Question 1

Should I rest or keep moving with back pain?

Accepted Answer

For the vast majority of back pain, staying gently active produces better outcomes than bed rest. Prolonged rest leads to deconditioning, increased fear of movement, and slower recovery. The key is appropriate activity — not avoidance, but also not pushing through severe pain. Your physiotherapist will guide you on exactly what activities are appropriate.

Question 2

Do I need a scan before seeing a physio?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, no. A skilled physiotherapist can accurately diagnose and begin treating back pain without imaging. Research shows MRI and X-ray findings often do not correlate with symptoms — the majority of people over 40 have disc degeneration or bulges on MRI without any back pain. Imaging is warranted when there are specific red flags.

Question 3

How long does back pain take to recover?

Accepted Answer

Acute non-specific back pain typically improves significantly within 4-6 weeks with appropriate physiotherapy management. However, approximately 60-80% of people experience recurrence within 12 months without addressing the underlying drivers. Chronic back pain (lasting more than 3 months) still responds well to physiotherapy in the large majority of cases.

Question 4

Can physiotherapy help with disc injuries?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The majority of disc bulges, prolapses, and herniations respond well to physiotherapy-guided rehabilitation without surgery. Discs have a natural capacity to resorb over time, and the inflammatory process around the nerve typically settles with appropriate management. Surgery is considered only when conservative management has been genuinely exhausted, or when there is a serious progressive neurological deficit.

Question 5

What is the difference between back pain and sciatica?

Accepted Answer

Back pain refers broadly to pain in the lumbar region. Sciatica describes pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that travels from the lower back into the buttock and down the back of the leg, following the path of the sciatic nerve. Sciatica is a symptom — not a diagnosis — and can arise from disc herniation, joint irritation, piriformis syndrome, or spinal stenosis.

Question 6

Should I see a physiotherapist or a GP first for back pain?

Accepted Answer

Either pathway is appropriate. Physiotherapists are specifically trained to screen for conditions requiring medical investigation. If you have back pain without red flags, seeing a physiotherapist directly is efficient and cost-effective. Your physiotherapist will refer you to a GP or specialist if the assessment reveals anything that warrants it.

Question 7

Will my back pain come back?

Accepted Answer

Without addressing the underlying causes — poor movement patterns, muscle weakness, load management issues — recurrence is common. This is why we focus on building long-term resilience, not just short-term pain relief. Patients who complete a full rehabilitation program including strengthening have significantly lower recurrence rates.

Back Pain Treatment in Perth