Move freely again without the worry of your back going out

A sudden overload of the muscles, ligaments or joints, often from lifting, twisting or an awkward bend. It usually feels sharp and tight, and moving can be difficult at first. Most people improve steadily over days to a few weeks. Early gentle movement, hands-on treatment and a graded return to lifting help, and we look at why it happened so it is less likely to recur.

The discs can bulge or irritate nearby nerves, causing back pain with or without pain, tingling or weakness down the leg. It often feels worse sitting or bending forward and easier walking. Many disc problems settle without surgery. We use positions and movements that calm the nerve, then build trunk and hip strength. Worsening leg weakness needs prompt medical review.

Sciatica describes pain travelling down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve, usually from irritation of a nerve root in the lower back. It can be sharp, burning or electric, sometimes with pins and needles. Treatment aims to settle the nerve with the right movements and loading, then restore strength. Recovery often takes weeks to a few months, and your physio will track your leg symptoms closely.

The small joints at the back of the spine can become irritated, causing a sharp, localised pain that is worse leaning backwards or twisting, and stiff after rest. It is common after a long day of sitting or standing. Hands-on treatment to ease the joints, movement retraining and strengthening for the muscles that support the spine usually help.