Conditions

Back Pain / Sciatica

One of the most common complaints we hear about and treat is lower back pain.

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Low Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical attention in the UK. According to the NHS, around 8 in 10 people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives. Each year, approximately 2.5 million people seek treatment for it. Given its prevalence, effective management and prevention strategies are essential.

At SJ Sports Therapy, low back pain is one of the most frequent complaints we assess and treat. There are many potential causes of back pain, and identifying the correct one is key to effective recovery.

Our therapists are trained to determine when conservative treatment is appropriate and when a referral to your GP may be necessary. In around 90% of cases, the cause of low back pain is musculoskeletal—meaning it involves the spine, muscles, joints, discs, or ligaments.

Common Musculoskeletal Causes of Low Back Pain:

• Non-Specific Low Back Pain
  Pain without a clearly identifiable cause—often linked to poor posture, muscle strain, or sedentary habits.
  Treatment: Spinal mobilisations, massage therapy, and rehabilitation exercises can often relieve symptoms effectively.
• Lumbar Strain or Sprain
  Caused by overuse, poor posture, or sudden awkward movements.
  Symptoms: Localised back pain, stiffness, muscle spasms—worsens with movement.
• Degenerative Disc Disease / Osteoarthritis / Spondylosis
  Age-related wear and tear that affects the spine and discs.
  Symptoms: Chronic pain, morning stiffness, worsens with prolonged sitting or standing.
• Facet Joint Dysfunction (Facet Syndrome)
  Involves the small joints at the back of the spine.
  Symptoms: Localised pain with referral to the buttocks or thighs; worse with twisting or spinal extension.
• Disc Herniation (Slipped Disc)
  A bulging or ruptured spinal disc pressing on nerves.
  Symptoms: Sciatica, numbness, tingling, or leg weakness; pain worsens with bending or sitting.
• Spinal Stenosis
  Narrowing of the spinal canal, often age-related.
  Symptoms: Leg pain with walking, relieved by bending forward or sitting.
• Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction
  Irritation or instability in the joint between the spine and pelvis.
  Symptoms: Buttock or lower back pain, worse with stair climbing or prolonged standing.
• Spondylolysis & Spondylolisthesis
  • Spondylolysis: Stress fracture common in young athletes
  • Spondylolisthesis: Forward slipping of one vertebra over another
    Symptoms: Pain with hyperextension, sometimes accompanied by nerve-related symptoms

Movement Matters

Many people with back pain unconsciously alter how they move to avoid discomfort. However, avoiding certain movements long-term can lead to compensations and further dysfunction. Reintegrating healthy movement patterns is a key part of recovery.

At SJ Sports Therapy, your therapist will help identify restricted or avoided movements and guide you through targeted exercises / Pilates to safely restore proper function—often in combination with massage therapy or manual techniques.

Your Care Plan

After assessment, we’ll provide a detailed review, including:

• Diagnosis – Understanding your condition
• Prognosis – Expected outcomes and recovery
• Treatment Plan – Personalised and evidence-based
  • What we will do
  • What you can do to help yourself
  • Timeline and expected outcomes
  • Transparent cost breakdown

If we feel your condition requires a different type of care, we’ll refer you promptly to the appropriate specialist.

Safe & Effective Treatment

Our approach is modern, effective and personalised. Treatment options may include:

• Spinal & joint mobilisation/manipulation
• Myofascial therapy like Sports Massage/Remedial Massage, Cupping, Dry Needling
• Electrotherapy like Ultrasound
• Rehabilitative exercise & Pilates (strength, mobility, posture, balance)
• Pain education & coping strategies
• Lifestyle & postural advice

✅ Ready to Take the Next Step?

Book Your Appointment Today and let us help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love.