Back Pain
It’s estimated that up to 8 out of 10 people in the UK are affected by back pain at some point in their lives.
Back pain can be felt anywhere along the spine – from the neck down to the hips.
- tends to get better or worse depending on your position – for example, it may feel better when sitting or lying down
- typically feels worse when moving – but it’s not a good idea to avoid moving your back completely, as this can make things worse
- can develop suddenly or gradually
- might sometimes be the result of poor posture or lifting something awkwardly, but often occurs for no apparent reason
- may be due to a minor injury such as sprain (pulled ligament) or strain (pulled muscle)
- can be associated with feeling stressed or run down
- will usually start to get better within a few weeks
- a slipped (prolapsed) disc (a disc of cartilage in the spine pressing on a nerve) – this can cause back pain and numbness, tingling and weakness in other parts of the body
- sciatica (irritation of the nerve that runs from the lower back to the feet) – this can cause pain, numbness, tingling and weakness in the lower back, buttocks, legs and feet
- ankylosing spondylitis (swelling of the joints in the spine) – this causes pain and stiffness that’s usually worse in the morning and improves with movement
- spondylolisthesis (a bone in the spine slipping out of position) – this can cause lower back pain and stiffness, as well as numbness and a tingling sensation.
How can you relive your back pain?
Here are some tips that you can try to reduce your back pain and help speed up recovery:
- stay as active as possible and try to continue your daily activities – only sit for periods of 30 minutes maximum, resting for long periods of time is likely to make the pain worse
- try exercises and stretching for back pain; other activities such as walking, swimming, yoga and pilates may also be helpful
- take anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen
- use a hot or cold compress for short term relief
What therapists can help your back pain?
We have a number of different therapists that cane help relieve your back pain. We have sports therapists, Osteopaths, chiropractors and acupuncturists that can all help dependent on your symptoms.
If you would like to book an appointment for your back pain contact us on 01933 664444 / info@wollastontc.co.uk.