Back Pain

Back pain is the second most common cause of long term sickness in the UK after stress. About 150 million working days are lost each year because of low back pain.

model showing spine Pain in your lower back is usually a symptom of stress or damage to your ligaments, muscles, bad posture, tendons or discs. In some cases, if a nerve in your back is pinched or irritated, the pain can spread to your buttocks and thighs. This is known as sciatica.

In most cases of back pain your back will heal itself, and staying active and continuing with your usual activities will normally promote healing.

Tips To Keep Your Back Healthy

Any exercise that strengthens your legs, back and stomach will help.
Make sure your back is well supported when seated for long periods of time. Put a pillow in the small of your back to maintain its normal curve
Keep your neck and head in line with your spine prevents unnecessary strain on the muscles in the neck.
When lifting keep your back straight and bend only at the knees. Hold the load close to your body. Avoid twisting your body while lifting.
Wear flat shoes with low heels (1 inch or lower)
The best way to sleep is on your side with your knees bent. You may put a pillow between your knees. If you sleep on your back, put pillows under your knees and a small pillow under your lower back. Don’t sleep on your stomach unless you put a pillow under your hips.
To get out of bed, roll to the side, pull knees up, swing legs over the edge and push up with both arms. When sitting at the side of the bed it should be possible to just stand up.
Other activities that can help maintain a healthy back.

There is no need to make a special effort to go to a gym. Moderate walking is a great way to maintain good blood flow to the low back, which in turn helps to maintain good health to the back tissues, including discs, muscles and ligaments. Going swimming regularly is also of excellent benefit for similar reasons.

If you have suffered with back pain or discomfort for more than six weeks, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, (NICE) has recently published guidelines to GP’s suggesting that patients should be offered up to 12 weeks of complementary therapy such as osteopathy, acupuncture or physical exercise to try and alleviate their symptoms. If you do visit your GP with back pain mention the NICE guidelines to them, because some GPs may not suggest it to you. You may even be able to get your GP to pay for the treatments, as recommended by the guidelines. Click here for some NHS-based further information about these guidelines.

Complementary therapies for Low Back pain.

Osteopaths and chiropractors have for over 100 years now been successfully treating people with back pain and therapies including acupuncture, Bowen and massage have all had some beneficial results for back suffers – all of which can be found here at the Earlsdon Practice.

If you would like more information please contact us here at the Earlsdon Practice by completing the form on our contact page.