Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of hosting a free workshop on one of the most common issues we encounter in physiotherapy: low back pain. It’s a condition that affects up to 80% of people at some point in their lives, often leading to time off work, reduced mobility, and a significant impact on quality of life.
The workshop brought together a group of ten, each with their own story to tell. The room buzzed with candid conversations about the challenges of living with back pain—what had helped, what hadn’t, and how it had influenced daily life. These discussions reinforced a key message: no two experiences of low back pain are exactly the same.
Pic: Ed Voss discusses low back pain
My goal was not only to explain why low back pain occurs but, more importantly, to emphasise that with the right approach, most symptoms can be improved—or at least made far more manageable.
Here are the top three takeaways from the session:
- We Are All Unique When it comes to low back pain, one size certainly does not fit all. Each of us has a different medical history, lifestyle, anatomy, pain tolerance, and expectations. A tailored approach that considers all these factors is essential for achieving the best results.
- Your Spine Is Resilient and Adaptable The spine is an incredible structure with 26 vertebrae, robust muscles and ligaments, and tough, force-absorbing discs. Despite its strength, treatment for low back pain often focuses solely on the pain site rather than the underlying cause. Many persistent back issues arise because the spine is compensating for weaknesses or imbalances elsewhere in the body. Addressing these root causes can lead to longer-lasting relief.
- Mind Your Language Words matter when it comes to pain. You may have heard phrases like “your spine is crumbling” or “a vertebra is out of alignment.” Such statements can create fear and lead to overprotective behaviours, which may actually worsen the pain. The truth is, our spines are far stronger and more capable than we often believe.
The key takeaway? While low back pain is a common experience, it doesn’t have to define your life. With the right guidance and a holistic approach, you can reduce pain, improve function, and get back to doing what you love.
If you’d like to join my next free workshop on low back pain or have suggestions for other topics you’d find helpful, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
About Ed
Ed graduated from Birmingham University with an MSc in Physiotherapy in 2009.
He is an HCPC and CSP registered Physiotherapist who has worked in the NHS, private practice and in sport both in the UK and New Zealand, and he now specialises in working with people over the age of 50 who value their health and want to keep as active as possible for as long as possible.
In his spare time, you’ll find Ed spending time with his wife and two children, out running the local trails with his dog, or if he’s really lucky, out on the golf course.
Ed grew up in Stroud, the son of a local GP and he knows and loves the local communities in the Five Valleys and beyond. Being able to give back to the people of this wonderful part of the world is something that Ed considers a huge privilege.
For further information, visit Ed’s website by clicking HERE or Email: edvossphysio@gmail.com Call: 07542 940478
