Back Pain Osteopathy in Birmingham
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting up to 8 in 10 people at some point in their lives. In the UK, back pain accounts for approximately 5.6 million lost working days every year, making it the second leading cause of absence from work — just behind stress. Neck and upper back pain are also widespread, affecting around 60% and 40% of people respectively.
Back pain can affect anyone — regardless of age or lifestyle — and once experienced, it may reoccur over time. Common causes include:
- Muscle or ligament strains
- Joint dysfunction or stiffness
- Disc issues (e.g. bulging or herniation)
- Postural strain or overuse injuries
- Osteoarthritis and wear-and-tear
- Inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis
Types of Back Pain We Commonly Treat
- Acute back pain
- Chronic back pain
- Disc-related pain
- Mechanical back pain
- Sciatica
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis of the spine
What You Can Do
✅ Don’t Panic
Back pain is often not serious and can resolve on its own in a few weeks. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or NSAIDs (e.g. ibuprofen) can help manage discomfort. Always check with a pharmacist or GP to ensure medication is safe for you.
✅ Stay Active
Contrary to old advice, resting your back can actually delay recovery. Current research shows that staying mobile and continuing everyday activities, including work, helps you recover faster. Movement keeps your muscles flexible and joints from stiffening.
✅ Seek Professional Help
If your pain is persistent, severe, or impacting your daily life, osteopathic care can help. At Birmingham Osteopathy, our experienced osteopaths use gentle, hands-on techniques to ease discomfort and improve movement — supporting a faster recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.
How Osteopathy Helps with Back Pain
Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat musculoskeletal pain holistically. Treatment is always tailored to your individual needs, age, and diagnosis. Common techniques may include:
- Soft tissue massage to relieve muscular tension
- Gentle joint mobilisation or stretching to restore movement
- Spinal manipulation to free restricted joints (you may hear a ‘click’)
- Postural and ergonomic advice
- Targeted exercise programs for strength and flexibility
We may also assess related areas such as the hips, pelvis, or neck, especially if they are contributing to your symptoms.
Evidence-Based Treatment You Can Trust
Osteopathy is supported by strong clinical evidence — particularly for sub-acute and chronic low back pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends manual therapies, including osteopathy, as effective options for managing lower back pain.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, we are committed to delivering safe, personalised, and effective treatment to help you return to a pain-free life.
Back Pain Osteopathy in BirminghamBack pain is one of the most common health complaints, with research suggesting that up to 8 in 10 people will experience it at some point in their lives. In the UK alone, it accounts for approximately 5.6 million lost working days each year, second only to stress. Neck and upper back pain are also prevalent — affecting around 60% and 40% of the population respectively.
Unfortunately, back pain can strike anyone, at any age, and once you've had an episode, you’re more likely to experience it again. It can result from a range of issues including:
Common Types of Back Pain We See
What You Can Do
✅ Don’t Panic
Back pain, while uncomfortable, is usually not serious and tends to improve within a few days or weeks. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help manage symptoms — but always check with a pharmacist or GP before taking any medication.
✅ Stay ActiveGone are the days of resting in bed! Modern research shows that staying mobile and continuing daily activities, including work, helps you recover faster. Movement prevents muscles and joints from stiffening, and maintaining physical activity can reduce the risk of future episodes.
✅ Seek Professional SupportWhile many cases resolve on their own, osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce pain and speed up recovery — especially if your symptoms are affecting your mobility, sleep, or work. Our Birmingham osteopaths are highly experienced in treating both acute and chronic back conditions.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, we take a personalised, hands-on approach to help restore function and relieve discomfort, using safe, gentle techniques suitable for your age, condition, and fitness level.
How Osteopathy Can HelpOsteopaths are trained to assess and treat the root causes of back pain. Techniques may include:
Trusted, Evidence-Based CareOsteopathy is backed by strong clinical evidence, particularly for sub-acute and chronic low back pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends manual therapy, including osteopathy, as an effective treatment option.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, you can expect high-quality, patient-focused care to help you get back to doing the things you love — pain-free.
Unfortunately, back pain can strike anyone, at any age, and once you've had an episode, you’re more likely to experience it again. It can result from a range of issues including:
- Sprains or strains in muscles, ligaments, or tendons
- Joint dysfunction
- Disc problems
- Age-related wear and tear
- Conditions like osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
Common Types of Back Pain We See
- Acute back pain
- Chronic back pain
- Disc-related pain
- Mechanical back pain
- Sciatica
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
What You Can Do
✅ Don’t Panic
Back pain, while uncomfortable, is usually not serious and tends to improve within a few days or weeks. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help manage symptoms — but always check with a pharmacist or GP before taking any medication.
✅ Stay ActiveGone are the days of resting in bed! Modern research shows that staying mobile and continuing daily activities, including work, helps you recover faster. Movement prevents muscles and joints from stiffening, and maintaining physical activity can reduce the risk of future episodes.
✅ Seek Professional SupportWhile many cases resolve on their own, osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce pain and speed up recovery — especially if your symptoms are affecting your mobility, sleep, or work. Our Birmingham osteopaths are highly experienced in treating both acute and chronic back conditions.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, we take a personalised, hands-on approach to help restore function and relieve discomfort, using safe, gentle techniques suitable for your age, condition, and fitness level.
How Osteopathy Can HelpOsteopaths are trained to assess and treat the root causes of back pain. Techniques may include:
- Soft tissue massage to relieve muscular tension
- Joint mobilisation or rhythmic stretching to improve mobility
- Spinal manipulation (you may hear a “click”) to restore function
- Postural and lifestyle advice to prevent recurrence
- Tailored exercise programs to build strength and flexibility
Trusted, Evidence-Based CareOsteopathy is backed by strong clinical evidence, particularly for sub-acute and chronic low back pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends manual therapy, including osteopathy, as an effective treatment option.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, you can expect high-quality, patient-focused care to help you get back to doing the things you love — pain-free.
Back pain is one of the most common health complaints, with research suggesting that up to 8 in 10 people will experience it at some point in their lives. In the UK alone, it accounts for approximately 5.6 million lost working days each year, second only to stress. Neck and upper back pain are also prevalent — affecting around 60% and 40% of the population respectively.
Unfortunately, back pain can strike anyone, at any age, and once you've had an episode, you’re more likely to experience it again. It can result from a range of issues including:
Common Types of Back Pain We See
What You Can Do✅ Don’t PanicBack pain, while uncomfortable, is usually not serious and tends to improve within a few days or weeks. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help manage symptoms — but always check with a pharmacist or GP before taking any medication.
✅ Stay ActiveGone are the days of resting in bed! Modern research shows that staying mobile and continuing daily activities, including work, helps you recover faster. Movement prevents muscles and joints from stiffening, and maintaining physical activity can reduce the risk of future episodes.
✅ Seek Professional SupportWhile many cases resolve on their own, osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce pain and speed up recovery — especially if your symptoms are affecting your mobility, sleep, or work. Our Birmingham osteopaths are highly experienced in treating both acute and chronic back conditions.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, we take a personalised, hands-on approach to help restore function and relieve discomfort, using safe, gentle techniques suitable for your age, condition, and fitness level.
How Osteopathy Can HelpOsteopaths are trained to assess and treat the root causes of back pain. Techniques may include:
Trusted, Evidence-Based CareOsteopathy is backed by strong clinical evidence, particularly for sub-acute and chronic low back pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends manual therapy, including osteopathy, as an effective treatment option.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, you can expect high-quality, patient-focused care to help you get back to doing the things you love — pain-free.
Unfortunately, back pain can strike anyone, at any age, and once you've had an episode, you’re more likely to experience it again. It can result from a range of issues including:
- Sprains or strains in muscles, ligaments, or tendons
- Joint dysfunction
- Disc problems
- Age-related wear and tear
- Conditions like osteoarthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
Common Types of Back Pain We See
- Acute back pain
- Chronic back pain
- Disc-related pain
- Mechanical back pain
- Sciatica
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
What You Can Do✅ Don’t PanicBack pain, while uncomfortable, is usually not serious and tends to improve within a few days or weeks. Over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) can help manage symptoms — but always check with a pharmacist or GP before taking any medication.
✅ Stay ActiveGone are the days of resting in bed! Modern research shows that staying mobile and continuing daily activities, including work, helps you recover faster. Movement prevents muscles and joints from stiffening, and maintaining physical activity can reduce the risk of future episodes.
✅ Seek Professional SupportWhile many cases resolve on their own, osteopathic treatment can significantly reduce pain and speed up recovery — especially if your symptoms are affecting your mobility, sleep, or work. Our Birmingham osteopaths are highly experienced in treating both acute and chronic back conditions.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, we take a personalised, hands-on approach to help restore function and relieve discomfort, using safe, gentle techniques suitable for your age, condition, and fitness level.
How Osteopathy Can HelpOsteopaths are trained to assess and treat the root causes of back pain. Techniques may include:
- Soft tissue massage to relieve muscular tension
- Joint mobilisation or rhythmic stretching to improve mobility
- Spinal manipulation (you may hear a “click”) to restore function
- Postural and lifestyle advice to prevent recurrence
- Tailored exercise programs to build strength and flexibility
Trusted, Evidence-Based CareOsteopathy is backed by strong clinical evidence, particularly for sub-acute and chronic low back pain. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends manual therapy, including osteopathy, as an effective treatment option.
At Birmingham Osteopathy, you can expect high-quality, patient-focused care to help you get back to doing the things you love — pain-free.
Back pain is a very common problem with some reports suggesting that as many as 8 out of 10 people will suffer from it at some point in their lives. As a result, it is estimated that in the UK, around 5.6 million working days are lost each year due to back pain, second only to stress. Furthermore, it is believed that 60% of the population is likely to experience neck pain, and 40% experiencing upper back pain. This means that, unfortunately, that every person may experience some form of pain in their back at some point in their life, and once you have experienced back pain you are more likely to get repeated occurrences.
Back pain can affect anyone, at any age, at any point, and is often as a result of a sprain or strain to the structures of the back, such as ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints, or damage to the discs. Wear and tear, or osteoarthritis can also be a reason for back pain.
Whilst most of us know that back pain can be painful and inconvenient, it is not usually anything serious and will often resolve by itself in a few weeks. Thankfully there are several things you can do to help with the pain:
- Don’t panic! Although the pain can be very intense at times, the vast majority of neck and back pain is not due to anything serious and should resolve itself over a few days or weeks. To help, recent studies have shown that simple painkillers such paracetamol and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) e.g., ibuprofen will help to reduce pain levels during an episode of neck or back pain. Remember to read and check the medicine is safe for you before taking, and speak to a pharmacist if you don’t know or are unsure.
- Stay Active! Previously whenever we had any pain we would be told to rest our backs or neck by sitting/lying for prolonged periods of times or by wearing a neck collar/brace. However, research has consistently shown that people who continue with their normal daily activities, including work, recover at a faster pace. Whilst it may hurt a bit at first, this pain does not do it any damage, it prevents the muscles and joints seizing up. Importantly, being fit and active will also help to prevent further episodes of back or neck pain.
- Seek professional help! Whilst the pain should resolve on its own accord seeking help from a health care professional, such as an osteopath, can help to reduce the intensity and duration of the episode. This can be particularly useful if you are struggling with physical activities or work. Osteopaths are skilled at treating back pain, and helping to prevent it from becoming a chronic and long-term condition. You can be assured that at Birmingham Osteopathy you will receive the most effective and safest treatment available to get you back to your normal self.
Back pain can affect anyone, at any age, at any point, and is often as a result of a sprain or strain to the structures of the back, such as ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints, or damage to the discs. Wear and tear, or osteoarthritis can also be a reason for back pain.
Whilst most of us know that back pain can be painful and inconvenient, it is not usually anything serious and will often resolve by itself in a few weeks. Thankfully there are several things you can do to help with the pain:
- Don’t panic! Although the pain can be very intense at times, the vast majority of neck and back pain is not due to anything serious and should resolve itself over a few days or weeks. To help, recent studies have shown that simple painkillers such paracetamol and Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAID’s) e.g., ibuprofen will help to reduce pain levels during an episode of neck or back pain. Remember to read and check the medicine is safe for you before taking, and speak to a pharmacist if you don’t know or are unsure.
- Stay Active! Previously whenever we had any pain we would be told to rest our backs or neck by sitting/lying for prolonged periods of times or by wearing a neck collar/brace. However, research has consistently shown that people who continue with their normal daily activities, including work, recover at a faster pace. Whilst it may hurt a bit at first, this pain does not do it any damage, it prevents the muscles and joints seizing up. Importantly, being fit and active will also help to prevent further episodes of back or neck pain.
- Seek professional help! Whilst the pain should resolve on its own accord seeking help from a health care professional, such as an osteopath, can help to reduce the intensity and duration of the episode. This can be particularly useful if you are struggling with physical activities or work. Osteopaths are skilled at treating back pain, and helping to prevent it from becoming a chronic and long-term condition. You can be assured that at Birmingham Osteopathy you will receive the most effective and safest treatment available to get you back to your normal self.
Common Conditions Treated
- Acute back pain
- Chronic back pain
- Some Disc problems
- Mechanical back pain
- Sciatica
- Ankylosing spondylitis
- Osteoarthritis
How Can An Osteopath Help?
- Osteopaths are well known for treating back pain and patients report high satisfaction with treatment. There is good quality evidence supporting the beneficial effects of manipulation for back pain and the National Institutes for Clinical Excellence recommends osteopathy for sub-acute and chronic low back pain
- Osteopaths can use a wide range of gentle manual treatments depending on your age, fitness and diagnosis. We may gently massage the soft tissues of your back or rhythmically “rock” the joints to release tension and sometimes we may gently manipulate the back to loosen the joints and you may hear a “click”
- Treatment is different in every individual and sometimes it might involve treating other areas in the body such as the hips or neck
- We may offer advice on your lifestyle particularly if we feel something you are doing repetitively is part of the reason why you have back pain. We may offer advice on your posture and give advice on diet and exercise or give you specific exercises.
References:
- Palmer, K. T., Walsh, K., Bendall, H., Cooper, C., & Coggon, D. (2000). Back pain in Britain: comparison of two prevalence surveys at an interval of 10 years. Bmj, 320(7249), 1577-1578.
- www.backcare.org.uk/factsandfigures
