Your Guide to Back Pain Treatment in Brighton and Hove: Causes, Sciatica and How To Manage Your Pain
- Sabreen Qureshi-Hitchens
- Jun 24
- 11 min read
Dealing with back pain can be overwhelming, especially when it starts to affect your daily life. Whether your discomfort came on suddenly after lifting awkwardly or developed slowly over time, back pain can seriously impact your ability to move and function. At Active Physio Clinics in Brighton and Hove, we offer expert back pain treatment tailored to your specific needs. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll help you understand the different types of back pain—acute, chronic, sciatica, and referred pain—so you can take confident steps toward recovery.
This blog post provides local expert guidance to give you a clear understanding of the different types of back pain, helping you identify what you may be experiencing. It will arm you with the knowledge to make informed decisions about managing your pain effectively.
We will guide you through the specifics of acute and chronic back pain, and explain sciatica in detail, with links to comprehensive leaflets for further information on each condition. Understanding your back pain is the first step towards managing it to improve your quality of life.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physiotherapy and medical attention. At Active Physio Clinics, we specialise in identifying the root causes of back pain and helping you move, live, and feel better.
Table of Contents
Acute Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Management
Acute back pain is characterised by a sudden onset of discomfort in the back, typically stemming from a specific incident or injury. This type of pain is sharp and can be quite intense, serving as a signal from your body that something is amiss.
What Causes Acute Back Pain?
The causes of acute back pain are varied, but it often arises from muscle strains, ligament sprains, or other soft tissue injuries. These can result from a range of activities or events, such as lifting heavy objects incorrectly, abrupt movements, falls, or accidents.
Symptoms and Sensations of Acute Back Pain
The sensations associated with acute back pain can include a stabbing or shooting pain, a deep muscle ache, or a limited range of motion in the back. You may also experience muscle spasms, pain that radiates to the buttocks or thigh, but usually not below the knee, and increased pain with movements or activities.
How Long Does Acute Back Pain Last?
Acute back pain is typically short-term, lasting anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. It usually resolves on its own with self-care and there is no residual loss of function. The body’s natural healing process tends to take over, but being mindful of activities and posture can aid in a quicker recovery.
When to See a Medical Professional for Acute Pain
It's important to seek medical attention if your back pain is severe and not improving with rest, if you have numbness or tingling, or if you experience weakness in your limbs. Additionally, if the pain is a result of a serious injury, or if it's accompanied by other symptoms like fever, you should consult a professional.
For a more detailed exploration of acute back pain, its causes, symptoms, and management strategies, please refer to our comprehensive leaflet on Acute Back Pain.
Chronic Back Pain: Causes, Differences and Risk Factors
Chronic back pain persists for a prolonged period, typically defined as lasting for more than three months. Unlike acute back pain, which is often related to a specific incident, chronic back pain can develop over time and is sometimes less directly associated with a single event.
What Causes Chronic Back Pain?
Chronic back pain can stem from a variety of factors. It may begin as acute pain but persist due to a failure to heal properly. In other instances, it could be linked to degenerative conditions such as arthritis, disc disease, or ongoing stress to the back muscles due to posture or occupational activities.
Symptoms and Sensations of Chronic Back Pain
The symptoms of chronic back pain can range from a continuous, dull ache to persistent, sharp pain. The discomfort may be intermittent or constant and could potentially disrupt sleep and daily activities. Chronic back pain may also lead to a reduction in flexibility and strength, affecting one's ability to perform routine tasks.
How Chronic Back Pain Differs from Acute Back Pain
The distinction between chronic and acute back pain lies not only in the duration, but also in the nature of the pain. Chronic back pain may not always have a clear cause and therefore can be more challenging to treat. It is often accompanied by psychological factors such as depression or anxiety, which can exacerbate the pain experience.
Risk Factors for Chronic Back Pain
Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing chronic back pain, including ageing, lack of regular exercise, prior injury, poor posture, and underlying medical conditions. Stress and smoking are also contributing factors that can affect back health.
For a deeper insight into chronic back pain, including potential treatment options and coping strategies, check out our detailed leaflet on Chronic Back Pain.
Summary: Acute vs Chronic Back Pain
Acute back pain comes on suddenly and lasts for a few days to a few weeks. It’s often caused by a specific event such as a strain, sprain, or awkward movement. Most people recover within 6 weeks with simple interventions like staying active, applying heat or ice, and physiotherapy.
Chronic back pain lasts longer than 12 weeks and may persist even after the initial injury has healed. It can be influenced by degenerative changes in the spine, muscle imbalances, nerve sensitivity, or emotional stress. Long-standing pain often requires a more holistic, layered approach to treatment.
Sciatica: Causes, Symptoms and How It Differs
Sciatica is a term that describes pain radiating along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips and buttocks and down each leg. Typically, sciatica affects only one side of your body and can arise when the sciatic nerve is irritated or compressed.
Underlying Causes of Sciatica
The most common cause of sciatica is a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or narrowing of the spine (spinal stenosis) that compresses part of the nerve. This compression causes inflammation, pain, and sometimes numbness in the affected leg.
Symptoms of Sciatica
Pain that originates in the spine and radiates down the back of the leg is the hallmark of sciatica. You might feel discomfort almost anywhere along the nerve pathway, but it's especially likely to follow a path from your low back to your buttock and the back of your thigh and calf. The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort. Sometimes it can feel like a jolt or electric shock and can be worsened by prolonged sitting or sudden movements.
How Sciatica Differs from Other Back Pain
Understanding the distinction between Sciatica and other types of back pain in that the pain originates in the spine but then extends down the back of the leg. Another characteristic feature is that the pain is usually unilateral, affecting one leg.
Risk Factors for Sciatica
Risk factors for sciatica include occupations that involve prolonged sitting, require you to twist your back, carry heavy loads, or drive a motor vehicle for long periods. Other risk factors are diabetes, obesity, and age-related changes in the spine such as herniated discs and bone spurs.
To understand more about the causes of sciatica, its symptoms, and how it is diagnosed and treated, you can check out our two leaflets Low Back Pain and Sciatica and Sciatica: Causes and Treatments to learn more.
Referred Pain vs Sciatica: Key Differences
What is Referred Pain and Where Does It Come From?
Referred Pain is pain perceived in an area that is not the actual source of the problem. It typically arises from spinal structures like the facet joints, discs, or sacroiliac joints, and is felt in the buttock, thigh, or even the groin. This type of pain is usually dull, aching, and diffuse - often hard to pinpoint - and does not follow a specific nerve pathway.
Underlying Causes of Referred Pain may include:
Joint dysfunction (especially sacroiliac or facet joints)
Disc irritation without nerve compression
Muscular trigger points or tension patterns
Bio-mechanical imbalances, such as pelvic misalignment or leg length discrepancies
Symptoms of Referred Pain may include:
A deep, dull ache that spreads outward from the back
Pain that worsens with certain postures or activities
Pain that does not follow a dermatomal (nerve) pattern
Risk Factors for Referred Pain:
Sedentary lifestyle or prolonged poor posture
Repetitive movements or asymmetrical loading (e.g. lifting, twisting)
Previous injuries that haven’t fully resolved
Muscle imbalances or alignment issues in the hips, pelvis, or ribs
Comparing Referred Pain to Sciatica
Sciatica is caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve. It presents as sharp, shooting, or burning pain that travels down the leg - often accompanied by numbness, tingling, or weakness. Sciatica pain is more defined, follows a specific nerve distribution, and is often aggravated by spinal movements or coughing.
Being able to differentiate between referred pain and true nerve-related symptoms is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. At Active Physio Clinics, we specialise in making these distinctions through hands-on assessment and Clinical Reasoning. Using the Integrated Systems Model* approach, we can rule out any lumbar, pelvic or sacral rotation that may be hindering the normal pathway of the nerve. These corrections can also be carried out safely up to Week 21 of pregnancy.
Common Causes of Back pain
Back pain can stem from a variety of causes. Some of the most common include:
Muscle or ligament strain from lifting, twisting, or overuse
Herniated or bulging discs
Degenerative disc disease or arthritis
Facet or sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Poor posture or prolonged sitting
Stress and tension that increase muscle tightness
Spinal stenosis or spondylolisthesis
Identifying the true source of your pain is the first step towards long lasting relief.
When to Seek Treatment for Back Pain
When back pain disrupts your daily life, seeking professional advice is essential. The type of specialist you choose – whether a physiotherapist, osteopath, chiropractor, or other medical professional – will depend on the nature and severity of your pain. Your choice of practitioner may be influenced by your personal preferences, and the treatment philosophies that align with your own beliefs about health and wellbeing.
When Should You See a Specialist?
You should consider scheduling an appointment if your back pain is severe and not improving with self-care, if it persists for more than a few weeks, or if it prevents you from engaging in normal activities. Additionally, if your back pain is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, weight loss, or significant leg weakness, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately.
Why Accurate Diagnosis Matters
An accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. It can help in identifying the underlying cause of the pain and ruling out more serious conditions. A healthcare professional will perform a physical examination/assessment and may request imaging tests, like an MRI or CT scan, to get a detailed view of the internal structures of your back.
Self-Care Strategies and Home Management
While waiting for your appointment, there are self-care strategies you can employ to help manage your pain. These may include applying heat or cold to the affected area, engaging in light activities that don't strain your back, and over-the-counter pain relief if necessary. Avoid activities that worsen your pain, and focus on gentle movements that keep you mobile without increasing discomfort. Below are some of the methods we use to manage back pain effectively. For more information on self-care strategies you can read our blog post here: Self-Help for Back Pain: When to DIY and When to Seek Help I Active Physio Clinics
Tips for Effective Back Pain Treatment in Brighton and Hove
Whether your back pain is acute or chronic, here are some proven strategies that can help:
• Stay Active
Movement is medicine. Gentle activity like walking keeps the spine mobile and prevents stiffness. Avoid prolonged bed rest.
• Physiotherapy
A tailored program may include hands-on treatment, Clinical Pilates, massage, relaxation of tight muscles, and movement re-training to help you recover faster and prevent recurrence.
• ISM Assessment
Using the Integrated Systems Model, we look at how your whole body functions to identify the root cause rather than just treating symptoms.
• Ergonomic Adjustments
Workstation setup plays a crucial role in preventing and managing back pain. We can guide you on how to sit, stand, and move better during your day.
• Ergonomic Interiors
Poor choice of sofas, beds and in particular mattresses can impede resolution of back pain
• Mind-Body Connection
Stress, fear of movement, and poor sleep can all amplify pain. Addressing these factors can reduce pain intensity and improve recovery.
• Targeted Strength & Mobility Work
Strengthening your core and improving hip, thoracic, and pelvic alignment is key to long-term spine health.
Conclusion: Making Informed Choices About Your Back Pain
In this post we’ve examined the distinct characteristics of acute, chronic, referred pain and sciatica-related back pain. Understanding these differences is important, as it informs the approach to managing and treating your condition. Acute back pain is typically a transient condition, whereas chronic back pain often requires a more comprehensive management plan. Sciatica is unique due to its specific pain pathway and may necessitate targeted treatments.
By being informed about the symptoms and risk factors for each type of back pain, you can make educated choices about your care. Seeking a proper diagnosis and professional medical advice should be your priority if you experience persistent or severe symptoms.
FAQs: Back Pain, Sciatica & Treatment Options
Q: When should I see a physiotherapist for back pain? A: If your pain lasts more than a few days, limits your daily function, or is accompanied by leg symptoms (like numbness or weakness), it’s time to seek help.
Q: Is sciatica always caused by a disc problem? A: No. While herniated discs are a common cause, sciatica can also result from spinal stenosis, muscle entrapment (e.g., piriformis syndrome), or pelvic alignment issues.
Q: Can posture really cause back pain? A: Posture doesn’t cause pain on its own, but poor habits over time can overload certain structures. Improving your movement and alignment reduces that risk.
Q: Will I need surgery? A: Most back pain resolves with conservative treatment. Surgery is considered only when other options fail or if there are serious neurological symptoms.
If you're struggling with back pain and looking for personalised care and expert advice, don't hesitate to reach out to us at Active Physio Clinics. Our team of skilled professionals are dedicated to providing you with tailored treatment plans that cater to your unique needs. Contact us today to schedule a FREE Discovery Session and take the first step towards your pain-free life.
Book your Discovery Session by calling us on 07801163512 or email us via the Contact Form (in the drop-down menu under the 'More' Tab) on the activephysioclinics.com website - take the first step toward lasting relief.
About the Author – Sabreen Qureshi-Hitchens
Sabreen Qureshi-Hitchens is a Chartered Physiotherapist with over 33 years of experience, HCPC registered and a member of ACPOHE (Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics). She holds a BSc in Physiotherapy (1992) and is the founder of Active Physio Clinics in Brighton and Hove.
Sabreen is a DMA Clinical Pilates trained Clinical Pilates Practitioner and trained in the Integrated Systems Model (ISM) - a whole-body framework that identifies the true root of pain and movement dysfunction. Her specialist focus is on the lumbo-pelvic region involving the lower back, hips, and sacroiliac joints in active individuals and those training and competing in Endurance and Ultra-Endurance sports and activities.
She has worked with elite athletes and national organisations including UK Athletics, The English Institute of Sport, and the London Marathon Physio Team, and has provided expert care in private practice, corporate ergonomics, and high-performance sport. Sabreen also holds Bikefit® Clinical Certification and combines hands-on treatment with movement-based rehab to help people move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
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