Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of hosting a free workshop on one of the most common issues I see in physiotherapy: low back pain. It’s something that affects up to 80% of people at some point in their lives, often leading to time off work, reduced mobility, and a real impact on day-to-day life.
The workshop brought together a small group of ten, each with their own story. The room was alive with candid conversations about the challenges of living with back pain—what had helped, what hadn’t, and how it had shaped their daily routines. Hearing these experiences reinforced something I always remind my clients: no two journeys with low back pain are ever the same.
My aim during the session wasn’t just to explain why low back pain happens, but more importantly, to show that with the right approach, most symptoms can be improved—or at least made far more manageable.
Here are my top three takeaways from the session:
1. We Are All Unique
When it comes to low back pain, one size does not fit all. Every individual has a different medical history, lifestyle, anatomy, pain tolerance, and expectations. That’s why a tailored approach, which takes all these factors into account, is essential for achieving the best results.
2. Your Spine Is Resilient and Adaptable
The spine is an amazing structure, made up of 26 vertebrae, strong muscles and ligaments, and discs built to absorb force. Despite this, treatment often focuses only on the area that hurts, rather than the underlying cause. Many persistent issues arise because the spine is compensating for weaknesses or imbalances elsewhere in the body. By identifying and addressing these root causes, long-lasting relief becomes much more achievable.
3. Mind Your Language
The words we use about our bodies matter. You may have heard phrases like “your spine is crumbling” or “a vertebra is out of alignment.” Statements like these can create fear and encourage overprotective behaviours, which often make pain worse. The truth is, our spines are far stronger and more capable than we sometimes give them credit for.
The main message I hope everyone took away? Low back pain is common, but it doesn’t have to control your life. With the right guidance and a holistic approach, you can reduce pain, regain function, and get back to the activities you enjoy.
Ed Voss Physiotherapy
Supporting healthy, active living for runners and active adults over 45
📞 Tel: 07542 940478
🌐 www.edvossphysio.co.uk
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