Back Pain

 

Back pain is very common and usually improves within a few weeks or months.

Pain in the lower back (lumbago) is particularly common, although it can be felt anywhere along the spine, from the neck down to the hips. In most cases the pain is not caused by anything serious and will usually get better over time.

There are things you can do to help relieve it. But sometimes the pain can last a long time or keep coming back.

How to relieve back pain

The following tips may help reduce your back pain and speed up your recovery:

• stay as active as possible and try to continue your daily activities – this is one of the most important things you can do, as resting for long periods is likely to make the pain worse
• try exercises and stretches for back pain; other activities such as walking, swimming, and yogamay also be helpful
• take anti-inflammatory painkillers, such as ibuprofen– remember to check the medicine is safe for you to take and ask your doctor if you’re not sure
• use hot or cold compression packs for short-term relief – you can buy these from a pharmacy, or a hot water bottle or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a cloth or towel will work just as well

 

Back pain usually gets better on its own within a few weeks or months and you may not need to see a doctor or other healthcare professional.

But it’s a good idea to get help if:

• the pain does not start to improve within a few weeks
• the pain stops you doing your day-to-day activities
• the pain is very severe or gets worse over time
• you’re worried about the pain or struggling to cope

 

Treatments for back pain from a specialist

Your doctor may recommend extra treatments if he does not think your pain will improve with self-help measures alone.

These may include:

• group exercise classes where you’re taught exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your posture
• manual therapy treatments, such as manipulating the spine and massage, which are usually done by a physiotherapist, chiropractoror osteopath
• psychological support, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which can be a useful part of treatment if you’re struggling to cope with pain

Surgery is generally only considered in the small number of cases where back pain is caused by a specific medical condition.

Causes of back pain

It’s often not possible to identify the cause of back pain. Doctors call this non-specific back pain.

Sometimes the pain may be from an injury such as a sprain or strain, but often it happens for no apparent reason. It’s very rarely caused by anything serious.

 

Preventing back pain

It’s difficult to prevent back pain, but the following tips may help reduce your risk:

• do regular back exercises and stretches– your doctor can advise you about exercises to try
• stay active – doing regular exercisecan help keep your back strong; adults are advised to do at least 150 minutes of exercise a week
• avoid sitting for long periods
• take care when lifting –
• check your posture when sitting, using computers or tablets and watching television
• ensure the mattress on your bed supports you properly
• lose weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise if you’re overweight – being overweight can increase your risk of developing back pain

When to get immediate medical advice( Danger signs)

You should contact your doctor  immediately if you have back pain and:

• numbness or tingling around your genitals or buttocks
• difficulty urinating
• loss of bladder or bowel control – peeing or pooing yourself
• a high temperature
• a swelling or a deformity in your back
• it does not improve after resting or is worse at night
• it started after a serious accident, such as after a car accident
• the pain is so bad you’re having problems sleeping
• pain is made worse when sneezing, coughing or pooing
• the pain is coming from the top of your back, between your shoulders, rather than your lower back

 

These problems could be a sign of something more serious and need to be checked urgently.