Back Pain

 

Low back pain is a very common problem. About 8 in 10 people in the UK will be affected by it at some stage in their life, with at least one or more bouts.

 

The pain usually originates from the muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and or discs in and around the spine. It can be acute, (sudden onset), or chronic which can be arbitrarily described as pain lasting more than 3 months. Another definition can be any pain that extends beyond the expected period of healing.

 

Back pain is sometimes called simple back pain or Non-specific Lower Back Pain in Adults. It may develop for some of the following reasons. If one sits, stands or bends forward for long periods of time. Lifting, pulling or pushing loads in the wrong way. Having a trip or fall, being overweight, or stress and anxiety are also contributory factors. Even twisting or turning awkwardly in one’s sleep may bring on a bout of sudden simple back pain.

 

Osteopaths sometimes see patterns of increased back pain at certain times of the year. It is not unknown for increased levels of low back pain to occur in the spring and early summer, when perhaps over zealous gardening is pursued.

 

Occasionally, simple low back pain may be complicated by nerve root pain also known as ‘sciatica’. This is where the nerve root coming out from the spine is irritated or compressed. This causes pain and sometime ‘pins and needles’ sensation into the leg. This may be due to a prolapsed disc pressing on the nerve.

 

Simple back pain or Non-specific Low back Pain can often resolve itself over a few days to a week. The body is a good self healer if given the optimum environment. Sometimes all that is needed is simple analgesia such as paracetamol and or anti-inflammatory painkillers such as over the counter ibuprofen. It is also a good idea to keep doing normal activities, and exercise if the pain allows.

 

Physical therapies such as osteopathy, chiropractic, and massage can help speed up recovery. Osteopathic treatment can help by using a variety of techniques. These include soft tissue technique, mobilisation and articulation of joints and muscles and of course our trade mark of manipulation of stiff joints. Some stretching exercises are usually given at the end of treatment to maintain the benefit.

 

Osteopathy is now being recommended by the NICE Guidelines on Low Back Pain.

 

Results and benefits of osteopathic treatment include; amongst other things, improving blood flow to tissues, which in turn speeds up the healing process. Other benefits are the reduction of muscle spasm, improving joint mobility and freeing ‘trapped’ nerves. Overall the aim of osteopathic intervention is to relieve pain and improve function.

 

For more information, in a format that is understandable, (i.e. not too much medical jargon), on Non-specific Lower back Pain in Adults, go to www.patient.co.uk/health/Back-Pain.htm

 

 

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