Lower back pain is the most common musculoskeletal condition we treat at Altius Healthcare. It accounts for more lost working days than any other physical complaint, and left unaddressed, acute back pain can become a chronic problem that limits every part of your life.

The good news: most lower back pain responds well to the right physiotherapy. The key word is “right” — a generic stretch sheet from the internet won’t address the specific cause of your pain. At our clinics across Greater Manchester, we start with a thorough clinical assessment to identify exactly what’s driving your symptoms, then build a treatment and rehabilitation plan around that diagnosis.

Book your back pain assessment: 0161 401 1000 · Book online

Common Causes of Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain has many possible causes, and accurate diagnosis is essential. The presentations we see most often include:

• Disc-related pain — including disc bulges, herniations, and discogenic pain that may refer into the buttock or leg
• Facet joint dysfunction — localised lower back pain aggravated by extension and rotation, common in manual workers and athletes
• Sciatica and nerve root irritation — pain, pins and needles, or numbness radiating into the leg, typically from nerve compression in the lumbar spine
• Muscular and ligamentous strain — acute pain from lifting, twisting, or unaccustomed activity
• Postural and movement-related pain — gradual onset pain from sustained poor posture, often desk-related
• Spondylolisthesis and degenerative spinal conditions — structural changes requiring careful, progressive rehabilitation
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction — pain at the base of the spine, often presenting on one side

Critically, the severity of your pain does not always correlate with the severity of the underlying condition. Some of the most painful acute back episodes resolve quickly with the right intervention, while mild but persistent pain may indicate an issue that requires more structured rehabilitation.

How We Assess and Treat Lower Back Pain

Your initial assessment at Altius includes a detailed subjective history, neurological screening where indicated, and a thorough physical examination of spinal movement, segmental mobility, muscle strength, and neural tension. We don’t rush this — a first appointment gives us the time to understand your pain properly.

Based on your diagnosis, treatment may include:

Manual Therapy and Spinal Mobilisation

Hands-on techniques including joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, and neural mobilisation to restore movement and reduce pain. These are combined with active rehabilitation — we don’t rely on passive treatment alone.

Progressive Exercise Rehabilitation

A structured, stage-appropriate exercise programme targeting core stability, spinal motor control, and the specific movement deficits identified in your assessment. This is the most important part of your recovery and is designed to be continued independently between sessions.

Acupuncture and Dry Needling

For muscle spasm, myofascial trigger points, and pain modulation, we offer acupuncture as an adjunct to manual therapy and exercise. This can be particularly effective for acute muscular back pain and chronic pain presentations.

Shockwave Therapy

For chronic soft tissue conditions contributing to back pain — particularly tendinopathies of the gluteal or hamstring region that refer into the lower back — shockwave therapy can accelerate tissue healing.

Joint Injections

Where pain is limiting your ability to engage with rehabilitation, targeted Ostenil or corticosteroid injections may be appropriate. These are administered in clinic and are always used alongside a structured physiotherapy programme, never as a standalone treatment.

Your Back Pain Specialist Team

Our physiotherapists are experienced in the assessment and management of all spinal conditions, from acute disc injuries to long-standing chronic pain. All clinicians hold HCPC registration and are members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. Meet our team.

Book Your Back Pain Assessment

We treat lower back pain at all three of our Greater Manchester clinics. Choose the location most convenient for you: