Back pain is any ache or pain felt in or across the back. This pain can also travel into the neck and down the arms, hands, legs and feet. The most common form is lower back pain (lumbago), which is not usually serious, and often lasts less than a few days or weeks. However, some people can suffer from a more chronic form of lumbago, which can take much longer to improve.
Back pain affects nearly all of us at some stage in our lives. It can be so severe that it affects our ability to carry on with normal daily activities such as work – in fact, it causes more time off work than any other complaint.
In many cases, it is difficult for doctors to find out what has caused back pain. There are so many reasons why it can happen. Common causes include:
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strains, minor injuries and pressure to the back – for example, from a sports injury, working in the house or garden, standing for too long in the same position
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bad posture – not sitting properly (leaning over a computer), not keeping a straight back when walking, standing in a slumped position, or lying on a soft mattress
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reaching, bending, twisting movements – such as bending from the waist, instead of from the knees, when lifting.
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Pregnancy*
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Arthritis*
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Osteoporosis*
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Stress-related tension
*In these conditions, please see your doctor.
The symptom of back pain is a pain or ache anywhere on the back, from the bottom of the ribs to the top of the legs.
If back pain is experience with any of the following symptoms, you need to consult your doctor:
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Fever
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Weight loss
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Inflammation/swelling
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Consistent persistent pain
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Pain that travels to the chest or high up in your back
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Pain that travels down your legs and below your knees
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Trauma or injury to the back
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Loss of bladder or bowel control
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Inability to pass urine
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Numbness around the genitals, buttocks or anus
Natural remedies are often helpful in easing back pain.
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Hot/cold treatments – apply a hot water bottle across your back, or lie in a hot bath. An ice pack can also help.
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Gentle exercise – it helps to stay active, so that you develop strong back muscles. Keep walking or try swimming – as a non-weight bearing exercise, it is ideal.
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Body balance work such as shiatsu, yoga, and deep tissue massage can help to release tension from your back.
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The Alexander Technique
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Manipulation such as chiropractic and osteopathy can help relieve pressure on your spine. Physiotherapy can be very effective by helping you to stretch and strengthen your back with special exercises.
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Acupuncture may be able to help with some of your symptoms.
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Homeopathy, such as the homeopathic remedies, Arnica, and Rhus tox are known for helping with back pain. They can also be applied topically.
Here is some simple advice to help you look after your back.
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Make sure that you sleep on a firm and supportive mattress and pillow. Try to sleep on your side with your knees bent slightly.
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Avoid stooping, bending, lifting and sitting on low chairs. Use your legs to bend, not your back.
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Stretch regularly during the day - sitting or standing at work for a long time can contribute to back and muscle tension, so get up and stretch from time to time.
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Use a cushion to support your lower back when sitting at your desk. This helps to relieve the pressure on the lower back muscles. Check that your desk and chair are at the correct heights.
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If you’re overweight, try to lose weight to take the strain off your back. Extra weight is the reason pregnant women suffer from back problems.
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