Related Posts
Why Pain and Stiffness Often Flare Up When the Weather Turns Cold
As the temperature drops across Hale and Altrincham, many people notice their old aches and injuries creeping back. That stiff shoulder you forgot about in summer starts to twinge again. Your knee feels heavier when you get out of bed. Or maybe that dull ache in your back returns every time the weather turns grey. It’s a pattern physiotherapists see every year — and while it’s tempting to blame the cold itself, the reality is a bit more complex. At Carter & George Physiotherapy Hale, we help patients understand why symptoms often flare up in colder months, and what can be done to stay active and comfortable all year round.
Sports Injury Treatment in Hale: From Sprains to Serious Strains
When you’re active, injuries can feel inevitable — a sharp pain mid-run, a sudden pull during a gym session, or a lingering ache that doesn’t seem to settle. Whether you play sport casually, compete at a high level, or simply like to stay fit, understanding your injury and getting the right treatment early makes all the difference.
Marathon season is here! And with it, knee pain! Introducing Runners Knee…
Better understands the symptoms, causes, risk factors and treatments for runners knee to keep your training on track.
Why Your Back Pain Keeps Coming Back After 50 (and What Actually Helps)
Why Your Back Pain Keeps Coming Back After 50 (and What Actually Helps)
Introduction
If you’re over 50 and find yourself saying, “My back pain just keeps coming back”, you’re not alone. Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit our physiotherapists in St Ives and Huntingdon, and it often becomes more persistent with age. But that doesn’t mean it’s something you have to live with.
The key to lasting relief isn’t just easing pain - it’s understanding why it keeps returning and addressing the real cause.
1. Why Back Pain Becomes More Common After 50
As we age, the tissues that support the spine — including discs, joints, and muscles — naturally change. That doesn’t mean they “wear out,” but they do become less resilient. Some of the most common reasons we see recurring back pain include:
Stiffness in the spine or hips, which limits smooth movement.
Weakness in supporting muscles, especially the glutes and core.
Reduced activity levels, leading to tightness and poor posture.
Arthritic changes, which are normal but can increase stiffness.
The important thing to know? These changes don’t mean you’re “too old” to improve — they just mean your back needs a bit more care and smarter movement strategies.
2. Why Back Pain Keeps Coming Back
Many people treat back pain with short-term fixes — painkillers, rest, or a massage that feels great for a day but doesn’t last. The reason the pain returns is usually because the underlying pattern hasn’t changed.
Typical patterns we see include:
Sitting or driving for long periods without movement breaks.
Relying on pain relief rather than retraining movement.
Not strengthening the deep stabilising muscles that protect your spine.
True recovery means finding and addressing the root cause, not just chasing the symptoms.
3. What Actually Helps (and Keeps You Moving Long-Term)
Here’s what we recommend at Carter & George Physiotherapy St Ives:
a. Assessment First
Every back is different. We assess how you move, which muscles are doing too much or too little, and what your spine needs to move freely again.
b. Restore Mobility
Targeted hands-on physiotherapy helps loosen stiff joints and tight muscles — especially around the hips and lower spine.
c. Build Strength and Stability
Once you can move comfortably, we’ll help you build the strength to stay that way. Our tailored exercise plans are designed for real-life — lifting shopping, gardening, or playing with grandchildren.
d. Education & Prevention
Knowing what not to do is just as important. We’ll teach you how to protect your back, recognise early warning signs, and stay active with confidence.
4. When to See a Physiotherapist
If your back pain keeps returning — or if it’s stopping you from sleeping, walking, or exercising — it’s time for a proper assessment. Most people start to feel real progress within just a few sessions once the underlying issue is identified.
At Carter & George St Ives, we combine manual therapy, exercise, and modern rehabilitation methods (including shockwave therapy when needed) to help you get back to doing what you love — without the worry that your pain will return.
Key Takeaway
You don’t have to accept back pain as a normal part of ageing. With the right physiotherapy approach, you can move better, feel stronger, and stay active well into your 50s, 60s and beyond.
📍Book an Appointment
If you’re ready to finally tackle your back pain properly, book a physiotherapy session at our St Ives clinic today:
👉https://www.carterandgeorge.co.uk/locations/st-ives-huntingdon/