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
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.

