Most of us expect a stiffer back and a slower start to the morning as the years go on. However, there’s a difference between the general wear that comes with age and spinal stenosis, a specific narrowing of the spinal canal that can press on nerves and cause real, ongoing symptoms. Telling the two apart […]
Summer’s over, the out-of-office is switched off, and you’re back at your desk for eight hours a day. If your back or neck has started grumbling again this week, that’s not a coincidence. Your body notices sudden changes in routine more than you’d expect. Swapping weeks of walking, swimming or generally being on your feet […]
Swimming is widely recognised as one of the best forms of exercise for the spine. The buoyancy of water reduces pressure on the joints, allowing many people with back pain to stay active with less discomfort. However, like any sport, swimming and other water-based activities can place significant demands on the spine, particularly when technique […]
Arm pain, tingling, or numbness is often assumed to be caused by a problem in the shoulder, elbow, or wrist. However, in many cases, the source of these symptoms is actually the neck. When a nerve in the cervical spine becomes irritated or compressed, pain can travel from the neck into the shoulder, arm, and […]
Summer is a time when many people become more active. Whether it’s lifting suitcases into the car, tackling long-postponed DIY projects, rearranging the garden, or carrying heavier loads than usual while travelling, the warmer months often place unexpected demands on the back. For some, all it takes is one awkward movement. You bend to pick […]
A pinched nerve is a term commonly used to describe a nerve that has become irritated, inflamed, or compressed. In the spine, this usually occurs when a disc bulge, disc herniation, bone spur, or narrowing around the nerves places pressure on a nerve root as it exits the spinal canal. Depending on where the compression […]
Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, widely valued for its cardiovascular benefits, weight management, and overall wellbeing. With longer days and lighter evenings, many recreational runners are increasing their training volume, making it a good time to understand how running affects the spine. The role of spinal discs when running The […]
Cycling offers excellent cardiovascular benefits and is a popular way to improve fitness, commute, or enjoy the outdoors. However, many cyclists experience discomfort in the neck and upper back, particularly after longer rides. Understanding why neck and upper back pain develops can help cyclists make adjustments that reduce strain and recognise when specialist spinal assessment […]
Lower back and pelvic pain are common during and after pregnancy. For many women, symptoms settle within a few weeks of giving birth. However, some continue to experience persistent discomfort, often linked to the sacroiliac (SI) joints. The sacroiliac joints sit at the base of the spine, connecting the sacrum to the pelvis. They play […]
Sciatica is a common cause of leg pain that originates from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back down through the hips and into each leg, and when it becomes irritated, it can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. Many people with sciatica notice their symptoms feel worse […]