New Forest Physiotherapy Southampton

01/12/2025

Merry Christmas to all our patients - https://mailchi.mp/newforestphysio/merrychristmas

25/11/2025

BACK PAIN
Discogenic back pain is a type of chronic low back pain that originates from a damaged or degenerated intervertebral disc in the spine. It is one of the most common causes of back pain in adults.
Key Features of Discogenic Back Pain
Source of pain: Comes from the intervertebral disc itself (usually the lumbar spine).

Cause: Often due to degeneration, tears, or wear and tear of the disc’s inner structure (annulus fibrosus).
Not caused by nerve compression: Pain can radiate down the back of the leg.

Symptoms
Chronic low back pain (centralized or slightly off to one side)

Worse with:
Sitting or bending forward (which increases disc pressure)
Lifting or twisting

Better with:
Lying down or walking

No significant leg pain, numbness, or weakness (unless there's a separate nerve issue)

Diagnosis
Diagnosis is clinical but often supported by imaging and tests:
X-ray: x-rays only show bones but you can infer disc damage / bulge if the space between vertebrae,which is filled by the disc, is reduced
MRI scan: May show disc degeneration or internal disc disruption.
Rule out other causes such as spinal stenosis and facet joint arthritis.

Causes / Risk Factors
Age: the intervertebral disc is more supple, thick and mobile in younger people, making it more prone to bulging. As we get onlder the disc dehydrates, getting thinner and more solid. This makes it more prone to degeneration but bulges tend to be smaller.
Repetitive stress or injury
Occupational strain (heavy lifting, prolonged sitting)
Smoking (affects disc nutrition)
Genetics (some people are more prone to disc degeneration)

Treatment Options
Physiotherapy - massage, spinal mobilisation, core strengthening, posture correction
Pain management - paracetamol, ibuprofen, muscle relaxants

If in severe pain that doesn't resolve with physiotherapy medical intervention may be neccessary;
Epidural or intradiscal steroid injections
Surgical Options - only if in severe persistent pain
Spinal fusion: To eliminate movement at the painful disc level
Artificial disc replacement: In selected cases

If you are suffering back pain and want free advise call Adam on 07500 392321. To book an appointment call 023 8008 9120. Adams clinic is based in Marchwood.

20/11/2025

Discogenic Back Pain -

16/10/2025

Physio classes - change in class dates due to op reschedule

21/09/2025

Free Back Pain Seminar tomorrow Mon 22nd Sept 6pm -

15/09/2025

Free Back Pain Seminar Mon 22nd Sept 6pm -

03/09/2025

Shoulder Arthritis & Shoulder Replacement Surgery -

06/08/2025

Acute knee pain - Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury -

14/07/2025

Subacromial Bursitis -

Physiotherapy to improve shoulder strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Carrying a bag by your side can ease pain from subacromial bursitis as it causes traction, off loading the subacromial bursa. 

23/06/2025

Seminar date change to 4th August - Knee Arthritis & Joint Replacement -

18/06/2025

Chartered Physiotherapist Adam Smith-Connor describes what knee joint arthritis is, how knee replacement surgery is done and why knee exercises are so important pre and post Sou every.

21/05/2025

Adam describes the Hip and Knee class which runs at 9.30 every Friday and the Back Care and Core Stability Class which runs at 10.30 every Friday at Marchwood Village Hall.