Back Pain & Sciatica
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit Prime Sports Physiotherapy, and it is easy to understand why. Few things are as disruptive as a back that will not cooperate. Whether you are struggling to get out of bed in the morning, finding it impossible to sit comfortably at your desk, or dealing with sharp pain that stops you mid-movement, back pain has a way of affecting everything. Add nerve pain into the mix, where the nerves become irritated or compressed and send pain, numbness, or tingling down into the leg, and the impact on daily life can be significant.
The good news is that with the right assessment and treatment, the vast majority of people with back pain and sciatica make a full recovery. You do not have to just put up with it.
Why choose Prime for back pain treatment in Edinburgh?
Our physiotherapists assess and treat back pain and nerve symptoms every day, from acute injuries and muscle spasms to long-standing disc problems and recurring flare-ups that have been affecting your life for years. We do not simply treat your symptoms. We take the time to identify the underlying cause, whether that is a disc injury, nerve irritation, postural strain, muscle imbalance, or age-related change, and design a clear, personalised recovery plan that addresses it properly.
Our approach combines hands-on therapy including joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, and acupuncture where appropriate, with individualised rehabilitation exercises to rebuild core strength, restore movement, and improve confidence. We also provide practical advice on posture, workstation setup, training load, and daily habits to reduce the risk of your back flaring up again.
What conditions do we treat?
We regularly see and treat lower back strain and muscle spasm, lumbar disc injuries including bulging and herniated discs, sciatica and nerve irritation, spinal stenosis, postural back pain linked to desk work, driving, or prolonged sitting, arthritis and age-related stiffness, scoliosis, and post-surgical spinal rehabilitation.
For athletes, back pain presents its own unique challenges. The demands of training and competition place a significant load on the spine, and what works for a desk worker will not always work for a rugby player, a rower, or a golfer. Our physiotherapists understand the sport-specific mechanics that contribute to back pain in athletes and design rehabilitation programmes that not only resolve the injury but address the underlying movement patterns, strength deficits, and training factors that may have caused it. Whether you are managing a stress fracture, a disc injury from repeated loading, or back pain that flares up every season, we will get you back to training and competing with confidence.
What does an appointment involve?
Your first appointment includes a detailed history and thorough physical assessment, covering mobility, posture, strength, and nerve function. Your physiotherapist will explain your diagnosis clearly and in plain language, and work with you to design a step-by-step treatment plan. Sessions may include hands-on therapy, acupuncture, guided movement and stretching, and progressive strengthening exercises. You will also receive a home exercise programme tailored to your goals, whether that is sitting pain-free at work, returning to sport, or simply being able to move through daily life without fear of your back giving way.
As you progress, your programme is regularly reviewed and adjusted to keep you moving forward. For those wanting to build a stronger, more resilient back for the long term, our physio-led strength and conditioning sessions and Pilates and yoga classes offer an excellent next step.
Who is it for?
Our back pain service is suitable for anyone experiencing back pain or related symptoms, regardless of age, activity level, or how long the problem has been present. You do not have to have a dramatic injury or a confirmed diagnosis to book. If your back is affecting your life, we are here to help you recover, perform, and thrive.
No referral needed. Just get in touch and we will take it from there.
