Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a physiotherapist. Whether it’s a dull ache after long hours at the desk, sharp pain after sport, or even ongoing neck pain, spinal issues can affect anyone. Spinal physiotherapy plays a crucial role in managing these problems, helping patients reduce pain, restore mobility, and return to their everyday activities with confidence. At MGS Physiotherapy, our friendly team of experienced physiotherapists see first-hand how the right treatment plan can transform recovery outcomes.
Key Takeaways
- Spinal physiotherapy is effective for a wide range of spinal conditions, from disc problems to postural pain.
- Early referral for accurate assessment and treatment often leads to faster recovery.
- A holistic approach includes manual therapy, exercise, and education.
- Conditions treated include disc herniations, sciatica, whiplash, radicular pain, arthritis, and post-operative rehabilitation.
- MGS Physiotherapy provides evidence-based, personalised physiotherapy care to improve spinal health and prevent re-injury.
Why Spine Physiotherapy Matters
Your spine is at the centre of almost every movement you make. It supports your body, protects your nervous system, and allows you to move freely. When injury strikes, it can affect not just your back but also your neck, shoulders, and overall mobility.
Think of an office worker dealing with neck and shoulder pain after years of poor posture, or an amateur runner sidelined by low back pain after ignoring muscle imbalances. Without proper spinal care, these problems can develop into chronic issues that interfere with daily life.
Spine treatment through physiotherapy focuses on the root cause of pain rather than just masking symptoms. Through manual therapy, targeted exercise, and patient education, physiotherapists aim to restore movement, increase flexibility, and reduce discomfort. This kind of care helps patients feel stronger while also lowering the risk of long-term problems or the need for unnecessary spine surgery.
Common Injuries Treated With Spinal Physiotherapy
Disc Herniations (Slipped Disc)
A disc herniation happens when the cushioning discs between your vertebrae bulge or rupture, often pressing on nearby nerves. This can cause low back pain, weakness, or radicular pain such as tingling or numbness in the legs.
Daily life can become tricky – sitting in the car may aggravate pain, and even simple tasks like bending to put on shoes can be a struggle.
Spinal physiotherapy helps by:
- Using manual therapy to ease pain and reduce inflammation.
- Prescribing strengthening exercises for stability.
- Teaching safe movement and lifting techniques for long-term management.
Sciatica
Sciatica refers to sharp pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, usually caused by disc or joint issues. For many patients, it feels like an electric shock down the leg or a deep ache that flares after standing too long.
An effective treatment plan includes exercises to reduce nerve irritation, improve posture, and support spinal alignment. By treating the root cause, physiotherapists can help patients return to work, sport, and everyday activities with confidence.
Whiplash and Neck Strains
Car accidents and sudden impacts can cause whiplash, leaving patients with neck pain, headaches, and stiffness. Sometimes, this can also lead to shoulder pain and muscle spasms that linger for weeks.
Spinal care for whiplash may involve:
- Gentle mobilisation to restore neck movement.
- Targeted stretching and strengthening to protect the cervical spine.
- Ergonomic advice for work and driving to ease strain during recovery.
Facet Joint Injuries
Facet joints stabilise your spine and allow it to bend and twist. When irritated, they can cause sharp or localised pain that worsens when standing, twisting, or gardening.
Spinal physiotherapy relieves stiffness and helps patients manage the condition with strengthening and rehabilitation exercises, forming part of a broader musculoskeletal physiotherapy program.
Postural Pain and Muscular Strain
Poor posture is one of the more common conditions leading to neck and lower back pain. Hours at a desk, slouched shoulders, or looking down at a phone can create strain that gradually builds into discomfort.
Our physiotherapists treat posture-related issues by identifying problem habits, prescribing corrective exercises, and guiding patients through workplace adjustments. You can explore more of our physiotherapy services on our pain relief and management page.
Arthritis of the Spine
Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, causes stiffness and chronic pain in the spine. Patients may feel restricted when bending, walking, or standing for long periods.
Treatment options with physiotherapy include:
- Gentle exercise to increase flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Strength training to support spinal structures.
- Practical strategies for self-management so patients can stay active and independent.
Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Recovery after spine surgery-whether a discectomy, spinal fusion, or decompression-relies heavily on physiotherapy. Working alongside your spinal surgeon or in a multi-disciplinary approach with medical teams, including neurosurgery specialists, physiotherapists provide tailored musculoskeletal rehabilitation for safe recovery.
Our programs at MGS Physiotherapy help patients:
- Rebuild strength gradually and safely.
- Improve flexibility and restore natural movement.
- Regain confidence to return to sport, work, and daily life.
You can learn more about this process through our sports physiotherapy services, which combine manual therapy with progressive exercise for long-term results.
Spine Assessment: Your First Step
Your recovery starts with a thorough assessment by one of our experienced physiotherapists. At your first appointment, we’ll:
- Review your medical history and discuss your symptoms.
- Carry out a physical examination to assess movement, strength, and function.
- If needed, suggest scans or referral to a spinal surgeon or GP for further tests.
This accurate assessment helps us identify the root cause of your pain and create a treatment plan that fits your needs. By taking a holistic approach that considers lifestyle and daily habits, we ensure your care is tailored and practical for long-term success.
What to Expect From Treatment
When you begin spine physiotherapy with us, you can expect a supportive environment and an evidence-based plan. Our friendly team will guide you through a combination of:
- Manual therapy: massage, mobilisation, or soft tissue techniques.
- Exercise programs: targeted strengthening and stretching to improve mobility and prevent recurrence.
- Education and advice: practical tips on posture, movement, and lifestyle modifications.
We also offer options such as home exercise programs and ongoing support so you can take an active role in your recovery.
Treatment Techniques We Use
At MGS Physiotherapy, our physio programs use a wide range of treatment techniques to support your recovery and improve spinal health:
- Manual therapy to reduce pain and stiffness
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises to restore mobility.
- Sports physiotherapy to support those returning to athletic activity.
- Musculoskeletal rehabilitation for more complex spinal conditions.
By combining these techniques, we aim to help patients move better, feel stronger, and prevent future problems.
How We Help at MGS Physiotherapy
At MGS, our physiotherapists know that every spine and every injury is different. We take a personalised, evidence-based approach with a clear focus on your goals and long-term spinal health.
Our Approach Includes:
- Manual therapy for immediate pain relief.
- Exercise programs to increase flexibility and build strength.
- Education to help patients manage pain and avoid recurrence.
- A holistic approach that considers the whole body, not just the spine.
Our clinics in Manly, North Curl Curl, and Mona Vale are staffed by a friendly team with a special interest in treating spinal conditions, from everyday strains to complex injuries.
Why Early Treatment Makes a Big Difference
Delaying physiotherapy can make injuries worse or even lead to the need for surgery. An early referral for assessment allows our team to put a treatment plan in place quickly, reducing downtime and preventing complications.
Benefits of Early Physiotherapy
- Faster pain relief and mobility gains.
- Lower chance of chronic problems developing.
- Increased ability to return to sport, work, and daily life sooner.
- Reduced need for surgical intervention.
When It’s Time to See a Physio
Book an appointment with a physiotherapist if you’re dealing with:
- Ongoing neck or low back pain.
- Radiating or nerve-related pain into the arms or legs.
- Stiffness or restricted movement affecting daily activities.
- Weakness, numbness, or tingling linked to spinal conditions.
- Shoulder pain or postural issues that won’t resolve on their own.
Looking After Your Spine for the Long Term
Your spine is essential to your health, mobility, and quality of life. Maintaining it means taking proactive steps, such as:
- Staying active with regular low-impact exercise like walking, swimming, or Pilates.
- Practising good posture at work and during daily activities.
- Building strong core and back muscles through prescribed exercises.
- Seeking early physiotherapy care when discomfort arises.
At MGS Physiotherapy, we pride ourselves on offering musculoskeletal rehabilitation and spinal care backed by science. Whether you need help after an injury, following surgery, or simply want to take better care of your spinal health, our team is here to help you move freely and feel stronger.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’re dealing with spinal or neck pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Book your appointment at MGS Physiotherapy today and let our team guide you towards recovery with professional, evidence-based care.
CALL NOW TO BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT