Back Pain & Sciatica

Don't Let Back Pain & Sciatica take over your life. Get long lasting relief and feel empowered to take back control.

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Back pain can be caused by injury to specific tissues in the back from a fall, road traffic accident, lifting injury, or more commonly, deconditioning. This latter term refers to a level of physical strength that is below fundamental levels for the individual to function without pain. With the general population becoming increasingly inactive and generally avoidant of exercise, particularly during episodes of back pain, there is a lot of scope to improve how back pain is managed and treated. A multi-pronged approach including a taking a detailed history, rigours testing, improved understanding and a bespoke strength programme is the best approach.

What is The Difference Between Back Pain and Sciatic Nerve Pain?

Back pain can originate from various spinal structures, including muscles, joints, discs or nerves. Muscles can be strained as a result of sudden or forced exertion beyond their normal capacity. Muscles can also go into spasm resulting in limited movement. Either of these subtypes of low back pain can cause moderate to severe pain ranging in duration from a week to several weeks depending on the severity.

Disc-related pain can range from moderate to debilitating in nature, depending on the specific nature of the injury. It is typically very painful for a few days to weeks and significantly impacts physical function during the early phases. It is important to be aware of more serious signs and symptoms at this stage to prevent long-term and potentially irreversible injury. These include muscle strength, reflex, and sensation tests to ensure normal neural connections are present.

Despite many old, but very much misinformed beliefs, it is worth being aware that discs do not pop out and hence cannot be popped back in. A ‘herniated disc’, is the term describing a disc where the sidewall has lost its structural integrity (see image) . This can be extremely painful and recovery can take a long time. Several studies show that it can take twelve to twenty four months for the disc wall to heal. Thankfully the pain settles more quickly than this, with confident movement and strength gradually being restored .

Sciatica, on the other hand, refers to any pain that runs down the back of the leg. This includes the lower back, buttock, and anywhere along the posterior thigh.

It may be one continuous line of pain but could also present in the buttock and then again further down at the calf or foot.

Sciatica can present in a few ways. Firstly, true Sciatica results from the Sciatic nerve being irritated, which can happen for reasons such as disc compression at the spinal level(s) or nerve entrapment along its route, where nerve movement (neurodynamics) is affected.

Other pain in the back of the leg, which is actually referred pain, caused by the hip muscles (Gluteals) and hence is called Pseudo-Sciatica. It presents in a similar manner, with dull ache pain as described earlier. It can be very painful and affect movement but can be effectively treated with specific nerve mobility exercises, hands-on muscle release techniques, Dry needling and bespoke rehabilitation exercises to ensure a full resolution.

Sciatica Symptoms

Sciatica as we now know is a term that causes a broad range of symptoms from a number of possible sources.

Common symptoms include:

Radiating Pain

A sharp or burning pain that starts in the lower back or buttocks and travels down the back of one affected leg.

Numbness or Tingling

A pins-and-needles sensation, often in the leg or foot, accompanying the pain.

Weakness

Reduced strength in the affected leg, corresponding to the involved spinal levels,making it difficult to stand, bend or move.

Worsening Pain with Movement

Sitting, standing, coughing, or bending may intensify the pain.

Localised Discomfort

Some individuals feel pain in specific areas, such as the hip, thigh or calf.

If you experience a loss of strength in a limb or muscle group, please seek urgent medical attention and expert physiotherapy to identify the cause and begin appropriate treatment. In some cases, approximately ten percent, an onward surgical referral is necessary in conjunction with a physiotherapy treatment and rehabilitation plan.

Relief For Sciatica Pain

Relief for Sciatica pain in the back, glutes and affected leg can be achieved through several methods.

Physiotherapy

Progressive exercises and stretches can help reduce pressure on the Sciatic nerve, improve neurodynamics and overall flexibility. When coupled with a balanced strength programme any muscle weaknesses, imbalances and compensations are corrected. This combined approach gives the best long term results for people living with back pain.

Heat and Ice

Applying an ice pack or heating pad to the lower back can help soothe muscle tension, providing relief.

Reduced Postural Control

This can be due to a lack of strength in the back, core, and leg muscles, reduced positional awareness, or any combination . A tailored physiotherapy assessment of strength and spinal movements will provide a clearer picture of what is required to get your back on track. Understanding what to do, how to bend and lift correctly has a major impact on people's confidence levels and overall success.

Pain Medication

Over-the-counter medication such as Panadol or Ibuprofen can help ease the pain and inflammation respectively.

Massage and Soft tissue treatment

A massage or targeted treatments like trigger point therapy and muscle energy techniques can help relax tight muscles, ease pain and improve movement. The relief from these physiotherapeutic techniques is appreciated by people who experience back pain.

Measured Rest and Movement

While too much rest can have a negative impact on people's recovery from back pain, short periods of gentle yet tolerable movements combined with relative rest can help reduce discomfort levels and is very important in the long term management plan.

How To Identify Different Types of Back or Spine Pain

Back and spine pain can vary based on its cause and location. Identifying the type of pain helps in diagnosing the underlying issue and determining the right treatment.
Here’s how to recognise different types of back or spine pain:

Acute vs. Chronic Pain

Acute Pain is a short-term pain lasting a few days to weeks, often caused by muscle strain or injury.

Persistent Pain is pain that continues for three months or longer, which may indicate an underlying condition like arthritis or nerve damage but often has a psychological component, termed centralised pain.
See this link where Peter O’ Sullivan, one of the world's leading back pain experts, talks to a fellow spinal expert about how poor beliefs and thoughts about back pain, posture and much more, were impacting their recovery.

Sharp vs. Dull Pain

Sharp pain is sudden, intense and can be unpredictable. It can often be caused by an injured muscle or spasm but could also be from a herniated disc or sensitised nerve.

Dull Pain is more of a persistent ache, usually associated with muscle fatigue, wear and tear (Arthritic age related change) or spinal stiffness due to lack of movement.

Localised vs. Radiating Pain

Localised Pain stays in one specific area, such as the lower back or hips.

Radiating Pain spreads from one area to another, such as pain starting in the back and travelling down the leg, which is typical of Sciatica, disc or centralised pain symptoms.

Pain Triggered by Movement

Pain that worsens with certain movements, like bending or twisting, may indicate a spinal disc problem or spasm.

Pain that improves with rest but intensifies with activity could signal muscle strain.

Accompanied by Neurological Symptoms

Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs suggests nerve involvement, often due to conditions like a herniated disc, nerve sensitisation or spinal stenosis.

I am sure you can appreciate it from reading this blog that Back pain is complex and can present in a blend of overlapping signs and symptoms. With that a multifaceted approach must be applied so that the best outcomes are achieved. All too often people are looking for a quick fit and think that by resolving the pain is solving the problem. While reducing pain is important we consider stopping the problem from returning as more important. This is where most people fall short. They either stop their physio or exercise routine when the pain subsides and then slowly the pain returns within a few months. We understand how challenging back pain is, but equally we know how worthwhile it is for those who see their rehab programme through and keep up their long term maintenance programme.

If you’re experiencing back or spine pain, consulting a professional for a detailed evaluation is key to identifying the real root cause and from there starting the right treatment plan with confidence so you know your physio understanding where you are coming from so you can work together to get the desired outcome, be it getting back to work, playing sports again or simply being able to live life without thinking about your back.

Effective Treatment for Your Back Pain and Sciatica

Here at APC, we realise the importance of providing bespoke treatment programmes to every client. We will, upon initial consultation, undertake a full assessment of your back pain or sciatica pain and identify the area that is causing you discomfort. This is where the magic starts.

Patrick and his team will put together a targeted physiotherapy programme tailored to your needs. Every step of this programme will be constructed to target and alleviate any issues we have uncovered. This thorough and tried and tested process will put you on the road to a life free of pain in a way that suits your body and lifestyle.

We are listening to what your body is really saying and can therefore provide the right solutions that will help you to heal and rehabilitate without the use of medication, unneeded procedures or alternative therapies.

LISTEN TO YOUR STORY

At APC Physio, we believe in the power of listening - truly listening. It's often in the nuances of your story, in those seemingly small details, that we find the key to unlocking your path to recovery.

MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT AND ROOT CAUSE EXPLANATION

Through thorough assessment, we find the piece of the puzzle that's key to your success and talk you through your recovery plan step by step

HANDS ON TREATMENT & TAILORED ADVICE

We tailor our approach to treatment and rehabilitation specifically to you. Why? Because you're not just another case to us. You are unique, and your treatment should be, too.

Restore Confident Movement & Get Back To What You Love

With this tailored approach, we’ve seen remarkable transformations. Patients who have struggled for years to find relief, rediscovering joy in movements they thought were lost to them.

Empowering You To Achieve Long Term Well Being

We’re not just about short-term fixes; it’s about creating sustainable, long-term change and giving you back control to manage your own well-being. Our approach focuses on understanding your unique needs, providing tailored solutions, and equipping you with the knowledge and tools to maintain a healthier lifestyle. By addressing the root causes of your concerns and fostering habits that support ongoing improvement, we empower you to achieve balance, resilience, and lasting results for your physical and mental health.

Client Stories

Here are some testimonials of what people have said about their experiences with us regarding their back problems (videos , google reviews etc).

My back feels great after just five physio sessions with no recurrent back pain. I love the back pain rehab classes, I can now move the way I want to without worrying about my back. Thanks a mill

FionaBack Patient