Back pain is one of the most common reasons people come to see us at Harborne Physiotherapy in Birmingham.
Many patients tell us the same thing
“I keep getting back pain every few months.”
“It settles, then comes back again.”
“I’ve tried stretches, massage and rest but it keeps returning.”
The frustrating truth is that most recurring back pain is not caused by one single problem. Instead it usually comes from a combination of movement habits, muscle imbalances, work posture and lifestyle factors.
The good news is that once the real cause is identified, it is usually very treatable.
Let’s look at the most common reasons we see.
1. Sitting for Long Periods (Office Workers & Drivers)
Many Birmingham patients work long hours at desks or spend time driving around the city.
Prolonged sitting can lead to:
• stiff hips
• tight hamstrings
• weak glute muscles
• increased pressure on the lower back discs
Over time the spine becomes less tolerant of load and small movements can trigger pain.
This is why someone might hurt their back bending to pick up something simple like a shoe or bag.
2. Weak Core and Glute Muscles
Your back doesn’t work alone. It relies heavily on support from:
• abdominal muscles
• deep spinal stabilisers
• glute muscles
• pelvic muscles
If these muscles are weak or poorly coordinated, the spine ends up doing more work than it should. This leads to fatigue, irritation and repeated flare-ups.
At Harborne Physiotherapy we often see this in people who previously trained hard in the gym but have become less active due to work or family commitments.
3. Poor Lifting Technique (Gym or Daily Life)
Another common cause is how people lift.This might be:
• lifting weights in the gym
• picking up children
• gardening
• DIY or housework
Often the issue is not the lift itself, but repeating it with poor mechanics over months or years. A physiotherapy assessment can quickly identify these movement patterns and correct them.
4. Stress and Muscle Tension
Many people are surprised to hear that stress can contribute to back pain. When we are under pressure the body naturally increases muscle tension, particularly around the neck, shoulders and lower back.
This can lead to:
• muscle guarding
• reduced movement
• increased sensitivity to pain
Addressing breathing patterns, movement and relaxation strategies can make a big difference.
5. Previous Injuries That Were Never Fully Rehabilitated
Sometimes back pain keeps returning because an earlier injury never fully recovered. This is very common in people who:
• returned to sport too quickly
• stopped exercises once pain settled
• never received a proper rehabilitation plan
Physiotherapy can help restore strength and control so the injury is less likely to recur.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
A good physiotherapy assessment does much more than just treat pain.
We look at:
• posture
• movement patterns
• muscle strength
• flexibility
• lifestyle factors
• work setup
From there we create a personalised plan that may include:
• hands-on treatment
• movement correction
• strengthening exercises
• advice for work and sport
The aim is not just to treat the current pain but to reduce the chance of it returning.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
You should consider seeing a physiotherapist if:
• your back pain keeps returning
• pain lasts longer than 2–3 weeks
• it affects sleep, work or exercise
• you are unsure what movements are safe
Early assessment often prevents a small problem becoming a bigger one.
Book an Appointment in Birmingham
At Harborne Physiotherapy, our experienced physiotherapists regularly treat back pain, sports injuries and persistent musculoskeletal problems. If your back pain keeps coming back, a detailed assessment can help identify the cause and get you back to moving comfortably again.
You can learn more or book an appointment here:
https://www.harbornephysio.co.uk
