Back pain - essential info!

Low back pain is a common problem. About 80 % of people will have this condition at some point in their life. It can stop you in your tracks, but it is rarely linked with serious conditions, and it will settle quickly, usually within 6- 8 weeks. It can be common for people to have another episode within 12 months. There is no one cause of back pain, but various things can contribute to it developing; smoking, being overweight, diabetes, high blood pressure and mood. X-rays and MRI scans are not often needed to manage low back pain as they rarely lead to a change in how back pain is managed.  MRI scans don’t reflect the amount of pain that people feel, nor can they be definite in finding the cause. It’s common to see age related changes on scans in people with and without back pain bit like grey hair and wrinkles so it’s not usual to ask for an MRI.  It’s more important to take a detailed account of your back pain and have a good physical examination.

It’s important to keep moving as much as you can, you might need to take some painkillers for a few days and using an ice pack or warm pack can be helpful.  Physiotherapy can help to find the cause of your pain and help you work out a plan to manage it, this might include some hands-on treatment and exercise! Exercise will improve your fitness, confidence in movement and strength.

Some useful links: www.csp.org.uk  Chartered Society Of Physiotherapy

www.nice.org.uk  National Institute for Health & Care Excellence has guidelines on managing low back pain and sciatica.

Contact us to discuss your back pain