As the days get shorter and the temperature drops, it’s not just the ghosts and ghouls giving people in Harpenden a fright… it’s their backs!
Every autumn, we see a surge of people coming into Harpenden Sportsnspinal complaining of stiffness, aches, or sharp twinges that seem to appear out of nowhere. And while it might feel spooky when your back “goes” unexpectedly, there’s usually a very logical reason for it.
Here’s why your back might be acting up this season - and what you can do to fix it.
When temperatures dip, your muscles tighten and your joints become stiffer. That natural tension can make everyday movements - bending, twisting, lifting - feel uncomfortable or even painful.
It’s also the time of year when many of us move less. We swap long walks and gardening for cozy evenings indoors, and the lack of movement causes the muscles that support the spine to weaken.
Add in a few sudden, chilly-morning movements like hauling boxes or raking leaves, and your back ends up working harder than it should.
The good news? These seasonal aches are usually temporary and respond well to the right treatment and advice.
You don’t need to be brewing potions or riding a broomstick to strain your back - although we’ve seen a few patients who might as well have been!
Common culprits this time of year include:
๐งน Overreaching to sweep cobwebs out of corners
๐ฟ Twisting awkwardly while tidying up the garden
๐ป Leaning forward for long periods over a laptop or phone
๐ฆ Lifting boxes or furniture during your “autumn clean”
Small actions like these can build up tension and cause a painful twinge, especially when your body is colder and less flexible.
Sometimes, back pain is more than just a passing ache.
If your pain has lasted more than a few days, radiates down your leg, or stops you from sleeping or moving comfortably, it’s worth getting it checked. Early assessment helps rule out anything more serious like sciatica and makes recovery faster and easier.
Think of it as fixing the problem before it becomes a long-term winter habit.
At Harpenden Sportsnspinal, we’re proud to be Harpenden’s leading experts in back pain and sciatica treatment, helping hundreds of local residents move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free.
Our specialist team combines hands-on therapy, rehabilitation exercise, and the latest treatment technology to relieve pain and restore mobility.
Your first consultation includes:
A full assessment to identify the root cause of your pain
Hands-on treatment to ease stiffness and muscle tension
Personalised advice and home exercises to prevent recurrence
We offer two of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for back pain and sciatica:
A gentle, computer-controlled spinal decompression treatment designed to relieve pressure on discs and nerves — ideal for chronic back pain, sciatica, and disc injuries.
A non-invasive technology that uses sound waves to stimulate healing, break down scar tissue, and improve mobility. Perfect for stubborn or recurring pain that hasn’t improved with other methods.
All treatments are non-surgical, drug-free, and proven to accelerate recovery, helping you get back to doing what you love sooner.
Not every case of back pain needs professional treatment and we’ll always tell you that honestly.
If your discomfort is mild and only lasts a few days, gentle stretching, heat therapy, and short walks may be all you need.
However, if your pain keeps returning, spreads down your leg, or affects your daily routine, it’s best to have it assessed.
Our goal isn’t just to relieve pain (although its a welcome relief) it’s to help you understand why it happened and how to stop it coming back.
Here are a few questions that I get asked a lot and perhaps you're wondering too:
How long does it take to feel better?
Most people start to notice improvement within a few sessions. The exact timeline depends on the cause of your pain and how long you’ve had it, but our goal is always to help you recover as efficiently as possible.
What’s the difference between IDD Therapy and physiotherapy?
Physiotherapy focuses on movement, strength, and muscle balance. IDD Therapy complements this by targeting the discs and nerves directly, gently decompressing the spine to reduce pressure and pain.
More information on IDD Therapy and Sciatica
Does Shockwave Therapy hurt?
Most patients describe it as mildly uncomfortable rather than painful. Sessions are short, and any soreness usually settles quickly as healing begins.
Do I need a referral from my GP?
No you can book directly with our team. We’ll assess your condition and let you know if further investigation or referral is needed.
Don’t let a spooky spine or stubborn sciatica stop you from enjoying the season.
With expert care, advanced technology, and a few smart habits, your back can feel strong, mobile, and ready for anything - even sweeping up those last few cobwebs. ๐
I hope you've found these useful. I've got lots more information on treatment of sciatica and the different approaches out there for you.
If any of this have struck a cord with you and you want to get some clarity and and get back to enjoying life and your activities then I have some options;
๐ Click on the link before to find a solution to your pain - either a friendly expect call for more information or if you're ready to book and start treatment immediately! - here's our diary:
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