little things, like staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support bone and muscle health. Calcium and vitamin D are crucial for strong bones while staying active keeps your muscles supple and resilient.
Why Choose Rachel Sharp Rehab in Sutton Coldfield?
At Rachel Sharp Rehab, I understand that every person’s experience with back pain is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. That’s why I take a personalised approach to your treatment, working closely with you to understand your unique needs and goals. I don’t just focus on treating the pain—you’ll receive a plan that addresses the root causes, helping you to recover faster and prevent future issues.
My approach combines physical therapy, manual therapy, and pain management techniques, all designed to fit your lifestyle and work for your body. I’m here to support you throughout your journey, ensuring that you have the tools and knowledge to take control of your health and maintain a pain-free life.
You don’t have to put up with back pain any longer. Let me help you get back to doing the things you love, with confidence and without discomfort.