Back pain is common among athletes and active individuals due to the specific demands and stresses placed on their bodies. Athletes often push their bodies to the limits, which, while beneficial for fitness and performance, can sometimes lead to injuries and overuse issues that contribute to back pain.
One of the main causes of back pain in athletes is overuse. Repetitive movements, particularly in sports like running, cycling, or weightlifting, place consistent strain on the back muscles and spine. Without adequate rest and recovery, this repetitive stress can lead to muscle fatigue, micro-tears and inflammation, causing persistent pain or injury. Even with proper technique, overuse injuries can still occur if there’s not enough rest between training sessions.
Improper technique or form is another common factor. For example, in sports like weightlifting or gymnastics, failing to maintain correct posture or alignment during exercises can lead to excessive pressure on the spine. Lifting heavy weights without adequate core support or rounding the back during exercises can strain the lumbar region and lead to muscle pulls or herniated discs.
Many people struggle to resolve their back pain because they often address only the symptoms, not the root cause. Common solutions like painkillers, temporary rest or stretching may provide short-term relief but often fails to tackle the underlying issues causing the pain. Without identifying whether the pain is due to muscle imbalances, poor posture or deeper structural issues like disc problems or nerve impingement, treatments may not be effective long-term.
Another reason people can’t fix their back pain is inconsistency in treatment. While they may start with physiotherapy or prescribed exercises, without consistency and adherence, it’s easy to fall back into old habits that perpetuate the pain. Additionally, many people lack guidance on how to strengthen the core and back muscles that support the spine or how to avoid repetitive movements that can aggravate pain.
Leaving back pain unaddressed can lead to significant consequences. Persistent pain impacts daily life, limiting mobility, interrupting sleep, and reducing overall quality of life. It may lead to compensatory movements, where other muscles take on the workload of the injured area, resulting in further injury or strain. Over time, untreated back pain can also affect mental well-being, which increases stress and frustration.
At Ed Voss Physio, our approach starts with a thorough review of your history and daily routines to pinpoint potential sources of pain. Often, back pain isn’t solely caused by the back itself; sometimes, other parts of the body aren’t functioning as they should, placing extra strain on the back. Our goal is to assess the full picture – identifying what’s driving the pain, addressing problematic structures, ensuring healthy movement, minimising aggravating factors, and building strength so you can return to your usual activities.
Sciatica can be similarly complex, with causes ranging from a pinched nerve to a compressed disc. Understanding where the symptoms originate is essential for effective treatment. For instance, I recently worked with a right-handed golfer experiencing left-sided sciatica. She had been advised that her pain was due to a disc issue and was following exercises she’d found online. However, after examining her, we discovered the problem wasn’t the disc; it was nerve impingement caused by inflammation around the nerve as it exited the spine. The exercises she needed were entirely different.
Once we identified the right approach, she started to make real progress, reducing her pain, coming off painkillers, improving her sleep and restoring her movement. Eventually, she returned to the golf course, symptom-free. Now, she knows exactly what to do long-term to stay resilient and prevent the pain from returning.
There are several free options for you to start with, so you can learn more about working with me, the leading Sports Injury Expert in Stroud.
Download Your Free Pain Report
We understand that seeking treatment can feel like a big commitment. To help you make an informed decision, we offer a free report designed to answer common questions and guide you on what to expect. The report provides insights into our approach, typical results, and the type of treatments we recommend for various injuries. Downloading this report allows you to learn more about our services from the comfort of your home before you take the next step.
Arrange a Free Telephone Consultation
For those wanting a bit more personal guidance, we offer a free telephone consultation. During this call, we discuss your specific situation, explore your concerns, and provide initial advice on potential treatment options. This no-obligation consultation is a great way to get tailored information and start building a plan that works for you. Our goal is to make sure you feel fully supported from the start, helping you gain confidence in your journey toward recovery.
Arrange A Free Discovery Visit
If you’d prefer a more hands-on introduction, you can book a free discovery visit. This in-person session gives you a chance to meet our team, see our facilities, and get a feel for how we work. During the visit, we’ll take a closer look at your injury, discuss your goals, and provide a short demonstration of our treatment approach. This experience allows you to see first hand the type of care we offer and decide if we’re the right fit for your needs.
Simply Complete The Short Form and We’ll Email You Your FREE GUIDE
If you’re unsure if Physiotherapy is right for you and want to know what it costs – and what availability we have, then click the link below to complete the short form below.
If you’re not quite ready to book an appointment yet and have some questions you would like answered first, click the link below to complete the form.
You may have seen me from being featured on the Health Expert News (HEN) website and their globally published article.