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Back pain

Back pain affects up to 80% of people and is the leading cause of disability worldwide. At Roots Health Clinic, we focus on identifying the true triggers behind your pain—not just treating the symptoms. 


As co-creators of The Good Back Academy and the Acute Back Pain Guide, we provide online programs that help you fix your back at home and reduce the number of therapy visits needed. This page explains how back pain develops, the structures involved, and how we guide you toward long-term recovery.

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Back pain doesn’t have to mean surgery

Back pain is a universal problem. It can strike suddenly or build slowly over time. It may feel sharp, stiff, burning, or tight—sometimes staying in one spot, other times radiating into the hips or legs.


Up to 80% of adults will experience significant back pain. In the EU, 44% of workers report persistent back or neck discomfort, especially those who sit for long periods.


The area that hurts is not always the true source of the problem. Back pain is often influenced by:

  • mobility restrictions

  • disc mechanics

  • muscle imbalances

  • posture and sitting habits

  • breathing patterns

  • stress levels

  • and sometimes inflammation from the digestive system, which can refer discomfort to the back


At Roots, we look at the entire picture—muscles, joints, nerves, breathing, stress, and movement patterns—to understand why your pain is happening.


We are also the co-creators of:


These tools help you recover more independently and reduce the number of therapy visits needed.

What's going on in the body?

Your lumbar spine is made of vertebrae separated by intervertebral discs, which act as shock absorbers. Each disc includes:

  • Annulus fibrosus – tough collagen rings

  • Nucleus pulposus – a gel-like centre

  • Cartilage endplates – connecting the disc to the vertebrae


Because discs develop before the immune system fully matures, the inner material is not “recognised” by immune cells. If the disc tears and this material escapes, it can trigger a strong inflammatory response—even a small herniation can feel dramatic.


Fortunately, disc injuries usually improve with proper movement, reduced irritation, and time.

The spinal cord ends around L1–L2 and transitions into the cauda equina (a bundle of nerves), giving the lower spine more space than people often realise.


Back pain may also involve:

  • irritated facet joints

  • tense or overloaded muscles

  • ligaments under stress

  • sensitive or compressed nerves

  • shallow breathing and stress amplifying pain signals


Back pain is rarely caused by one structure—it’s a systems issue.

Why you might be feeling this way

  • Long hours of sitting or poor posture

  • Weak glutes or core muscles

  • Limited hip or mid-back mobility

  • Sudden lifting, bending, or twisting

  • Carrying stress in your body

  • Disc irritation or nerve compression

  • Leftover tension from old injuries

  • Occasional digestive inflammation that amplifies sensitivity in the lower back


Your pain is not a sign of “damage”—it’s your body signalling that certain systems need support.

How we can help at Roots

Your care plan may include:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to restore mobility

  • Physiotherapy and strengthening to stabilise the spine

  • Massage therapy for tight muscles

  • Breathing and stress regulation to calm the nervous system

  • Lifestyle and posture coaching to protect your back during daily activities

  • Access to The Good Back Academy for structured at-home learning

  • The Acute Back Pain Guide for new or sudden symptoms


We help you recover safely, move confidently, and reduce the chances of future flare-ups.

You don’t have to live in pain

Back pain is common—but it is also highly treatable.


Let’s help your body feel supported, strong, and pain-free again.

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GHS online programs – start healing from home

We highly recommend these trusted online programs from Good Health Society to help you begin healing between sessions or before your first visit:


The Good Back Academy

Learn why your pain keeps returning—and how to fix the root cause with simple movement and habit changes.


The Acute Back Pain Guide

Step-by-step help for sudden flare-ups. What to do in the first few days to reduce pain and speed recovery. Start taking control of your back health from home—at your own pace.

When you should seek emergency care

Most back pain is not dangerous.


However, urgent medical attention is needed if you experience:

  • loss of bladder or bowel control

  • numbness in the groin or inner thighs

  • severe back pain with fever or recent infection

  • back pain after major trauma (car accidents, falls, etc.)


If these appear, seek emergency care immediately.

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What people often notice after care

  • Less stiffness and pain

  • More ease in daily movement

  • Improved posture and flexibility

  • Fewer flare-ups

  • Better sleep and energy

  • More confidence in their back

  • A clear understanding of how to protect their spine

FAQ's
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