Irritation or damage to any area of the back muscles, structures or spine can cause back pain. It commonly occurs in the lower back.
The spine consists of many bones called vertebrae, which are joined together. Each vertebrae has a pair of facet joints joining above and below, and between each pair of vertebrae lies a disc, which acts as a cushion and provides shock absorption.
Muscles and ligaments assist to provide stability to the spine.
Back pain is usually caused by an injury to the back such as overstretching during lifting, bending or twisting. This may result in damage to muscles, ligaments or the discs.
Back pain is common and affects most people at some time in their life. Factors that can contribute to back pain include:
• bad work practices and lifting techniques
• poor posture
• being overweight
• lack of exercise
• pregnancy
• stress
• smoking
Back pain is usually caused by an injury to the back such as overstretching during lifting, bending or twisting. This may result in damage to muscles, ligaments or the discs.
Back pain is common and affects most people at some time in their life. Factors that can contribute to back pain include:
• bad work practices and lifting techniques
• poor posture
• being overweight
• lack of exercise
• pregnancy
• stress
• smoking
In the first two to three days you should aim to minimise pain and assist healing.
• Wrap ice cubes in a damp tea towel and apply to the back for 20 minutes, every one to two hours when awake.
• Avoid ‘HARM” – Heat, Alcohol, Re-injury and Massage for the first few days as this will increase inflammation and swelling (even though it may feel good at the time).
• Avoid activities you do not really need to do.
• Sit as little as possible until the pain settles. Avoid extended car travel unless absolutely necessary.
• When resting, lie in a comfortable position, supported by pillows if necessary.
• Keep moving. Walk as much as you feel comfortable doing.Initially this may not be far and may require the use of crutches or a walking frame. Walk regularly and gradually increase the distances.
• Take painkillers when necessary as prescribed by your doctor.
• Physiotherapy as soon as possible after back pain starts can help a faster recovery. Most back pain improves with time. Do not let pain rule your life. Find other ways to do things that are causing you pain.
• Stay active, control your weight, and keep a good posture at all times.
• Do not smoke.
• Do back exercises to keep your back flexible and strong.
• Speak to a physiotherapist.
• When lifting, use your legs and not your back. Hold objects as close to your body as possible and use both arms.
• If working at a desk, make sure it is set up properly so you have a good posture – do not twist, do not look upor down at the computer screen.
• Loss of control or loss of sensation of bowel or bladder movements
• Loss of sensation around the back passage (rectum)
• Significant loss of power in your leg movements.
