Low Back Pain Treatment in Dubai
Every morning, you wake up hoping the nagging ache in your lower back will be gone – only to find it still there, making simple tasks feel like uphill battles. Low back pain can be both physically draining and emotionally frustrating, affecting everything from your work day to your sleep and mood. We understand the worry and exhaustion you’re going through. You might even fear something is “seriously wrong” or that you’ll have to live with this pain forever. Please know this: relief is possible, and you don’t have to endure it alone.
Thomas Wynn-Jones Osteopath offers compassionate, expert low back pain treatment right here in Dubai. Thomas brings 20 years of osteopathic experience to help patients just like you find lasting relief. Whether you’re in Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Satwa, DIFC, Al Wasl, Al Safa or Business Bay – our clinic in Al Bada’a (conveniently located on Al Wasl Road) is within easy reach. Thomas’s holistic approach and personalized care have helped thousands of individuals, from busy office workers to athletes and parents, reclaim a pain-free, active life. You can get back to living without that constant back pain holding you back.
Book a Consultation
Understanding Low Back Pain
Low back pain (LBP) is extremely common – in fact, it’s the leading cause of disability globally. Roughly 1 in 13 people worldwide (about 619 million) suffer from LBP at any given time, and many of them will experience it at some point in their lives. It often starts as a dull ache or stiffness in the lumbar region (the lower part of your spine) and can range from mild discomfort to sharp, severe pain that radiates into your hips or legs. You might feel it when you bend over, lift something, or even just sit at your desk. It can limit your movement and make it hard to stand up straight or carry out daily activities.
The good news is most cases of low back pain are “non-specific,” meaning they’re not caused by any serious disease. In the majority of patients, there’s no dangerous infection, fracture, or condition like cancer – just mechanical issues with muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, or discs. Of course, that doesn’t make the pain any less real or debilitating.Non-specific simply means the pain often comes from strains, sprains, or subtle misalignments rather than an obvious injury on an X-ray. In fact, many people with low back pain worry that something is terribly wrong, when in reality it’s usually treatable and not life-threatening.
Acute vs. Chronic: Low back pain is termed acute if it lasts a few days or weeks (often due to a sudden strain), and chronic if it persists beyond 3 months. Chronic back pain can wax and wane, sometimes flaring up and then easing, but lingering in the background. It’s this persistent pain that often has the biggest impact on quality of life – affecting your ability to work, exercise, and even enjoy time with family. Chronic low back pain can also take an emotional toll, leading to stress or mood changes, which in turn might worsen the pain cycle. This holistic impact is why treating back pain isn’t just about masking symptoms; it’s about addressing the root causes and helping you regain control of your life.
TAKE YOUR STEP TOWARDS OPTIMAL HEALTH
Thomas Wynn-Jones
BSc, BOst, Registered Osteopath UK & UAE
About Thomas
Meet Your Expert Osteopath in Dubai
Thomas Wynn-Jones is a seasoned osteopath in his 20th year of practice, he was trained at the British School of Osteopathy (now the University College of Osteopathy) and registered with the General Osteopathic Council in the UK plus the DHA in Dubai. He specializes in providing holistic healthcare solutions for patients of all ages, including sports injury management. His diverse expertise covers various osteopathic approaches, such as cranial, structural, and visceral osteopathy. Thomas’s dedication extends to treating a range of conditions, from low back and neck pain to pregnancy-related discomfort, babies, animals and headaches.
Common Causes and Risk Factors of Low Back Pain
Why do you have low back pain? The truth is, there are multiple possible causes, and often it’s a combination of factors. Here are some of the most common causes and contributing factors we see in patients around Dubai:
Muscle or Ligament Strains
Overstretching or micro-tearing of the muscles and ligaments supporting the spine can happen from heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements. This is one of the most frequent causes of acute low back pain.
Bulging or Herniated Discs
The cushioning discs between your vertebrae can protrude or rupture, irritating nearby nerves. A bulging disc in the lumbar spine (or another structure) may press on the roots of or the sciatic nerve itself, causing sciatica (pain radiating down the leg). Disc issues can be associated with sharp or shooting pain, altered sensation and tingling or numbness in the legs.
Joint Dysfunction
Irritation or misalignment of the small facet joints in the spine or the sacroiliac joints (where the spine meets the pelvis) can lead to significant pain. These joint issues often cause localised pain and stiffness.
Degenerative Changes
As we age, wear-and-tear conditions like spondylitis (osteoarthritis of the spine) can develop. The cartilage in joints wears thin and the discs can dehydrate and shrink. This can lead to chronic nagging pain and reduced flexibility.
Poor Posture and Muscle Imbalances
Slouching at your desk or long hours of driving can strain your lower back. Weak core muscles and tight hip flexors (often due to sedentary lifestyles) create imbalances that put extra pressure on the lumbar spine. Over time, this can trigger pain even without an obvious “injury.”
TAKE YOUR STEP TOWARDS OPTIMAL HEALTH
TAKE YOUR STEP TOWARDS OPTIMAL HEALTH
Risk Factors
Sedentary Lifestyle
Being inactive or sitting for most of the day weakens the supportive muscles in your back. It also contributes to stiffness. Not surprisingly, people with desk jobs in areas like DIFC or Business Bay often experience low back pain from too much sitting.
Poor Lifting Technique or Overuse
Heavy physical work or improper lifting (e.g. at the gym or moving furniture) can strain your back. Repeatedly overworking your back – especially with poor form – increases your risk of injuries.
Excess Weight
Being overweight adds stress to your spine and joints. The extra load, especially around the midsection, shifts your centre of gravity forward, straining the lower back.
Smoking
Believe it or not, smoking is linked to disk degeneration. It can reduce blood flow to tissues surrounding spinal discs, accelerating wear, making disc problems more likely.
Age and DegenerationAge and Degeneration
Getting older is a risk factor in itself – discs dry out and arthritis can set in. People in their 40s, 50s, and beyond commonly start feeling the effects of long-term spinal wear and tear.
Previous Injury or Family History
If you’ve hurt your back before, or if back pain runs in your family, you may be more prone to future bouts. This is why taking care of your spine health early is so important.
It’s also worth noting that nothing in the body works in isolation. Often, the source of your low back pain isn’t just in your lower back. For example, stiffness in your upper back (thoracic spine) or hips can force your lower back to compensate. We frequently find that a tight, immobile upper back – sometimes from years of hunching over a computer – puts extra strain on the lower back. Eventually, a simple movement like bending down can become “the last straw” that triggers pain, even though the stage was set by those other issues. This whole-body interconnectedness is a key principle in osteopathy and one of the reasons a holistic approach to treatment is so effective.
How Osteopathy Can Help Your Low Back Pain
Osteopathy is a gentle, holistic form of manual medicine that focuses on treating the root causes of musculoskeletal pain, not just the symptoms. When it comes to low back pain, osteopathy can be incredibly effective at relieving pain and restoring mobility. Instead of simply prescribing painkillers or advising rest, an osteopath looks at your entire body – spine, muscles, joints, nerves, and even lifestyle factors – to understand why you’re in pain and how to fix it.
Whole-Person Approach
Thomas Wynn-Jones practices patient-centered osteopathic care, which means he considers all aspects of your health. He will start by taking a detailed medical history and listening to your experience of pain. This thorough evaluation includes examining not just your lower back, but also your posture, gait, and other regions that could be contributing to the problem (for example, checking if tight hamstrings or a misaligned pelvis are affecting your lumbar area).
By identifying the underlying causes and patterns, he can tailor a treatment plan specifically for you. Often, Thomas finds that the site of pain (your lower back) is being affected by issues elsewhere, so treating those areas is key to long-term relief.
Hands-On Treatment
Osteopathic treatment for low back pain typically involves a combination of hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve your body’s function. Thomas is skilled in a wide range of osteopathic techniques, and he will choose the methods that best suit your condition and comfort level.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Targeted inhibition and the stretching of muscles and fascia to release tension, improve blood flow. If your lower back muscles are in spasm or your hips are tight, this can bring immediate relief and relaxation.
Joint Mobilisation and Spinal Alignment
Gently moving the joints of your spine and pelvis to improve their range of motion. Thomas might use rhythmic movements or gentle pressure to coax a stiff joint into moving better. By restoring proper alignment, pressure is taken off nerves and discs, reducing pain.
Spinal Manipulation (“Adjustments”)
Precise, quick movements to unlock a stuck vertebra. This is the classic “osteopathic crack” that can release pressure and improve mobility. If appropriate, Thomas may perform these manipulations to correct misalignments. Don’t worry – if you’re uncomfortable with the idea of spinal ‘clicking’, he has alternative methods to achieve similar results. Your comfort is always a priority.
Myofascial and Positional Release
Subtle techniques to release deep connective tissues and stubborn muscle knots. By holding certain positions or applying sustained mild pressure, Thomas can alleviate tension in the fascia (the body’s connective tissue network) that often contributes to chronic pain patterns.
Visceral and Cranial Osteopathy
Because of the holistic philosophy of osteopathy, sometimes gentle work on internal organs (visceral osteopathy) or the cranial bones and or sacrum (through osteopathy in the cranial field) can influence lower back function. For instance, restrictions in the diaphragm or pelvic organs might affect your posture and spinal mechanics. Thomas is trained in these specialised techniques and will incorporate them if they are relevant to your case. These methods are very gentle and can be especially helpful for patients who need a delicate approach.
Other Modalities as Needed
Beyond traditional osteopathic maneuvers, Thomas can integrate additional therapies into your treatment. He might use therapeutic ultrasound or a percussion hammer to target deep tissue tightness, or dry needling (similar to acupuncture) to relieve muscular trigger points\. These evidence-based modalities are used only if appropriate and tailored to your needs – the goal is always to speed healing and maximize your comfort.
The aim of all these treatments is to improve your body’s natural alignment and function, so that your tissues can heal and your pain eases. By improving joint mobility, reducing muscular tension, and enhancing circulation, osteopathy empowers your body’s own healing mechanisms. Many patients report not just pain relief but also feeling more flexible and balanced after osteopathic sessions – as if their body is moving better as a whole.
Holistic Pain Relief and Prevention
One of the greatest benefits of osteopathy is that it doesn’t just focus on the aching spot; it treats you as a whole. Thomas’s approach is very much in line with the latest international guidelines for managing back pain, which recommend holistic, non-surgical care tailored to each person.
This means your treatment will likely involve more than just what happens on the treatment table. Thomas will provide guidance on lifestyle and self-care to support your recovery.
Targeted Exercises
You might be directed towards gentle stretches and strengthening exercises to do at home, aimed at stabilising your core and protecting your spine. Strengthening your back and abdominal muscles can make a world of difference in preventing future flare-ups.
Posture and Ergonomics Advice
If you spend long hours at a desk (hello, many of us in Dubai!), Thomas will help you with tips to set up your workspace in a spine-friendly way. Small adjustments – like chair height, screen level, or lumbar support – can significantly reduce daily strain on your lower back.
Heat, Movement and Rest Balance
You might get advice on using heat therapy or specific ways to ease stiffness in the mornings, as well as how to balance activity and rest. Contrary to old belief, complete bed rest is rarely good for back pain – gentle movement is usually better for recovery. Thomas will guide you on safe ways to stay active without aggravating your pain.
Long-Term Strength & Wellness
Because osteopathy focuses on whole-body wellness, Thomas may discuss factors like your stress levels, sleep quality, and overall fitness. Stress can cause muscle tension (often in the neck and back), so learning to manage it is part of comprehensive care. He might recommend simple breathing exercises or refer you to clinical Pilates or physiotherapy for core conditioning, depending on what you need.
Throughout your treatment, your comfort and preferences come first. Osteopathic sessions are typically very relaxing. Many techniques are gentle, and you remain in control, Thomas will explain what he’s doing and will always obtain your consent for various techniques. If something doesn’t feel good for you, he will modify the approach. The goal is to make steady progress with each session, reducing pain and improving function without causing discomfort.
Perhaps just as importantly, Thomas educates you about your back. He firmly believes that knowing what’s causing your pain helps you heal faster and feel more in control. After your assessment, he will clearly explain his findings.
Thomas Wynn-Jones’s Expertise and Approach
When it comes to your health, experience matters. Thomas Wynn-Jones is a highly qualified osteopath with an extensive background in treating back pain and other musculoskeletal issues. Here’s why you’re in expert hands:
Two Decades of Experience
Thomas has been practising osteopathy for over 20 years. He trained in the United Kingdom at the prestigious University College of Osteopathy (formerly the British School of Osteopathy), which is one of the top osteopathic institutions in the world.
Over the years, he has carried out more than 45,000 consultations and helped over 15,000 individual patients, a testament to the countless people who have trusted him to relieve their pain. From London and Surrey in the UK, to Singapore, and now Dubai, Thomas has built a truly global clinical experience. This international exposure means he’s encountered a wide spectrum of cases and understands how to adapt treatment to each patient’s unique needs and cultural context.
Regulated and Accredited
Thomas is fully registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) in the UK and the Dubai Health Authority in the UAE. These registrations ensure that he meets strict standards for safety, ethics, and continuing education. You can trust that you are being treated by a licensed professional who stays up-to-date with the latest practices in osteopathy.
He is also a member of the American Academy of Osteopathy and has even played a role in advancing the profession internationally (he was a founding president of the Osteopathic Association of Singapore). In short, he doesn’t just practice osteopathy – he lives and breathes it, continually learning and contributing to the field.
Broad Skill Set
One of the hallmarks of Thomas’s approach is using a variety of techniques to suit the patient. He is skilled in structural osteopathy (the classic hands-on work with muscles and joints), cranial osteopathy, visceral osteopathy, and more. In practice, this means he isn’t limited to a one-size-fits-all method. During your sessions, Thomas might combine gentle cranial releases with deeper soft-tissue work and joint adjustments, all depending on what your body needs.
He also can incorporate modern therapeutic tools like ultrasound therapy, dry needling, or shockwave therapy when appropriate. This versatile toolkit often leads to faster and more effective relief, because each aspect of your condition (be it a muscle spasm, a joint restriction, or nerve irritation) can be addressed with the right method. As Thomas always says, “one treatment does not fit all!” So you will receive a truly personalized treatment plan.
Holistic and Patient-Centered
Thomas’s ethos is deeply holistic. He doesn’t just want to get you out of pain for now; he wants to set you up for long-term health and comfort. In his assessments, he uses a “sieve” approach and timeline analysis – meaning he will sift through your health history and look at the timeline of events and injuries in your life to identify the real root cause of your pain. By finding the underlying drivers (for example, an old ankle injury altering your gait, or prolonged stress causing muscle tension), he aims for results that last.
Patients often comment on how thorough and thoughtful his examinations are. And as a hands-on healer, Thomas is also very approachable and supportive. He makes sure you feel heard and understood. If something is outside his scope or he feels another specialist would better serve you, he won’t hesitate to refer you – your well-being comes first. His network in Dubai’s healthcare community means if you need a referral (say, to a neurologist or an orthopaedic surgeon), he can guide you to someone trusted. But in the vast majority of low back pain cases, osteopathic treatment is the ideal starting point, and Thomas will be the one to see you through it.
Track Record with Back Pain and More
Low back pain is one of Thomas’s areas of expertise (as it is for most osteopaths), but his experience doesn’t stop there. He has successfully treated thousands of patients with back and neck pain, including those with complex or chronic conditions. His background also includes working with professional athletes (like rugby players, footballers, boxers, and golfers), which has made him an expert in sports-related back injuries. If you’re an athlete or a very active individual, you’ll benefit from his sports osteopathy insights on injury prevention and performance.
On the other end of the spectrum, Thomas is also skilled in helping expecting mothers with pregnancy-related back pain and postural strains, as well as caring for babies and children (he has extensive paediatric osteopathy training). And of course, a large number of his patients are everyday professionals, the desk workers, the frequent flyers, the busy parents, whose back pain often stems from modern lifestyle stresses.
Being a parent himself and having a keen interest in workplace health, Thomas is particularly attuned to these needs. He often provides advice on how to manage office ergonomics or how to cope with carrying babies without hurting your back. This well-rounded expertise means no matter your age or occupation, Thomas has likely seen a case like yours and knows how to help.
When you come to Thomas Wynn-Jones Osteopath for low back pain, you’re not just getting a quick fix; you’re getting a partner in your health journey. Thomas’s mission is to offer you a path to less pain and better function, and to equip you with the knowledge and tools to maintain it. Many patients feel a sense of hope and confidence after just the first visit, because they finally understand what’s causing their pain and have a clear plan for improvement.
Ready to Get Relief?
Remember, you don’t have to “just live with” back pain. With the right treatment and guidance, your body can heal, and you can regain the comfort and freedom of movement you used to have. Thomas will work with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to your full recovery, making adjustments to the plan as needed to ensure you continue progressing.
Take the First Step – Contact Us:
If you’re ready to finally address your low back pain, we’re here to help. Book a consultation with Thomas Wynn-Jones at our Dubai clinic and take the first step toward a pain-free life. You can call reception on +971 4 273 1555 or WhatsApp them on +971 50 533 3669 to schedule your appointment. Thomas can be contacted directly on +971505333669, if he doesn’t answer or text you back immediately, please give him time as he may be with patients. If it’s an emergency with acute pain, it might be best to contact reception directly for the quickest response in getting an appointment. We welcome patients from all over Dubai, from Jumeirah and Al Wasl to Downtown, Business Bay, Satwa and beyond – and we look forward to helping you feel better. Don’t let back pain hold you back any longer, help is just a phone call away.
Practicing At
Browns & Co
343 Al Wasl Rd – Al Bada’a – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Tel: +971 4 273 1555
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common causes of low back pain?
Low back pain can stem from a variety of causes. Common ones include muscle, tendon or ligament strains (often from heavy lifting or sudden movements), herniated or bulging discs that press on nerves, joint problems such as arthritis in the spine or sacroiliac joint, and poor posture or weak core muscles that put extra strain on the lower back. Sometimes, the cause is multifactorial – for example, a combination of prolonged sitting, weak muscles, and an old injury can all contribute to back pain. The majority of cases are mechanical (non-serious) causes, rather than dangerous conditions, which means they can usually be improved with conservative treatment.
Can an osteopath help with chronic low back pain?
Yes, osteopathy can be very effective for chronic low back pain. Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat the musculoskeletal system using hands-on techniques that improve alignment, mobility, and tissue function. For chronic pain (pain lasting longer than 3 months), an osteopath like Thomas Wynn-Jones will work to identify underlying factors that keep the pain going – such as postural habits, old injuries, or stress-related muscle tension – and address them holistically. Treatments like spinal mobilization, soft tissue release, and targeted exercises can provide relief and improve your back’s function over time. Many patients with long-term back pain report significant improvements in pain levels and mobility after a course of osteopathic treatments, especially when combined with lifestyle adjustments. Osteopathy’s gentle, whole-body approach is particularly well-suited to chronic issues that haven’t responded to medication or rest alone.
What does an osteopath do for lower back pain?
An osteopath will use a range of manual therapy techniques to help your lower back heal. This typically starts with a thorough assessment of your spine, posture, and muscle balance. Treatment can include soft tissue massage to relax tight muscles, joint mobilisation techniques to increase the movement in stiff spinal joints, and sometimes high-velocity thrusts (quick, gentle adjustments) to realign vertebrae. Osteopaths may also use stretching, muscle energy techniques (where you gently resist against pressure to relax muscles), and other methods to relieve pressure on nerves and improve circulation plus lymphatic drainage. Importantly, an osteopath may also provide advice on exercises, stretches, and posture to support your recovery. In Thomas Wynn-Jones’s clinic, for example, you’ll receive a personalised combination of therapies suited to your specific diagnosis – one session might focus on loosening your hip joints and lower back, while another might work on your upper back and core stability if those areas are affecting your lumbar spine. The goal of osteopathic treatment for low back pain is to reduce pain, restore normal function, and help prevent future episodes by addressing the root causes.
Osteopathy vs. Chiropractic – which is better for back pain?
Both osteopathy and chiropractic can help back pain, but they have different philosophies and techniques. Chiropractors traditionally focus primarily on the spine and nervous system, often using adjustments (spinal manipulations) as the main treatment. Osteopaths, on the other hand, take a broader holistic approach – they treat the whole body (muscles, joints, ligaments, and more) and may work on areas away from the spine that influence your back pain. Osteopaths use a variety of techniques, not just high-velocity adjustments, but also soft tissue work, stretching, and gentle mobilisation. Education and training also differ in the philosophy that is used to approach patients. Neither is “better” in absolute terms – it really depends on the individual practitioner and your specific condition. Many patients in Dubai choose osteopathy for low back pain because they appreciate the whole-body, gentle approach that osteopaths like Thomas Wynn-Jones offer. Osteopathy can be especially beneficial if your back pain is linked to broader issues (like posture, tension in other areas, or general health factors) rather than just a spinal misalignment. Some people actually use both treatments at different times. It’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified professional (osteopath or chiropractor) to see which approach feels right for you.
How many osteopathy sessions will I need for low back pain?
The number of sessions needed can vary widely depending on the severity and cause of your low back pain, as well as how your body responds to treatment. For an acute strain (say you “pulled” your back lifting something), you might feel significant relief in just 1–3 sessions. Thomas often finds that even after the first session, patients notice improved mobility and reduced pain. For chronic or long-standing back pain, a course of treatment is usually recommended – this could be weekly sessions for several weeks, then gradually spacing out as you improve. Many chronic pain sufferers see notable improvement after 4–6 sessions, but some may require ongoing maintenance or periodic tune-ups to keep the pain at bay. During your initial consultation, your osteopath will give you an idea of your treatment plan. Remember, osteopathy is very much a collaborative process: following your exercise advice at home and making any suggested lifestyle changes will also influence how quickly you recover. The goal is to get you better as efficiently as possible, and Thomas will continually reassess your progress to ensure you’re on the right track.
Request an Online Consultation
A solution to request a specialist consultation, directly from your home, with your smartphone or PC .
REGISTERED WITH
