Back Pain is an extremely common complaint. Yet, there is a lot of conflicting advice as to the best way to treat back pain. It can often be difficult to know what to do for the best. Expensive treatment protocols which require you to commit to weeks of hands on therapy, supports, braces, creams, rubs and gels that all claim to ‘cure’ your pain are based on out-dated knowledge.
Back pain is common
Back pain is one of the more common complaints that we see in SB Sports and Pain Clinics. Certainly no two patients are the same, however there are some general themes when it comes to advice we give regarding back pain.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy gives the following guidance:
- Your back is stronger than you may think
- You rarely need a scan and it can do more harm than good
- Avoid bedrest
- You should not fear bending or lifting
- Exercise and activity reduce and prevent back pain
- Painkillers will not speed up your recovery
- Surgery is rarely needed
- Try to get good quality sleep
- You can have back pain without any damage or injury
- If it doesn’t clear up, seek help but don’t worry
What influences back pain?
Often a combination of factors can be involved in causing back pain. They could be physical, psychological, general health and lifestyle factors. Social triggers, such as difficult relationships at work or home, low job satisfaction or stressful life events, like a family death or illness can often exacerbate your symptoms.
All pain is 100 per cent real and never ‘all in your head’, even when factors like stress or mood are involved.
Conclusion
When managed correctly, most episodes of back pain are short lived. Sports therapists and rehabilitators are experts in providing advice, guidance and treatment for back pain based on the latest evidence. A thorough assessment will identify the nature of your pain, and then the right steps can be put in place to get you back in action.
Learn how your psoas muscle may be causing your back pain by clicking here
For further reading have a look at the review of Back to Life here
