Backpain

Backpain: Questions and Answers

Why is the back so prone to injury?

The back is involved in bending, sitting, walking, standing and lifting, and so therefore, the 33 bones or vertebrae and connecting joints which make up the backbone, or spine, are subject to a great deal of stress and strain. Most cases of back pain are the result of incorrect posture whilst lifting heavy objects, and sitting for long periods of time, which puts abnormal strain upon the spinal joints.

Coming out of the spine between the spinal joints are nerves (a total of 31 pairs in all), the lower ones which can be nipped between the spinal bones, to cause pain that shoots down the leg. This is results in a condition known as Sciatica.

Every year, over 2 million people attend their GPs' surgeries with back pain, and over 33 million working days are lost annually as a result of back problems. Four out of five adults will suffer backpain at some time in their life, but thankfully most clear up within two days to two weeks.

What causes back pain?

The commonest site for back pain is the lower part of the spine known as the lumbar region. It's this section that often faces undue strain, producing stretching of tissues, tearing of ligaments and undue pressure on the nerves of this region.

There are several causes of lumbar pain. The commonest being incorrect lifting, e.g a mother bends over to lift her toddler off the floor, or a workman bends over to lift up a heavy carton from the floor. Both can experience sharp, excruciating pain, in the lower back region, because they did not bend their knees and keep their backs straight whilst going to lift. The strain should have been borne by the strong large joints of the knees and hips and not the smaller joints of the spine.

Other causes of back pain are:

* Being over weight. Having a fat tummy pulls the spine and back muscles forward into an unnatural position. Stretched and weakened abdominal and back muscles are unable to support the spine adequately.

* Sagging mattress. We spend one third of our life in bed, so the back should be given correct support during sleep. Only a firm mattress can do this. A soft sagging mattress causes the spine to stretch into an abnormal position.

*Sitting incorrectly. People in office jobs, sitting for several hours a day, should ensure that their chair gives them good support in the middle and lower back region. Don't slouch in a chair, keep your shoulders back, and make sure your chair has a firm back to support the `small' of your back.

*Being unfit. GP's often see low back pain in the amateur gardener, who has avidly `turned the garden over' in the early spring, after a winter of no exercise whatsoever!

What remedies are recommended for back pain?

Initially, you should rest the back, by lying on a firm surface, so that the spine is supported. Put you mattress on the floor, or put an old door under the mattress on the bed. Lie on your back for at least 48 hours, only getting up to go to the toilet with care!

Use simple pain killers, such as paracetamol, and if this produces no relief, add an anti-inflammatory drug such as `Nurofen'. These can be bought from your local chemist. Massaging the back with pain relieving creams such as `Transvasin', `Balmosa' or `Cremalgin' can bring relief, as can applying a hot water bottle. Many a pain has also been eased by holding a packet of frozen peas on the lower back!!

If the pain lasts for more than 48 hours, or is extremely severe, or is moving down the leg, you should call in the doctor. Stronger medication may be prescribed, you may be referred for physiotherapy, or to see a specialist dealing with back problems, an orthopaedic surgeon. It is unlikely that he will recommend surgery, as only 2% of back pain sufferers end up having to have an operation.

Alternative therapists, such as accupuncturists, osteopaths or chiropracters may be tried, but do make sure they are fully registered with a professional organisation.

Further information can be found at: BackCare http://www.backpain.org.uk
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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