Back Pain
What causes back pain?
Back pain can be caused by a large variety of reasons including repetitive stress (such as gardening for long periods of time) or from a one-off incident (for example lifting a heavy load while twisting). Back pain symptoms can range from lower back tightness, to severe and disabling back muscle spasm, with or without pain referring down the leg (sciatica). Structures potentially involved include intervertebral joints, back muscles, intervertebral discs and spinal nerves.
When do I need help with back pain?
Back pain is not uncommon, it is estimated that up to 80% of the general population will have at least one episode of low back pain in their lifetime. It can also be self-limiting, which means it often resolves by itself within 6 weeks. However if your back pain is severe, prolonged, worrying, or making if difficult to do your everyday activities, it is time to seek help.
Our experienced physiotherapists will screen you during assessment for any serious conditions or symptoms, and will quickly refer you to your GP or specialists if there are valid concerns.
What treatment for back pain can I expect at Barrington Health Physiotherapy?
Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, injury (if applicable), any previous back pain, and your general health history. You can explain how the pain impacts on your function and ability to do the things you want and need to do.
They will assess your functional movements including mobility and strength, and test to screen for any serious pathology.
Your condition will be explained to you to help you understand the cause of your symptoms, and the expected timeframes for recovery of your optimal function.
A treatment plan will be developed with you, built around your goals, lifestyle and work. This may include:
- “Hands-on” treatment such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage to relieve pain and improve movement.
- Exercises will be taught, with an emphasis on restoring mobility, flexibility, and core muscle strength and stability.
- Self-treatment techniques and advice will be provided to help speed up your recovery and effectively manage your symptoms.
- Information will be provided on ways to hasten recovery and decrease the chances of your back pain recurring, including postural advice, lifting education, and ways of carrying out workplace tasks .
For further assistance or information call 03 925 9665 or email office@barringtonhealthphysio.co.nz.
Neck Pain
What causes neck pain?
Neck pain can be caused a number of ways including:
Muscle tension and strain through prolonged poor postures in the workplace at home, or driving
Injuries on the sports field, falls, or car accidents, causing injury to muscles, ligaments, small joints, or intervertebral discs in the neck.
The “natural” process of aging can cause degenerative changes in the small neck joints, resulting in stiffness and associated discomfort.
When do I need help with neck pain?
Neck pain and stiffness can be quite debilitating as we rely on the ability to hold our head up, and to move and turn our head for most of our daily activities.
If your neck pain is acute, severe, prolonged, worrying, or making it difficult to do your everyday activities or even to sleep at night, it is time to seek help.
What treatment for neck pain can I expect at Barrington Health Physiotherapy?
Your physiotherapist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, injury (if applicable), any previous neck pain, and your general health history. You can explain how the pain impacts on your function and ability to do the things you want and need to do.
They will assess your functional movements including mobility and strength, and special tests to screen for any serious pathology.
Your condition will be explained to you to help you understand the cause of your symptoms, and expected timeframes for recovery of optimal function.
A treatment plan will be developed with you, built around your goals, lifestyle and work. This may include:
“Hands-on” treatment such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage to reduce pain and increase movement.
Exercises will be taught, with an emphasis on restoring neck mobility, flexibility, and muscle strength and stability
Self-treatment techniques and advice will be provided to help speed up your recovery and effectively manage your symptoms.
Information will be provided on ways to hasten recovery and decrease the chances of your neck pain recurring, including postural advice and workstation adjustment.
For further assistance or information call 03 925 9665 or email office@barringtonhealthphysio.co.nz.