Understanding and Managing Back Pain
Back problems are one of the leading causes of time off work, second only to headaches and colds, and are the second most common reason people visit their GP. It’s estimated that 8 in 10 people in Western countries experience back pain at some point in their lives.
Back pain can stem from various causes, including arthritis, muscle and ligament strains, disc lesions, osteoporosis, sciatica, and stress. Often, it results from stress on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine, affecting the neck (cervical spine), mid-back (thoracic spine), and lower back (lumbar spine).
At PhysioAdvance, we specialize in treating back pain with a proven track record of providing effective relief. Our staff are expertly trained in diagnosing and managing back-related issues. We use X-rays, scans, and comprehensive physical exams to pinpoint the exact cause of your pain, and we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. We understand that a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for lasting relief.
We also take a holistic approach to back care, considering lifestyle factors that contribute to pain, such as lack of exercise, heavy schoolbags, weight issues, sedentary lifestyles, poor posture, stress, and improper work practices. By addressing these factors, we help prevent the recurrence of pain. While many back pain issues can be resolved quickly, those with chronic conditions may benefit from ongoing education and maintenance programs at PhysioAdvance to prevent worsening symptoms or relapses.
Understanding and Managing Neck Pain
If you’re among the many Australians suffering from neck pain, our proven physiotherapy approach might be the solution you need. Neck pain affects around one in ten people at any given time, often due to modern lifestyle factors like prolonged computer use, watching TV for extended periods, and poor posture—especially forward head posture.
Neck issues can also lead to headaches, shoulder pain, jaw pain, pins and needles in the hands, carpal tunnel syndrome, and upper back pain. If you regularly experience any of the following, we encourage you to schedule an assessment:
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Persistent neck ache, especially in the morning
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Stiffness when reversing in the car
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Clicking noises when turning your neck
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Constant aching neck muscles
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Tingling in your hands or fingers
Causes of Neck Pain
The most common cause of neck pain is poor posture. Your head, which weighs about 5 kg, is normally balanced on your neck vertebrae. Prolonged awkward positions disrupt this balance, straining your neck's muscles, nerves, joints, ligaments, and discs. For every 2-3 cm your head shifts forward, the tension in your neck and shoulder muscles doubles. Over time, this strain can become chronic. Other common causes include whiplash, arthritis, and sports injuries.
Treatment for Neck Pain
Physiotherapy provides effective treatment for neck pain. After a thorough history, orthopedic, and neurological examination, your physiotherapist will recommend a personalized treatment plan to reduce pressure, restore movement, and prevent recurrence. Treatment may include:-
Postural advice to avoid further strain
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Spinal mobilizations to restore proper neck movement
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Massage for tight neck muscles
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Exercises to improve neck movement and strength
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Heat/ice therapy for pain management
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Recommendations for a contoured pillow to support your neck during sleep
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Understanding and Managing Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain that limits movement is common and often results from injuries to the shoulder joint, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or cartilage. The shoulder's high flexibility makes it less stable and more prone to injury compared to other joints.
Since the nerves supplying the shoulder and arm originate from the neck and upper spine, conditions like Vertebral Dysfunction can also contribute to shoulder pain.
Common Shoulder Conditions Treated by Physiotherapists:
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Chronic Shoulder Pain and Stiffness
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Shoulder Muscle Spasm and Tension
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Rotator Cuff Disorders (tears and strains)
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Frozen Shoulder
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Shoulder Arthritis
Diagnosis
To determine the cause of your pain, your Physiotherapist will perform a thorough physical, orthopaedic, and neurological examination of the shoulder, cervical, and thoracic spine. Range of motion and muscle strength tests, along with specialized diagnostics such as X-rays, Ultrasound, or MRI scans, may be necessary to pinpoint the cause.
Treatment
The primary goal of treating shoulder injuries is to relieve pain and inflammation. While non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly recommended, ice packs can be equally effective.
As healing progresses, restoring range of motion and improving muscle strength is essential to stabilize the shoulder and prevent future injuries. Your Physiotherapist will guide you through appropriate exercises for shoulder mobility, strength, and rehabilitation throughout your recovery.
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What are the causes of headaches?
Headaches can manifest as pain in the head, around the eyes or ears, and at the back of the head. The most common types we treat at PhysioAdvance are tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches, which often stem from issues in the neck.
While many people rely on painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen for relief, persistent headaches may require alternative treatments. Physiotherapy is a highly effective approach that targets the root causes of headaches, particularly those related to neck dysfunction and physical or emotional stress.
Types and Causes of Headaches:
Headaches are categorized as either primary or secondary. Primary headaches, like migraines and tension headaches, are not caused by other conditions. Secondary headaches result from underlying diseases, which can range from minor to severe.
At PhysioAdvance, tension headaches are commonly linked to neck pain and tension. Neck-related headaches may involve pain that radiates from the back of the head to the front, worsens with neck movement, and is not relieved by medication. Our physiotherapists are skilled in diagnosing and treating these headaches, helping you achieve lasting relief.
Symptoms of Neck Headaches:
Neck headaches often start at the back of the head and upper neck, presenting as tightness, pressure, or pain that may limit movement. Unlike migraines, tension headaches are usually mild, bilateral, and do not involve nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound. Despite the discomfort, many people can still function with tension headaches.
Treatment Approaches:
Our treatment may include joint mobilization, soft tissue release, stretching, strengthening exercises, and heat therapy. We also provide postural and ergonomic advice, and may recommend specialized pillows or other preventative measures. A thorough assessment, including X-rays or scans, will help identify the exact cause of your headaches, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan to prevent future occurrences.Isn't it time to stop letting headaches limit your life?
What is Postural Syndrome?
Many patients experience persistent lower back pain due to sustained poor posture, often caused by what is known as postural syndrome—a condition that’s becoming increasingly common in today’s fast-paced society.
Your lower back is supported by ligaments, tendons, muscles, and connective tissues, all of which function best when your posture is neutral. Slouching or repetitive twisting and bending disrupt this ideal alignment, leading to mechanical stress on the supporting structures of your lower back. Over time, this strain becomes ingrained, causing pain even without any mechanical damage.
Identifying Lower Back Postural Syndrome
People with postural syndrome usually have pain-free movement but experience discomfort when adopting poor positions, especially for prolonged periods. This dull ache in the lower back can spread to the mid and upper back, sometimes leading to neck pain and headaches. Initially, changing positions may alleviate the pain, but over time, the connective tissues fatigue, making the pain harder to resolve.
Physiotherapy Treatment
Most patients with postural syndrome find relief once their posture is corrected, though achieving and maintaining proper posture requires effort from both the physiotherapist and the patient. It’s important to remember that poor posture develops over years and won't resolve overnight. Regular exercises, guided by your physiotherapist, are essential for releasing tight structures and maintaining a neutral spine.
Tips for Managing Postural Syndrome
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Avoid: Sustained sitting or standing, slouching, and activities that cause discomfort.
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Adopt: Postural advice from your physiotherapist, heat therapy, and proper posture.
For more information or to schedule an assessment, contact PhysioAdvance.
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What is Sciatica?
Sciatica is characterized by pain that begins in the lower back or buttock and radiates into one or both legs. The pain can vary in intensity but often includes sharp, jabbing, or “electric shock” sensations, along with burning, numbness, and tingling. Muscle weakness may also occur and requires careful monitoring.
Sciatica is typically aggravated by activities such as bending, lifting, sneezing, or coughing and is common among manual workers, office workers, and pregnant women.
Causes
Sciatica occurs due to pressure on the sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower lumbar spine and travels through the buttock into the leg. Common causes include:-
Piriformis syndrome (tightness in the buttock muscle)
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Spinal misalignments or vertebral dysfunction
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Herniated disc or disc prolapse
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Osteoarthritis
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Poor posture (e.g., high heels, prolonged sitting)
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Poor lifting technique
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Spinal compression from osteoporosis
Diagnosis
To effectively treat sciatica, it's crucial to determine the exact cause. Physiotherapy treatment begins with a thorough history, spinal, orthopaedic, and neurological examination. Diagnostic imaging like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs may also be necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
Treatment for sciatica focuses on relieving pressure on the sciatic nerve by addressing poorly moving spinal joints and easing muscular tension in the lower spine, buttock, and leg.Techniques may include:
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Spinal mobilisations
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Massage and trigger point therapy
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Stretching of muscles, joints, and ligaments
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Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
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Advice on minimizing aggravating factors
You’ll also receive home stretching exercises and guidance on using ice and heat to aid your recovery. If you're experiencing sciatica, early intervention is key. Contact us today
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What is a whiplash neck sprain?
Whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly jolted backward and forward, typically in a car accident (often a "rear-ender"). This whip-like movement forces the neck beyond its normal range, causing damage to the neck's supporting structures. Whiplash is essentially a sprain of the neck joints, also known as vertebral dysfunction. It can also result from forceful sports injuries that stress the neck joints, ligaments, muscles, and discs.
Who is Affected by Whiplash?
Whiplash is common, with about 2 in 3 people involved in car accidents developing neck pain. Even minor accidents can cause enough neck whipping to result in symptoms. Whiplash can also occur from everyday incidents like tripping or falling.
Symptoms of Whiplash
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Neck pain and stiffness
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Reduced neck movement
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Pain in the shoulders and arms
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Tingling in the arms and fingers
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Headaches, dizziness, blurred vision
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Difficulty concentrating and irritability
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Feeling as though the head is too heavy for the neck
Treatment
Physiotherapy is highly effective in managing whiplash. Treatment starts with a thorough history, orthopaedic, neurological, and spinal examination to identify the exact location of your neck pain. Imaging such as X-rays, CT, and MRI scans may be used to assess any damage.
The initial focus of treatment is on reducing pain and inflammation while stabilizing the neck to prevent further injury. Ice therapy is a natural and soothing anti-inflammatory method. Maintaining neck mobility is crucial; regular neck exercises and staying active are preferred over prolonged use of a soft cervical collar.
As pain decreases and stability improves, your Physiotherapist will use gentle mobilization and massage techniques to enhance neck function and relieve nerve pressure. Avoiding poor neck posture and using a supportive contoured pillow while sleeping can also aid recovery.
Whiplash typically responds well to Physiotherapy, with most people experiencing significant improvement within weeks of starting treatment.
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CONDITIONS
Comprehensive care for all your pain and injury concerns