Back pain can interrupt every part of your day, whether it’s a sharp twinge when getting out of bed, ongoing discomfort at your desk, or stiffness after a long drive. At Strive Physiotherapy, we help patients take control of their health with movement-based treatment plans designed to target the source of the problem. If you’re dealing with back pain in Calgary, our team is here to help you feel better, move more easily, and get back to doing what you love.
What Causes Back Pain?
Various factors, including posture, repetitive strain, injuries, and muscle imbalances, can cause back pain. At our back pain clinic in Calgary, we commonly treat:
- Herniated discs: Often due to wear and tear or injury, causing pain, burning, or tingling.
- Muscle strain: Stiffness or tenderness caused by overuse or improper movement.
- Pinched nerves: When surrounding tissues compress a nerve, leading to numbness or sharp pain.
- Stress fractures: Small cracks in the spine that can make bending and twisting difficult.
No matter the cause, our physiotherapists work to uncover the root issue and guide you through a plan that addresses both short-term relief and long-term recovery.
3 Physiotherapy Strategies for Back Pain at Work
Many clients experience worsening back pain during work hours, especially those with desk jobs. That’s why we often recommend these simple strategies to help prevent stiffness and support spinal health throughout the day:
- Seated Lumbar Flexion: Sit tall in your chair with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly bend forward, reach the ground, and return to an upright position. Repeat 5–8 times to stretch your lower back and help ease tension gently.
- Two-Minute Movement Break: Set a timer to stand, stretch, and walk every hour. Movement improves circulation and helps prevent your muscles from tightening up.
- Seated Spinal Rotations: Sit tall, cross your arms over your chest, and slowly rotate your upper body to one side. Hold for 5–10 seconds and switch sides. This boosts upper back mobility and posture.
Want to see these in action? Watch our quick video on YouTube where one of our physiotherapists walks you through each exercise. These techniques are a great place to start. If you’d like personalized support or a full assessment, our physiotherapists can build a customized treatment plan for you.
Other Ways to Help Back Pain in Calgary
In addition to targeted exercises, there are several other strategies that can support your recovery and help you manage back pain effectively:
- See a Physiotherapist: An individualized assessment can identify the root cause of your discomfort and create a tailored plan to help improve strength, posture, and mobility.
- Stay Active: Gentle movement throughout the day can help reduce stiffness and keep your spine flexible. Avoid long periods of sitting when possible.
- Adjust Your Workstation: Ergonomic changes like supportive chairs, proper screen height, and footrests can help reduce the strain on your spine.
- Apply Heat or Ice: Using a heating pad or ice pack on sore areas may help reduce inflammation and ease tension.
- Focus on Posture: Slouching adds pressure to your spine. Pay attention to your sitting and standing posture throughout the day.
Combining these strategies with regular physiotherapy can lead to long-term improvements in comfort and mobility.
Why Physiotherapy Matters
Physiotherapy isn’t just about treating pain; it’s about restoring movement, improving strength, and helping prevent problems from coming back. According to research, physical therapy is a first-line treatment for both acute and chronic low back pain. It improves function and helps people return to their daily routines, from walking and exercising to playing with their kids or returning to work (Shipton, 2018).
At Strive Physiotherapy, we combine hands-on techniques with tailored movement programs that continue at home. From your first session, we focus on understanding your goals and designing a plan that fits your lifestyle. Want to learn more about what to expect at your first session? Check out this blog post.
Your Local Back Pain Clinic in Calgary
Whether you’ve been dealing with discomfort for a few weeks or living with chronic back issues for years, our team at Strive Physiotherapy is here to help. Visit our back pain clinic in Calgary to learn more about our approach and how we can support your recovery.
We’re currently accepting new patients. Book your first session today and take the first step toward a stronger, more comfortable future.
References
- Shipton, E. A. (2018). Physical therapy approaches in the treatment of low back pain. Pain and Therapy, 7(2), 127–137. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-018-0105-x