Back Pain Treatment Newcastle

A herniated disc, often called a slipped or ruptured disc, happens when the soft, gel-like centre of an intervertebral disc (the nucleus) pushes through a tear in its tougher outer layer (the annulus). This can compress nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, or weakness in areas like the back, neck, arms, or legs, depending on where the herniation occurs. While most herniated discs affect the lower back (lumbar spine), they can also develop in the neck (cervical spine). Common causes include chronic dehydration, repetitive strain, or even prolonged inactivity. As physios and osteopaths we can strengthen the surrounding muscles and offering effective pain relief strategies.

Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD) refers to the gradual deterioration of the intervertebral discs in the spine because their ability to repair themselves is outstripped by damaging processes. These discs act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) of the spine, and as they break down, they lose their flexibility and ability to absorb shock. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and in some cases, nerve compression, resulting in back pain, radiating leg pain, or numbness.

Around 1 in 13 people, or 619 million people globally, experience lower back pain. It is the leading cause of disability worldwide (WHO 2023). Causes vary, but are strongly associated with sedentary behaviour -sitting too much. Physical activity is strongly protective against back pain, but if you’re already sore it can be hard to know where to start. Physios and osteopaths specialise in guiding that process.

Postural Back Pain refers to pain that results from poor posture or prolonged exposure to certain positions that place strain on the muscles and ligaments of the back. Staying in one position for extended periods, can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort, particularly in the lower and upper back. InTune physios have great ergonomic and behaviour strategies to address postural pain.