Back pain can strike suddenly or build up slowly over time, leaving you unsure whether to rest, keep moving, or seek professional help. At Newport Physio & Health, we provide expert physio for back pain, supporting you through both short-term flare-ups and ongoing discomfort—with a focus on achieving quick relief and long-term recovery.
Understanding whether your pain is acute or chronic is the first step in choosing the best treatment and returning to a more comfortable, active lifestyle.

Acute Back Pain – When It Strikes

Acute back pain usually appears quickly and can feel sharp, sudden, or even alarming. It’s often linked to a clear event, like lifting something heavy, twisting awkwardly, or sitting in one position for too long. This type of pain can last a few days to several weeks and, while it sometimes improves on its own, early care can speed up recovery and stop it turning into a long-term problem.

Common causes of acute back pain include –

    • Muscle strains and ligament sprains.
    • Awkward lifting or sudden movements.
    • Prolonged sitting or poor posture.
    • Minor falls or small accidents.

The earlier you start your treatment for acute back pain at our Newport clinic, the better your improvement.

Chronic Back Pain – The Long-Term Challenge

Chronic back pain lingers for more than 12 weeks, even after the original strain or injury has healed. It can be exhausting to deal with, often disrupting your sleep, making work difficult, and affecting your mood over time.
Factors contributing to chronic back pain may include –

  • Weak core or back muscles that don’t support your spine.
  • Repetitive strain from sport, work, or daily habits.
  • Wear-and-tear changes such as arthritis.
  • Stress, tension, and lifestyle factors that keep muscles tight.

Consistent and regular physio for chronic back pain helps to support your long-term recovery and allows you to move more freely again.

Comparison Table

Feature

Acute Back Pain

Chronic Back Pain

Feature

Onset

Acute Back Pain

Sudden—often linked to a specific movement, injury, or event

Chronic Back Pain

Gradual—may persist after the initial injury or appear without a clear cause

Feature

Duration

Acute Back Pain

Usually lasts a few days to several weeks

Chronic Back Pain

Lasts longer than 12 weeks, may continue for months or years

Feature

Pain Type

Acute Back Pain

Sharp, intense, or stabbing pain

Chronic Back Pain

Dull, aching, or persistent pain that may fluctuate

Feature

Common Causes

Acute Back Pain

Muscle strain, ligament sprain, poor posture, awkward lifting, sudden movements

Chronic Back Pain

Weak muscles, repetitive strain, arthritis, lifestyle factors, stress

Feature

Treatment Approach

Acute Back Pain

Rest, gentle movement, early physiotherapy, pain management

Chronic Back Pain

Structured physiotherapy, strengthening exercises, posture correction, long-term management strategies

Feature

Prognosis

Acute Back Pain

Often resolves with early care and self-management

Chronic Back Pain

Requires consistent treatment and lifestyle changes to manage effectively

When to See a Physio?

It can be tempting to ignore your back pain and wait for it to go away, but leaving it too long can make your recovery much slower and more painful.

That’s why it’s important to see a physio for back pain if:

  • Your pain isn’t improving after one to two weeks.
  • It keeps coming back in the same area.
  • You notice tingling, numbness, or weakness in your legs.
  • Standing, walking, or sleeping comfortably has become difficult.

How Physio Helps You Recover

Back pain treatment at our Newport clinic works by reducing your pain, improving your movements, and teaching you strategies to protect your back. Depending on whether it’s acute or chronic, your treatment plan might include –

  • Gentle joint mobilisation and soft tissue massage to release stiffness.
  • Specific exercises to strengthen your core and back muscles.
  • Posture correction and ergonomic advice for work and home.
  • Education on safe bending, lifting, and movement techniques.
  • A gradual return-to-activity plan for sport, exercise, and work.

Take Control of Your Back Pain

The specialised back pain treatment you’ll receive at our Newport clinic helps you recover faster, bring ease to your movements, and reduce your risk of reinjury. Book an appointment today and let our experienced back physio help you find lasting relief and get back to doing the things you enjoy as soon as possible.