Back pain is the most common reason people seek physiotherapy worldwide. It affects 8 out of 10 people at some point in their lives. Most back pain is not caused by serious pathology — and responds effectively to physiotherapy, without medication or surgery.
Common causes of back pain
Most cases of back pain are non-specific — meaning they cannot be attributed to a single, clearly defined cause. Contributing factors include: muscle tension or spasm, reduced spinal mobility, weak stabilizing muscles, prolonged sitting, poor movement patterns, or sudden overload. In fewer cases, pain may be related to disc herniation, sciatica, or degenerative changes.
5 signs you need a physiotherapist
1. Pain lasts more than 2 weeks without improvement. 2. You feel numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs. 3. Pain radiates into your leg (possible sciatica). 4. Daily activities are difficult — bending, walking, sleeping. 5. Pain keeps coming back repeatedly. In these cases, self-management is not enough. A specialist physiotherapist can identify the cause and design targeted treatment.
How physiotherapy treats back pain
Evidence-based physiotherapy for back pain combines: manual therapy (joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques) to reduce pain and restore mobility, therapeutic exercise to strengthen stabilizing muscles and improve movement control, acupuncture/dry needling to relieve muscle spasms and trigger points, and patient education — understanding the condition, activity modification, and prevention strategies. At RE-FYZIO, every treatment plan is individually designed after a comprehensive assessment.
Surgery or physiotherapy?
The majority of back pain cases — even those involving disc herniation or sciatica — respond effectively to non-surgical treatment. Scientific evidence shows that conservative management (physiotherapy) is the first-line approach. Surgery is considered only when there are significant neurological deficits or when conservative treatment fails after a reasonable period.
Need physiotherapy? Get in touch to book an appointment. We accept GeSY and private appointments.
Contact usHow many physiotherapy sessions are needed for back pain?
It depends on the severity and duration of symptoms. Most patients experience significant improvement within 4–8 sessions. Your physiotherapist will advise you after the initial assessment.
Can I get physiotherapy for back pain through GeSY?
Yes. Request a referral from your GeSY doctor. The copayment is €10 per session at RE-FYZIO.
Does back pain require surgery?
Rarely. The majority of cases respond effectively to physiotherapy. Surgery is considered only in severe cases with neurological deficits.