01
First few days
Keep moving
Pain can be strong and moving can be hard. Keep moving as much as you can, with short walks through the day.
Back pain & sciatica · Tseri, Nicosia
Physiotherapy for Low Back Pain and Sciatica
Low back pain is one of the most common problems we see at our clinic in Tseri, Nicosia. It is usually not caused by anything serious and often improves within a few weeks. This guide explains what is going on, when you need a scan, what really helps, and how to use GESY.
- Team of 8 physiotherapists
- GESY-registered
- Strovolou 51, Tseri
01 · What is happening
What is happening in your back
For most people, low back pain is “non-specific”. It comes from muscles, ligaments, small joints or discs, without one specific injury. It is unpleasant, but rarely dangerous.
Sciatica is pain that travels from the buttock down the back of the leg, often to the foot. It may come with tingling, numbness or weakness. It happens when the sciatic nerve or a nerve root is irritated or compressed.
02 · How long it lasts
What to expect over the next few weeks
Every back is different, but recovery usually follows a similar path.
02
Up to 6 weeks
Gradual improvement
Acute low back pain usually improves within a few weeks. Acute sciatica often settles within 6 weeks.
03
Up to a few months
When it lasts longer
Sciatica can take a few months. Pain that lasts more than 3 months needs a more structured programme.
Realistic expectations
Back pain can come back. That does not mean something is “broken”. Regular exercise helps you manage it yourself.
Timescales are a guide and vary from person to person.
03 · Scans
Do I need an MRI?
Usually not. NICE guidelines advise against routine imaging for low back pain, with or without sciatica. Scans rarely show the cause of back pain.
An MRI is needed when there are warning signs, or when the result would change treatment, for example before surgery. Your doctor decides this.
Already had an MRI?
Bring it to your first appointment. We will explain in plain words what the report says.
04 · Warning signs
When it is urgent
Rarely, back pain needs urgent assessment in hospital. These are the signs.
Call 112 or go straight to A&E if you have back pain and:
- numbness around your genitals or anus
- difficulty peeing, or you cannot control your bladder or bowels
- pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- sciatica on both sides
- chest pain
- pain after a serious accident, such as a car crash
See your doctor soon
If you have a fever or feel generally unwell, if you have lost weight without trying, or if the pain does not ease with rest or is worse at night.
If the pain does not go away
If the pain has not improved after a few weeks, or it is high in your back between your shoulder blades, speak to your doctor.
05 · What helps
What really helps
Exercise is the core of treatment. This is what the NICE guidelines say for low back pain and sciatica.
Stay active
Keep up your daily activities as much as you can. Returning to work, step by step, is part of treatment.
From day oneExercise
An exercise programme tailored to you: your needs, preferences and abilities. It starts gently and builds up gradually.
The core of treatmentManual therapy
Mobilisation, massage or manipulation can help, but only alongside exercise. On its own, manual therapy is not enough.
Only with exercise06 · At your session
How we work at AlexPhysio
Your programme is tailored to you. These are the main steps.
Assessment at your first session
History, clinical examination and screening for warning signs. With sciatica we also check your nerves: sensation, strength and reflexes.
First sessionA plain explanation
What you have, roughly how long it will take, and what you can do from today. And what you do not need to fear.
From the startExercise programme
Exercises at the clinic and at home, step by step. We adjust them as you improve.
Clinic · HomeManual therapy where it helps
Always together with exercise, never instead of it.
With exerciseOne-to-one Clinical Pilates
For people with frequent flare-ups who want to keep going with guidance.
For flare-upsWorking with your doctor
If you need a test or a specialist referral, we tell you, so you can discuss it with your doctor.
When needed07 · Dos and don’ts
What helps and what to avoid
Small habits make a big difference to recovery.
✓ Do
- Move every day, even if it hurts a little.
- Change position often if you sit for long periods.
- Use heat or cold for relief, wrapped in a towel.
- Keep doing your exercises, even when you feel better.
- Return to work gradually, as early as you can.
✗ Don’t
- Don’t stay in bed for days.
- Don’t wait for the pain to go completely before you move.
- Don’t rely on a belt or corset.
- Don’t get an MRI “just to be sure” without a reason.
- Don’t put a hot water bottle on numb skin: you could burn yourself without feeling it.
08 · GESY
Back pain physiotherapy with GESY
We are registered with GESY. With a referral from your personal doctor, you pay a €10 co-payment per session. For referrals and costs, see our guide to physiotherapy with GESY.
€10per session
Co-payment
This is what you pay for each GESY session.
3 or 6sessions
Per referral
Each referral covers 3 or 6 sessions. If you need more, your doctor can issue a new referral, within the limit for your diagnosis.
1stsession
Assessment
At the first session we examine you and tell you how many sessions we expect you to need.
Why you do not need many sessions
The goal is for you to manage your back yourself. Sessions get further apart as your home programme progresses.
Without a referral
You can also book privately, directly, without a referral. Ask us about the cost when you book.
09 · FAQ
What our patients ask
Do I need a referral?
For GESY cover, yes, from your personal doctor. Privately, you can book directly without one.
Do I need an MRI before I come?
Usually not. If you already have one, bring it with you.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the problem. At the first session we explain the plan and what to expect.
Is it safe to exercise with pain?
Usually yes, in moderation. Some pain during exercise is expected. We show you how much is fine and when to stop.
Does a herniated disc need surgery?
Most people improve without surgery. Surgery is considered when sciatica does not improve with non-surgical treatment and the MRI matches the symptoms. The urgent signs in section 04 need immediate assessment.
Will the pain come back?
It might. That is why we teach you what to do if it does, and which exercises to keep doing.
Where are you?
At our clinic, Strovolou 51, Tseri 2480, Nicosia, on the ground floor with a street-level entrance. We are close to Lakatamia, Strovolos, Dali and Latsia.
Book an appointment
Book your first session
Call us or send a message with your problem. If you have a GESY referral, mention it when you book.
GESY-registered
With a referral, a €10 co-payment per session.
Team of 8 physiotherapists in Tseri
Strovolou 51, close to Lakatamia, Strovolos, Dali and Latsia.
Afternoon appointments
Monday and Thursday until 19:15.
★ 5.0 on Google
Read what our patients say.
AlexPhysio
Phone96 666 081
WhatsAppSend a message
ParkingGround floor, street-level entrance. Parking around the clinic, underground or at ParkinTown (give reception your registration number).
HoursMon, Thu: 09:15–19:15
Tue: 09:15–18:30
Wed: 09:00–18:30
Fri: 09:15–17:00
Tue: 09:15–18:30
Wed: 09:00–18:30
Fri: 09:15–17:00
Reviews★ 5.0 on Google
Bring to your first appointment
- Your GESY referral, if you have one
- Any MRI or other test results
- A list of the medicines you take
- Comfortable clothes