Don’t Let Low Back Pain Get You Down
Low back pain is one of the commonest problems affecting millions of people every year. Over the course of your life the chances are you’ll have at least one episode severe enough to interfere with your work and leisure. It is one of the leading causes of having to take time off sick from work.
Most people suffer with acute low back pain which only lasts at most a few weeks, usually much less. It is often caused by trauma or wear and tear causing arthritis. Almost any activity could cause the trauma from some vigorous gardening to having a car accident. You have pain, stiffness and difficulty getting round. However it does settle.
Chronic back pain lasts for more than 3 months and it is often more difficult to determine the cause. It is also frequently progressive so early investigation and treatment is important.
The causes of low back pain are not always clearly understood. It is known that as you get older your bone and muscle strength falls and muscles become less toned. This means that sudden exertion can lead to a sprain or spasm in the back muscles. It can end up squeezing your backbone and causing pain. This if left untreated can become chronic.
There are many medical problems that may cause back pain such as a ‘slipped’ disc, spinal degeneration from wear and tear, osteoporosis and spinal stenosis. They are however not as common as simple sprains and strains.
You may have some investigations if you have chronic or severe low back pain such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, bone scans and blood tests. It depends on your symptoms and what the doctor thinks your diagnosis is. Most people just have a simple X-ray of the lower back as their pain settles without the need for further investigation.
The treatment of back pain ranges from the simple to highly complex operations. For the vast majority of people treatment is quite straightforward. It is based on pain killing tablets, reducing inflammation and getting back normal movement and muscle strength to your lower back.
You can start treating yourself with cold compresses over the sore area. Apply ice cubes in a cloth or a bag of frozen vegetables to your lower back for 10 – 15 mins several times a day for a couple of days. Then do the same with warmth using a heating pad, lamp or warm cloth.
This combination is usually enough for most pain to settle down and resolve. As the pain decreases keep mobile and start to do strengthening exercises for your back. Strong back muscles help prevent pain in the future.
An episode of low back pain is not going to turn into a long term problem for most people so relax and heal yourself.