Back and Neck Physiotherapy in Kensington, Notting Hill and South Kensington

Here at Kensington Physio & Sports Medicine, we have highly specialised back and neck physiotherapists who have years of experience treating spinal pain. In particular, our team works with both acute and chronic symptoms.

Back pain and neck pain are common complaints with 80% of adults expected to experience such symptoms within their lifetime. If you currently have back or neck pain, please get in touch with our team for physiotherapy services in West London, including the option of home visits.

What causes back and neck pain?

The causes of back and neck pain can vary:

  • Heavy lifting, injuries and accidents
  • Static positions – whilst driving or working at a computer
  • Muscle strains
  • Nerve compression
  • Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

Sometimes injury results from a direct trauma that may occur when lifting a heavy object, after a fall or from direct impact, such as a road traffic accident. Other times it may result without obvious cause or from a fairly innocuous movement.

The good news is that serious disease or injury is very rare with the spine which is inherently strong and difficult to damage. In fact, 95% of spinal pain is diagnosed as ‘non-specific’.

Therefore X-rays or imaging of the spine are not generally necessary as they will not highlight the source of pain or change how we treat you. In the majority of cases, it is likely that a ligament sprain or muscle strain has occurred which cannot be detected with scanning.

Treating your back or neck pain

Back pain can either be described as acute with only a few weeks duration or persistent with repeated episodes.

In either case, it would be appropriate to be assessed by one of our back and neck physiotherapists to help advise you on the best way to manage your symptoms.

The following are some of the treatment methods that may be used:

  • Manual therapy
  • Exercises
  • Massage
  • Acupuncture
  • Ergonomic assessment
  • Heat
  • Breathing and relaxation techniques

A therapist may use a wide variety of techniques to treat you and any one of their patients, but usually in the beginning it is important to advise you on the best ways to move, pace your daily activity and improve your posture.

What shouldn’t you do with back or neck pain?‘The aim is to help relieve pain and restore normal movement’

Prolonged bed rest or avoiding activity tends to worsen symptoms. However appropriate guidance on how to become active again will help considerably. Learning how to manage your own back pain will be the quickest way to recovery! It is important to develop a positive outlook as a  way to help you cope with your symptoms.

Remember that the level of pain does not equate to harm!

Painkillers and anti-inflammatories

Painkillers can be useful if they help you to move better and improve your activity levels. However, they will not cure your pain.  As you start to move better the need for them will generally reduce. It is best to consult with your doctor on the appropriate medication for you as there are numerous options available.

Will you require Imaging?

As mentioned, imaging is rarely required for back pain and should never be carried out as a formality. Occasionally a scan will be performed under the guidance of a consultant but serious pathology is thankfully very rare.

It is most likely you will be referred back to your physiotherapist following imaging to continue with treatment.

What’s the difference between Osteopathy and Physiotherapy?

Osteopathy is a form of manual therapy that utilises manipulation and soft tissue techniques with the aim of restoring homeostasis within the human body .

Physiotherapy is a branch of medicine that encompasses manual therapy and rehabilitation to restore and promote function and quality of life.

Why should you see a Physio instead of an Osteopath?

Though there are now many similarities between osteopathy and physiotherapy, the two professions originated from quite different roots, therefore the greatest difference today is found in the ideology and training.

The bottom line is all about the individual and the relationship between the clinician and the patient.

Get in touch for diagnosis and treatment

If you have any questions and want to know how to help your back or neck pain – then you can contact us here or call 020 7603 0040.

Further reading

For more information on types of back pain, solutions and strength exercises, please see our back pain and neck pain resources in our health and fitness guide, as well as our blog posts: