Back Pain
If your back pain keeps coming back, there's usually a reason. And it's probably not what you've been told.
You're not alone
Back pain is the most common reason people in the UK seek treatment. It's also the condition most likely to be mismanaged — treated passively, attributed to scan findings that are usually normal, and left without the one intervention that would actually make a lasting difference.
If you've had back pain for months or years, tried various treatments, and are still struggling — this page is for you.
What usually happens
Most people with back pain follow a similar path. Pain starts. They rest. It improves slightly. Then it comes back. They see a GP, get referred for a scan, are told there's disc degeneration or wear and tear. They try physio, massage, maybe chiropractic or acupuncture. Some things help temporarily. But the pain keeps returning.
This cycle is frustrating, expensive and demoralising. And it's extremely common. It's not your fault — and it doesn't mean your back is permanently damaged.
What the evidence actually says
The evidence on back pain has shifted dramatically in the last decade. Scan findings such as disc bulges, degeneration and wear and tear are present in the majority of people over 50 — most of whom have no pain at all. These findings are normal age-related changes, not damage requiring passive treatment or rest.
What the evidence consistently shows helps back pain:
• Progressive strength training — particularly targeting the posterior chain
• Staying active and moving — not resting
• Education about pain — understanding that pain does not equal damage
• Gradual return to all normal activities
What the evidence shows has limited long-term effect: repeated passive treatment, rest, avoidance of activity.
How Movement Possible approaches back pain
At Movement Possible, back pain is approached through a thorough clinical assessment first. This means understanding your full history, what makes it better and worse, how it affects your life, and what you want to get back to. This vital stage is also to check for any signs of anything more serious that would need medical attention.
From there we build a personalised programme combining education, progressive movement and strength training. The aim is not to treat your back — it's to build a body that is strong and resilient enough that the pain stops dominating your life.
Sessions take place one-to-one in a private studio in Cold Higham, near Towcester. No gym environment, no shared space, no-one watching.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to exercise with back pain?
For the vast majority of people, yes. The evidence strongly supports exercise as a primary treatment for back pain. There are some red flags that require medical investigation first — and these will be identified during your initial assessment. But for most people with persistent back pain, the concern about exercise making things worse is unfounded.
My scan showed disc degeneration — does that mean I shouldn't lift weights?
Almost certainly not. Disc degeneration is a normal finding in most adults over 40 and is not a contraindication to strength training. In fact, progressive loading helps maintain disc health and spinal integrity. Your scan result tells us about the structure of your spine — it tells us very little about what you can safely do or what will help.
I've had back pain for years — can you still help?
Chronic back pain is a particular focus at Movement Possible. With an MSc in Pain Management, Tristen has a deep understanding of why pain becomes persistent and what actually helps. Many clients come having tried multiple approaches without lasting results and find that a combined assessment, education and strength-based approach makes a significant difference.
How many sessions will I need?
This depends on your specific situation and goals. Most clients notice meaningful improvement within four to six sessions. For longer-term results, ongoing strength training — typically once or twice a week — produces the most lasting change. The aim is always to give you the tools to manage independently.
How is this different from physiotherapy or sports massage?
Movement Possible combines clinical assessment and manual therapy with progressive strength training — the combination the evidence most strongly supports for lasting results. The focus is not on passive treatment but on building your body's resilience. Tristen holds an MSc in Pain Management and Sports Therapy Dimploma, bringing a depth of clinical knowledge beyond standard massage or general exercise instruction.
What does a first session involve?
The first session is a comprehensive clinical assessment lasting 60-75 minutes. This covers your full pain and injury history, physical and movement assessment, and the beginning of your personalised plan. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of what's going on and what we're going to do about it.
Ready to find out what's possible?
Book a free 20-minute discovery call. No commitment — just a conversation about where you are and whether I can help.
📞 07734 429423
Based in Cold Higham, Towcester, Northamptonshire. Serving Towcester, Northampton, Brackley, Daventry, Milton Keynes and surrounding villages.
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