Case Study: Whiplash Lower Back Pain

About me

I’m Guy, in my 30s, working in the property industry. I’ve always been active — I used to box regularly and I’m a consistent gym-goer, so staying fit has always been a big part of my routine.

The problem before treatment

After a whiplash-type injury, I began experiencing acute lower back pain that came on suddenly and didn’t seem to settle. The pain made everyday movements difficult, especially bending, lifting, and even transitioning from sitting to standing. I found myself avoiding the gym completely and struggled with stiffness throughout the day, which was frustrating given how active I usually am. As the pain persisted, it started affecting my general mood and confidence in doing normal tasks.

What made me seek help

I decided to get treatment when I realised the pain wasn’t improving with rest or simple self-care. It was stopping me from training and even affecting my ability to concentrate at work. I was referred to seeing a clinician, and I knew I needed professional help to get back to my normal routine.

My treatment and rehabilitation journey

My physiotherapist carried out a thorough assessment and explained that the whiplash had caused deep muscle spasm and restricted movement in my lower spine. Treatment included hands-on work such as joint mobilisation and soft tissue release to ease the tight muscles. I was given a tailored exercise programme focused on mobility, posture, and gradually rebuilding my core stability. I attended sessions regularly, and the ongoing advice helped me understand how to move better and avoid triggering the pain.

The results and progress

After starting treatment, I noticed improvements quickly — my pain reduced, my movement became smoother, and I felt more stable and confident in my body again. Over time, I was able to return to the gym and resume my usual activities without discomfort. The combination of hands-on treatment and the right exercises made a huge difference in my recovery.

Kind regards,

Guy