Low Back Pain Physiotherapy in Takapuna
Low back pain is something almost everyone experiences at some point in life. It can happen after lifting, sport or gardening, but sometimes it starts without any obvious injury. Although back pain can be very painful, most episodes improve well with the right advice and rehabilitation.
What causes low back pain?
Common causes include:
Muscle or ligament strain
Prolonged sitting
Lifting or repetitive activities
Disc-related pain
Age-related spinal changes
One of the biggest concerns we hear is, "Have I slipped a disc?"
Fortunately, that's much less common than many people think. In fact, studies have shown that age-related changes on MRI are common, even in people who have no back pain at all.
How can physiotherapy help?
Treatment depends on your symptoms and goals, but it may include:
Individualised exercise
Manual therapy where appropriate
Advice on lifting and daily activities
A gradual return to work, sport and exercise
Years ago, people were often told to stay in bed until their back pain settled. We now know that, for most people, gentle movement and gradually returning to normal activities usually leads to a better recovery.
Acupuncture is also available at our Takapuna Seven clinic and can be used alongside physiotherapy to help manage pain while you get moving again.
Is it covered by ACC?
Back pain caused by a specific incident — lifting something heavy, a twist in the garden, a sporting injury — is usually covered by ACC. You do not need to see your GP first. Our clinic is a registered ACC treatment provider and can assess your injury and lodge the ACC claim at your first appointment, usually processed within 24–48 hours. A surcharge applies to ACC physiotherapy.
When should you seek advice?
If your back pain isn't improving after a couple of weeks, keeps returning, or is stopping you from working, exercising or enjoying daily life, it's worth having it assessed. Early management can help reduce the risk of ongoing problems.
Book online, or call us 09 281 3779— Level 3, 507 Lake Road, Takapuna.
References NICE Guideline NG59. Low Back Pain and Sciatica in Over 16s. Hartvigsen J, et al. What Low Back Pain Is and Why We Need to Pay Attention. The Lancet. 2018.