Almost everyone gets back pain at some point. For most people it settles within weeks. For others it returns, lingers or limits work, sleep and play.
If you are looking for back pain physiotherapy in Dhanori, Pune, this guide covers the common causes, the warning signs that need a doctor first, what physiotherapy involves and how you can help yourself. It is general information. Your own assessment always comes first.
Key points
- Most back pain is “non-specific”. That means no single damaged structure shows up on a scan, and it still responds to treatment.
- Staying gently active usually helps more than long bed rest.
- Exercise and education are the core of care for ongoing back pain. [1][2]
- Some symptoms need urgent medical care. They are listed below.
- Scans are not always needed. A good examination often tells more. [2]
Common causes of back pain
- Muscle or ligament strain from lifting, a sudden twist or an awkward posture.
- Prolonged sitting with poor support, common in desk jobs.
- Weak core and hip muscles that let the spine carry too much load.
- Disc problems, where a disc bulges and irritates a nerve. This can cause pain down the leg (often called sciatica).
- Joint stiffness or arthritis in the spine, more common with age.
- Stress, poor sleep and low activity, which make pain feel stronger and last longer.
- Less commonly, fractures, infection, tumours or inflammatory conditions. A doctor rules these out when warning signs appear.
Back pain can also follow surgery or an injury. The spine rehabilitation service at Tattvam Clinic supports recovery in those cases.
Warning signs: see a doctor first
Get urgent medical care if back pain comes with:
- Loss of control of bladder or bowels, or difficulty passing urine.
- Numbness around the groin, genitals or inner thighs.
- Weakness in both legs, or a leg that is giving way.
- Fever, chills or unexplained weight loss.
- A history of cancer.
- Severe pain after a fall or accident.
- Pain that is constant, severe and worse at night, and does not ease with any position.
Do not wait for a physiotherapy appointment in these cases.
When to book a physiotherapy assessment
- Back pain lasting more than two weeks.
- Pain that keeps coming back.
- Pain that limits work, sleep or exercise.
- Pain spreading down the leg, with tingling or mild weakness (and none of the urgent signs above).
- Pain after surgery or injury, when your doctor has cleared you to start rehab.
What happens at the assessment
- History. Where the pain is, how it started, what makes it worse, your job, sleep and activity.
- Examination. Posture, spine and hip movement, muscle strength, nerve tests and how you walk and bend.
- Review of reports. Bring any scans, but they are not always needed to begin.
- Explanation. You are told what is likely causing the pain and what to expect.
- Plan. Treatment and a home programme, with clear goals.
If the assessment suggests something that needs a doctor, you will be referred. Tattvam Clinic also has an orthopaedics team for cases that need a medical opinion.
What treatment may include
Physiotherapy for back pain usually combines several parts:
- Education. Understanding that most back pain is not dangerous, and that moving is safe, reduces fear and helps recovery.
- Exercise. Strengthening of the core, hips and back, plus stretching and mobility work. Exercise is a key part of care for ongoing back pain. [1][2]
- Hands-on techniques. Gentle mobilisation or soft tissue work to ease pain and stiffness, used together with exercise and not on its own. [2]
- Posture and movement training. Learning to sit, lift and bend with less strain. See posture correction.
- Pain relief methods. Heat, electrotherapy or other measures, where suitable, as part of a wider plan. Our pain management physiotherapy service covers these.
- Return-to-activity planning. A step-by-step plan back to work, sport or daily tasks. See sports therapy for athletes.
Do I need a scan?
Often not. Many people with back pain have changes on an MRI that also appear in people with no pain. A scan is useful when there are warning signs, when pain does not improve as expected, or when surgery or injection is being considered. [2] Your physiotherapist or doctor will tell you when imaging is worth doing.
Should I rest?
A day or two of taking it easy is fine if the pain is severe. After that, gentle movement is usually better. Guidelines favour staying active over prolonged bed rest. [1][2]
- Walk short distances several times a day.
- Change positions often.
- Avoid heavy lifting and deep twisting for a short period, then build up.
- Keep doing what you can, within comfort.
Pain during movement does not always mean harm. If a movement causes sharp or spreading pain, stop and tell your physiotherapist.
How long does recovery take?
It varies. Acute strains often improve over a few weeks. Long-standing or recurring pain may take longer and needs steady work on strength and habits. No honest clinic can promise an exact number of sessions before examining you.
What helps most:
- Doing the home exercises on most days.
- Getting regular, light activity such as walking.
- Sleeping well and managing stress.
- Fixing the daily habits that feed the pain, such as long sitting or poor workstation setup.
Daily habits to protect your back
- Take a short walk or stretch every 30 to 45 minutes if you sit for work.
- Sit with your hips and knees roughly level, feet flat, and your lower back supported.
- Keep your screen at eye level.
- Lift close to your body, bend your knees and avoid twisting while lifting.
- Sleep on your side with a pillow between the knees, or on your back with a pillow under the knees.
- Keep your core and hip muscles strong.
- Maintain a healthy weight and avoid smoking.
Back pain and orthopaedic care
Most back pain does not need surgery. Some cases do, such as a disc pressing on nerves with progressive weakness, or a fracture. If that is the case, your doctor will explain the options. After any spine procedure, rehabilitation helps you recover. You can meet the team on the doctors section of our website, read about the clinic or see all services. Our physiotherapy services in Dhanori page lists everything we offer.
Find us in Dhanori
Physiotherapy centre: Tattvam Clinic Physiotherapy Center on Google Maps
Orthopaedics and dermatology clinic: Shop No 5, Ground Floor, Skyline Plaza, Dhanori, Pune 411015 (view on Google Maps)
Contact details and timings are on our contact page. You can also call +91 84120 16616 or message us on WhatsApp. The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, and booking in advance is advised.
FAQs
Is back pain physiotherapy painful?
Some exercises may cause mild discomfort, but it should be tolerable. Tell your physiotherapist if something hurts too much so it can be adjusted.
Can physiotherapy help sciatica?
Often, yes, for many causes. Your physiotherapist will check for warning signs first and refer you if needed.
Do I need an MRI before starting physiotherapy?
Usually not. Bring any scans you already have, but treatment can often begin without one.
Is it safe to exercise with back pain
Gentle, guided exercise is usually safe and helpful. Avoid anything that causes sharp or spreading pain, and ask your physiotherapist what suits you.
Will my back pain come back?
It can. Strength, activity and good habits lower the chance. Your physiotherapist can help you plan for flare-ups.
Sources
- World Health Organization. Guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings (2023). Summary of the guideline.
- NICE. Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59).
- Hartvigsen J, et al. What low back pain is and why we need to pay attention. The Lancet, 2018.
Advice varies from person to person, so your clinician’s guidance for your case comes first.
About the author
Dr. Divyani Gawande, Lead Physiotherapist, Tattvam Clinic. Focus areas: sports injury rehabilitation, post-surgical recovery and neuro-rehabilitation. About Tattvam Clinic | Physiotherapy in Dhanori
This article is for general health education only. It does not replace a medical examination or personalised advice. Please consult a qualified professional for your condition.
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