Low Back Pain Treatment in London
Most low back pain is non-specific and responds well to physiotherapy, exercise, and education — but a previous episode is the single strongest predictor of the next one, so the rehab you skip now is the flare you feel in six months. We deliver NICE-aligned low back pain treatment in London and Henley across our four clinics, without unnecessary imaging, opioids, or specialist referral.
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What you're seeing
The concern
Why it happens
What drives it
- Sustained postural loading (long-haul desk work, driving, manual labour)
- Sudden mechanical overload (lifting beyond capacity, abrupt twisting under load)
- Deconditioning — reduced strength and movement after time off, illness, or post-surgery
- Pregnancy — biomechanical changes loading the lumbar spine and pelvis
- Stress, poor sleep, and low mood — well-evidenced amplifiers of pain perception
- Recurrent flares from a long-standing weakness or movement pattern
Treatment approach
How Tom treats it
Physiotherapy & Sports Therapy
From £77Combined manual therapy and progressive exercise rehab is the NICE-aligned first-line treatment. Most episodes resolve in 3 to 6 sessions over 4 to 8 weeks.
See treatment detail →Osteopathy
Price on enquiryFor cases where joint stiffness or postural pattern is the dominant driver, osteopathic case-history-led assessment and joint articulation often complements the physiotherapy plan.
See treatment detail →Soft Tissue Therapy
Price on enquiryUseful as an adjunct for muscular guarding or chronic paraspinal tension — not as a stand-alone treatment for low back pain.
See treatment detail →FAQ
Common
questions
Do I need an MRI for my back pain?
In most cases, no. NICE guidance specifically advises against routine imaging for non-specific low back pain because it rarely changes management and frequently shows incidental findings (disc bulges, mild degenerative change) that are present in pain-free people too. Imaging is appropriate when there are red flags — significant trauma, suspected fracture, neurological deficit, or a pain pattern suggesting a specific cause.
When should I worry about back pain?
Seek urgent medical attention (A&E or 111) if you experience: loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the saddle/perineal area, progressive leg weakness, or back pain after significant trauma. These can indicate cauda equina syndrome or fracture and require imaging within hours, not days. Routine physiotherapy is not appropriate in these cases — go to A&E first.
Should I rest or stay active when my back hurts?
Stay as active as the pain allows. Bed rest beyond 24 to 48 hours actually slows recovery from low back pain and increases the risk of chronic problems. Walking, gentle movement, and continuing your normal routine where possible are recommended even during an acute flare. Your physiotherapist will guide what to modify and what to keep doing — usually less than you think.
How long should I expect treatment to take?
For an acute first episode, most people are substantially better within 3 to 6 sessions over 4 to 8 weeks. Recurrent or chronic low back pain responds more slowly — expect 6 to 12 sessions over 8 to 16 weeks for meaningful change. The goal is not just symptom relief; it is restoring strength, capacity, and confidence in your back so flares become less frequent and less severe.
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Tom Astley Physiotherapy • Park Road Pools & Fitness, Crouch End, London N8 8JN
BookAppointments typically available within 1–2 weeks