Back Pain Treatment Chesterfield | Target Physio

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What is Lumbar back pain?

Lumbar back Pain can result from injuries, arthritis, or overuse of the lumbar spine. Our clinic helps identify the cause and provide targeted treatment. 

What Causes Lumbar back pain?

Causes include repetitive strain, trauma, disc prolapse, disc degeneration with arthritis or poor posture depending on the condition.

● Facet joint OA: small joints OA on either side of lumbar spine back vertebrae

● Herniated disc: A bulging disc can press on the nerve roots in the lumbar spine.

● Degenerated disc: Age-related changes in the discs can narrow the space for nerves.

● Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal compressing the nerve.

● Bone Spurs: Extra bone growth from arthritis or disc degeneration.

● Injury or Trauma: Falls or lifting heavy objects can trigger or worsen nerve compression.

● Lumbar Radiculopathy: when nerve in the back is compressed, irritated or pinched.

Symptoms of Lumbar back pain:

● Sharp, shooting pain down the leg (often one-sided)

● Numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the leg or foot

● Muscle weakness or difficulty lifting the foot (‘foot drop’)

● Pain worsens with sitting, coughing, or bending forward

● Low back pain that may radiate to the hip and leg

The symptoms can vary depending on which nerve root is affected.

How is Lumbar Backpain Diagnosed?

At Target Physio Injection Ltd, your expert physiotherapist will:

● Take a detailed medical history

● Perform a thorough physical and neurological examination

● Check range of motion, strength, and nerve tension

● Use special tests to confirm nerve involvement

If needed, we can refer you for MRI imaging to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Our Treatment for Lumbar back pain at Target Physio Injection Clinic

● Analgesia: Pain medications to reduce inflammation and provide relief.

● Personalised physiotherapy with targeted exercise to restoring flexibility and strength in the spine and legs.

● Pain Relief & Nerve Desensitisation: Manual therapy, soft tissue & neural glides.

● Posture & Ergonomic Advice: Preventing further compression and recurrence.

● Functional Rehabilitation: Helping you return safely to work, hobbies, and daily life.

Why Choose Target Physio Injection Ltd?

We combine expert physiotherapy to treat the root cause of your lumbar radiculopathy and help you return to pain-free movement. Our caring team will support you throughout your recovery journey.

Early treatment can help manage symptoms and get back to moving pain-free.

What is Lumbar Facet Joint Pain?

Lumbar facet joint pain, also known as facet joint syndrome, is a condition that affects the small joints on either side of your lower back vertebrae. These joints can become irritated from overuse, degeneration, or sudden injuries, causing significant pain and loss of movement. The lumbar spine bears much of the body’s weight, making it particularly vulnerable. Pain most commonly occurs at the L4-L5 and L5-S1 levels.

Lumbar Facet Joint Anatomy

Each vertebra in your spine has a large disc at the front and two facet joints at the back, forming a tripod structure that allows flexibility and stability. The facet joints are covered with smooth cartilage and surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule, ensuring smooth movement. These joints help with bending, twisting, and absorbing loads while protecting nerves and the spinal cord.

What Causes Lumbar Facet Joint Pain?

● Facet Joint Injury: Sudden or repetitive strain can make joints stiff or overly mobile.

● Wear and Tear: Degenerative changes over time can damage facet joints and discs.

● Degenerative Disc: Disc wear narrows joint spaces, adding stress on the facets and leading to osteoarthritis.

Pain often stems from surrounding inflammation, muscle spasms, and nerve irritation, treatable with physiotherapy and conservative care.

Risk Factors

● Obesity

● Contact or high-impact sports (football, gymnastics, etc.)

● Rotational sports (golf, tennis)

● Manual jobs with heavy lifting or bending

● Age (over 40)

● Degenerative disc disease

● Poor posture or spinal deformity

Symptoms of Lumbar Facet Joint Pain

● Localised, dull ache in the lower back

● Referred pain into the buttock or back of the thigh (but rarely past the knee)

● Sharp, shooting pain if nerves are involved

● Tenderness on palpation

● Pain worse with twisting, bending backward, or heavy activity

● Stiffness in the morning or after inactivity

● Crepitus (grinding or grating) with movement

● Muscle weakness in the leg (in rare cases)

The pain may mimic other conditions like sciatica, so accurate diagnosis by a qualified professional is essential.

How is Lumbar Facet Joint Syndrome Diagnosed?

Your specialist physiotherapist at Target Physio Injection Ltd will:

● Perform a detailed assessment of spinal movement, muscle strength, sensory and reflex testing, and postural analysis.

● Use their expertise to identify the specific facet joint involved.

If needed, imaging (X-ray, CT, MRI) can confirm the diagnosis and identify related conditions. We can refer you to trusted consultants for advanced imaging.

Our Treatment for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain

● Education & Advice: Understanding your condition and how to manage it.

● Pain Relief: Analgesics for pain & inflammation control.

● Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage to reduce muscle tension and spasms.

● Joint Mobilisation: Hands-on techniques to unlock stiff joints.

● Movement & Strength: Tailored exercise programs to restore stability, targeting core and back muscles.

● Posture Correction: Ergonomic and movement advice for work and daily life.

● Functional Rehab: Exercises to help you return to your chosen activities safely.

● Pilates: Often recommended to improve posture and spinal control.

Lumbar Facet Joint Injections

For severe pain, facet joint injections deliver a mix of numbing anaesthetic and anti-inflammatory corticosteroids directly to the joint, reducing pain and inflammation. Injections are carried out with X-ray or ultrasound guidance by trusted spinal specialists we work with. Relief can last weeks to years, and injections can be repeated if needed. Injections should be combined with physiotherapy for long-term results.

Surgery for Lumbar Facet Joint Pain

Surgery is rarely needed, but may be considered if conservative treatments don’t work or if there’s significant nerve root compression or spinal instability. We work closely with trusted spinal surgeons to ensure optimal post-surgical recovery and long-term relief.

Early treatment can help manage symptoms and get back to moving pain-free.

What is Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)?

Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly known as sciatica, occurs when a nerve in the lower back is compressed or irritated. This can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness that travels from the lower back into the buttock, thigh, calf, and foot. The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body, and when it’s affected, it can cause severe discomfort and functional limitations.

What Causes Lumbar Radiculopathy?

● Herniated Disc: A bulging disc pressing on a nerve root.

● Degenerative Disc Disease: Age-related disc changes narrowing the nerve space.

● Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal causing nerve compression.

● Bone Spurs: Extra bone growth from arthritis pinching the nerve.

● Injury or Trauma: Falls, accidents, or heavy lifting can trigger nerve compression.

Symptoms of Lumbar Radiculopathy

● Sharp, shooting leg pain (one-sided)

● Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

● Muscle weakness or foot drop

● Back pain that radiates to the leg

● Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or bending forward

The severity of symptoms depends on the level of nerve compression.

How is Lumbar Radiculopathy Diagnosed?

At Target Physio Injection Ltd, your expert physiotherapist will:

● Take a detailed history of your symptoms and activities

● Perform a thorough physical and neurological assessment

● Check spinal movement, strength, nerve tension, and sensation

● Use special tests to confirm the diagnosis

If required, MRI imaging can be arranged to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes.

Our Treatment for Lumbar Radiculopathy at Target Physio Injection Clinic

● Pain Relief & Nerve Desensitisation: Hands-on therapy, acupuncture, and gentle exercises to reduce pain.

● Targeted Exercises: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve stability and mobility.

● Posture & Ergonomic Advice: Preventing recurrence with correct lifting and sitting techniques.

● Analgesics: To reduce inflammation and provide fast relief.

● Functional Rehabilitation: Personalised exercises to restore full function and help you return to work, sport, and hobbies safely.

Why Choose Target Physio Injection Ltd?

We combine expert physiotherapy, advanced diagnostic assessment, and analgesic prescription to treat the underlying cause of your sciatica and help you get back to pain-free movement. Our friendly team is committed to supporting you throughout your recovery.

Early treatment can help manage symptoms and get back to moving pain-free.

What is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis?

Lumbar spinal stenosis is a condition in which the space within the lower spine (lumbar spine) becomes narrowed, putting pressure on the spinal nerves. This can cause lower back pain, leg pain (sciatica), numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs, making it difficult to walk or stand for long periods.

Causes of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis:

● Age-related degeneration: Wear and tear on the spine, including disc degeneration and arthritis.

● Herniated discs: Bulging discs pressing on spinal nerves.

● Bone spurs (osteophytes): Extra bone growth can narrow the spinal canal.

● Thickened ligaments: Ligaments in the spine can become stiff and thick, contributing to narrowing.

● Injury or trauma: Accidents or falls can lead to spinal stenosis.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spinal Stenosis:

● Lower back pain, often worse when standing or walking.

● Leg pain, numbness, tingling or weakness.

● Symptoms often improve when leaning forward or sitting.

● Difficulty walking long distances.

● In severe cases, loss of bladder or bowel control (rare, but serious).

How is Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Diagnosed?

At Target Physio Injection Ltd, our skilled physiotherapists will:

● Take a detailed medical history and listen to your symptoms.

● Perform a thorough physical and neurological examination.

● Check spinal movement, posture, strength and nerve function.

● Use special tests to confirm nerve involvement.

If needed, we can refer you for MRI imaging to confirm the diagnosis and identify the precise location of narrowing.

Our Treatment for Lumbar Spinal Stenosis at Target Physio Injection Clinic:

● Pain Relief & Inflammation Reduction: Hands-on techniques, massage, acupuncture, and advice on pain medication.

● Targeted Exercise Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and reduce nerve compression.

● Postural Correction & Ergonomics: Teaching you how to reduce pressure on your spine.

● Analgesics to reduce swelling and nerve irritation for long-lasting relief.

● Functional Rehabilitation: Personalised exercises to restore full function and get you back to your activities safely.

Why Choose Target Physio Injection Clinic?

Our experienced physiotherapists combine advanced physiotherapy techniques with pain prescriptions to provide long-term relief and restore your ability to move confidently. We work closely with you to ensure your treatment is tailored to your needs and goals.

Early treatment can help manage symptoms and get back to moving pain-free.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)?

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common cause of back and neck pain, affecting both the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions. Despite the name, DDD is not actually a disease but a natural, age-related process where the spinal discs gradually wear down and lose their shock-absorbing ability.

Causes of DDD

DDD develops as the discs between the vertebrae lose moisture and elasticity over time. Other risk factors include:

● Heavy lifting or repetitive movements

● Smoking

● Previous spinal injuries

● Poor posture or spinal alignment

● Obesity, which increases pressure on the spine

As discs degenerate, they can narrow the space between the vertebrae, compressing nerves and causing pain.

Symptoms of Degenerative Disc Disease

● Lumbar DDD:

● Aching or sharp low back pain

● Pain radiating to the buttocks or legs (sciatica)

● Muscle spasms or stiffness

● Difficulty bending or twisting

Cervical DDD:

● Neck pain and stiffness

● Pain that travels to the shoulders or arms

● Tingling or numbness in the hands

● Headaches and restricted neck movement

How is Degenerative Disc Disease Diagnosed?

At Target Physio Injection Ltd, your expert physiotherapist will:

● Take a detailed medical history and discuss your symptoms

● Conduct a thorough physical examination to assess range of motion, strength, and nerve function

● Use special tests to identify nerve involvement

If needed, an MRI or other imaging can confirm the diagnosis and identify related issues such as herniated discs or spinal stenosis.

Treatment for DDD at Target Physio Injection Clinic:

● Pain Management: Advice on short-term medication, activity modification, and pain-relieving techniques.

● Hands-on Physiotherapy: Gentle mobilisation, massage, and soft tissue release to reduce pain and stiffness.

● Acupuncture or Dry Needling: Targeted treatment for muscle tension and nerve irritation.

● Exercise Therapy: Tailored stretching and strengthening exercises to restore mobility and stability.

● Postural Re-education: Practical advice for better posture and spinal alignment.

● Functional Rehab: Exercises to help you return to work, sport, and daily activities safely.

Why Choose Target Physio Injection Clinic?

Our experienced physiotherapists provide evidence-based care tailored to your needs with advanced physiotherapy interventions to relieve pain and restore function. We’re dedicated to helping you move with confidence and reduce your pain long-term.

Early treatment can help manage symptoms and get back to moving pain-free.