With 80% of adults experiencing low back pain within their lifetime, this will impact on their ability to work leading to sickness absence and loss in earnings.
Back pain is a pertinent subject with a lot of information available and often leaving people at a loss as to what their best options are when experiencing this type of pain. My first recommendation is to have your back pain assessed by a professional who is fully trained and qualified to diagnose conditions of the lower back. This could be an osteopath, physiotherapist or a chiropractor (MSK practitioner) in the first instance. Yes, this is often only available as a private consultation, but it is money well spent when you consider the pain you are experiencing or the disability it is creating in your life. Your GP will be able to see you, however in the the <10minute
consultations you get, they do not have the time to fully assess your condition, only to rule out serious pathology and prescribe analgesia.
Once you have seen a back pain specialist such as osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor, they will be able to refer you for scans (privately) if needed, or write to your GP if they feel further investigations are required. However, the majority of back pain, even severe back pain has a mechanical cause which will not be resolved quickly with just
medication, and surgical options further down the line often lead to more problems.
Evidence is strong for movement not bed rest for back pain, so even though you may be struggling, if your practitioner recommends movement this should be done and managed within your limits.
Physical therapy provided by MSK practitioners is recommended by the NHS and is even part of the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) Guidelines for back pain and sciatica suggesting that mobilisation and hands on manipulation has evidence to support its use (NG59 (2018) paragraph 1.2.7). Hot and cold compresses are also very effective seek professional advice as to which would benefit you most.
Alongside your MSK therapy sessions, you should also be advised to take part in Pilates or a movement-based rehab programme to allow full healing and rehabilitation this will also help prevent future episodes of back pain. You need your core muscles to support your lower back and unfortunately our western lifestyles are not conducive to having strong cores with sedentary work, sedentary rest and sedentary play a major contributing factor to our pain problems.
This all requires a shift in the minds of the general population, away from the pill popping and passive attempts to help ourselves into a more empowered and active participation in the recovery of back pain. Our busy lives are often the excuse not to fit in a weekly Pilates class, however, have you considered the time lost to poor productivity because your back is hurting?
How much better would you enjoy your weekends if you did not have back pain stopping you? When it comes to back pain you have got to be proactive in your recovery.
Listen to the advice of your MSK practitioner and take control of your body.
Claire Hawes is an osteopath who assesses and treats clients at Back to Balance, Newcastle Business Park. She qualified with Masters in Osteopathy in 2011, after a 10 year career as a registered mental health nurse. Her testimonials speak for themselves, visit www.back-tobalance.co.uk, or call 01914661441 for further information or to book an appointment.