Understanding Back Pain: Common Causes & How We Can Help

by Lisa Benn | Sep 4, 2025 | Sports

Back pain is one of the leading reasons people seek physiotherapy – and for good reason. It can affect athletes, office workers, parents, and retired people alike. At Prime Sports Physiotherapy, we don’t just treat symptoms; we work with you to solve the root of the problem and support your full return to an active life. Let’s explore some of the most common causes of back pain and how we can help.

Muscle Strain & Ligament Sprains

What it is: Often caused by lifting, twisting, or sudden movements, this type of pain comes from overstretching ligaments in your back or overactivity of the muscles in your back.

How We Help:

  • Hands-on physiotherapy and massage therapy to relieve tightness and reduce pain
  • Progressive strengthening and stretching exercises to restore stability and function
  • Lifestyle education for lifting, moving, and posture habits

Poor Posture & Sedentary Lifestyle

What it is: Long periods of sitting or slouching, and increased stress can place extra strain on your spinal muscles, joints and discs.

How We Help:

  • Postural correction and movement training programme
  • Advice on workstation setup and daily activity modifications
  • Clinical Pilates
  • Strength training, Pilates & Yoga

Herniated or Bulging Discs

What it is: Spinal discs can bulge and misbehave, irritating nearby nerves and causing radiating pain, tingling, weakness and symptoms such as sciatica. How We Help:

  • Gentle spinal mobilisation and nerve gliding
  • Core stabilisation and movement control exercises
  • Education on safe movement patterns and recovery pacing
  • Support with pain relief
  • Help to pace a safe return to normal activities, and return to sport

Degenerative Disc Disease, Arthritis & Spinal Stenosis

What it is: These age-related changes may lead to joint stiffness, nerve compression, and chronic discomfort. How We Help:

  • Mobility-focused treatments and manual techniques
  • Exercise therapy to build strength and reduce stiffness
  • Acupuncture treatment for pain relief
  • Lifestyle strategies to reduce and manage symptoms
  • Support to find exercise strategies for your wellbeing

Why Choose Prime?

We believe recovery should be active, supported, and empowering. Every plan is tailored using:

Manual therapy to ease pain and improve mobility  

Targeted exercises that adapt with your progress  

Lifestyle modifications to prevent future issues  

Treatment with the aim of getting you better

Let’s Get You Moving Again

Whether you’re dealing with a new issue or an old one that just won’t go away, we’re here to help you feel your best, confident, strong, and pain-free.