Back Problems

Back problems are very common and can cause considerable pain and disability but, fortunately, serious or permanent damage is rare. There has been a revolution in thinking about back care in the past few years and we now deal with it in a different way, so don’t take back pain lying down.

What you do about your back problem is usually more important that the exact diagnosis or treatment.

Back attacks can be alarming. Even a minor back problem can be very painful and it’s natural to think that something dangerous might have happened. But stop and look at the facts:

Back Facts

• Most back problems are not due to any serious injury or disease.
• The acute pain usually improves within days or a few weeks, at least enough to get on with your life. The long-term outlook is good.
• Sometimes aches and pains can last for quite a long time. But that doesn’t mean it’s serious. It does usually settle eventually – even though it’s frustrating that no one can predict exactly when! Most people can get going quite quickly, even while they still have some pain.
• About half of the people who get backache will get it again within a couple of years. But that still does not mean it’s serious. Between attacks most people return to normal activities with little if any pain.
• What you do in the early stages is very important. Resting for more than a day or two usually does not help and may actually prolong pain and disability.
• Your back is designed for movement: it needs movement – a lot of movement. The sooner you get moving and doing your ordinary activities as normally as possible, the sooner you will feel better.
• The people who cope best with back pain are those who stay active and get on with life despite the pain.
  

Your spine is one of the strongest parts of your body. It is made of solid bony blocks joined by discs to give it both strength and flexibility. It is reinforced by strong ligaments, and surrounded by large and powerful protective muscles. Terms like ‘back strains’ or back sprain’ do not mean ligament or muscle tears nor do they mean there is a serious injury or damage.

Doctors and surgeons sometimes mention ‘degeneration’ which sounds frightening, but it’s not damage or arthritis. These are the normal changes with age – just like grey hair.

So what should you do? Get your back moving and working properly again. This stimulates its natural ability to recover faster and avoids getting you further ‘out of condition’.

Stay Active
Your whole body must keep active to stay healthy. It thrives on use! It withers without use. Regular physical activity:

• Gives you stronger bones
• Develops your muscles
• Keeps you supple
• Makes you fit
• Makes you feel good
• Releases natural chemicals that reduce the pain
• Makes you look better and healthier

Different things suit different people. Experiment – find what works best for you and your back. Your goal is to get moving and steadily increase your activity. Do a little bit more each day.

No one pretends it’s easy. Painkillers and other treatments can take the edge off the pain to let you get started, but you will still have to do the work. There is no other way. You have a choice: rest and get worse, or get active and recover.

Do not fall in the trap and think it will be easier in a week or two, next month, next year. It won’t! The longer you put it off, the harder it will be to get going again. The faster you get back to normal activities and back to normal work the better – even if you still have some problems.

If you are in need of any further information or advice please do not hesitate to contact us or book an appointment with one of our Chartered Physiotherapists who will be able to get you on the road to recovery.

Battersea 020 7738 8712
Streatham 020 8674 3799
E-mail: info@body-logic.co.uk

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